The West Indies vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 Highlights at the iconic Eden Gardens were a masterclass in professional dominance. Despite an aggressive start from the Italian bowlers that left the Windies reeling at 31/2, a calculated 75 from skipper Shai Hope guided the Men in Maroon to a competitive 165/6. Italy’s chase began with intent, but they were quickly systematically dismantled by the sheer pace and bounce of Shamar Joseph (4/30) and Matthew Forde (3/19). Italy was eventually bundled out for 123 in the 18th over, ensuring the West Indies joined India and South Africa as the only teams to finish the group stage with a 100% win record.
Match Summary: The Hope-Joseph Masterclass
ICC T20 World Cup 2026 - Match 37 - West Indies vs Italy
West Indies’ 42-run victory was a story of a veteran side absorbing pressure and striking back. The Italian bowlers, particularly Ali Hasan (1/24) and Thomas Draca (1/22), produced an exceptional Powerplay, dismissing Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer early. However, Shai Hope (75) anchored the innings, sharing a 64-run stand with Roston Chase to stabilize the ship. Italy’s chase was a disaster from the third over; once the Mosca brothers were removed by Forde, the Italian middle order had no answer for Shamar Joseph’s relentless pace. Joseph not only took four wickets but also claimed four catches, becoming the undisputed standout of the evening.
Playing XI
West Indies
Brandon King, Shai Hope (C/WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph.
Italy
Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, Syed Naqvi, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (C), Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (WK), Crishan Kalugamage, Thomas Draca, Ali Hasan.
Key Stats & Records From Today's Match:
Clean Sweep: West Indies joined India and South Africa as the only teams to finish the 2026 group stage with 4 wins in 4 matches.
Catching King: Shamar Joseph became only the third player in T20 World Cup history to take 4 wickets and 4 catches in the same match.
Hope’s Consistency: Shai Hope recorded his second consecutive 50+ score in this World Cup.
Debut Lessons: Italy finishes their maiden World Cup campaign with one win (against Nepal) and three losses.
Low Point: 165/6 is the lowest first-innings total for West Indies in this tournament so far.
Innings Breakdown
First Innings: The Anchor and the Squeeze
The first half of the West Indies vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 Highlights saw Italy’s disciplined bowling restrict the Caribbean giants to their lowest total of the tournament. Ali Hasan and Thomas Draca were exceptional with the new ball, but Shai Hope played a captain’s knock. His 75 off 46 balls featured 6 fours and 4 sixes, mostly through the mid-wicket region. Italy’s spinners, Crishan Kalugamage (2/25) and Ben Manenti (2/37), kept the middle order quiet, but 50 runs from the final five overs—fueled by late cameos from Rutherford and Forde—pushed the total to 165/6.
Second Innings: The Shamar Joseph Storm
Italy’s chase was characterized by aggressive intent but a lack of execution. Matthew Forde (3/19) set the tone by removing the openers within the Powerplay. Then came the Shamar Joseph storm. Bowling with speeds exceeding 150kph, Joseph extracted steep bounce from the Eden Gardens track, accounting for four Italian batters. Ben Manenti (26) and Grant Stewart (12) offered brief resistance, but Italy was eventually bowled out for 123 in 18 overs, handing West Indies a comfortable 42-run win and a perfect 4-0 group record.
Top Performers
Shai Hope (75 off 46 balls) - Player of the Match
The skipper was the spine of the innings. On a surface where other West Indian batters struggled to find their timing, Hope played with calm authority. His second consecutive fifty ensured that the Windies always had a total that their bowlers could defend comfortably.
Shamar Joseph (4/30 & 4 catches) - The All-Round Pacer
Joseph produced one of the most complete individual performances in T20 World Cup history. Apart from his four-wicket haul, his four catches (including a brilliant running catch to dismiss Thomas Draca) showcased his elite athleticism and importance to this West Indian side.
Matthew Forde (3/19 off 4 overs) - The Powerplay Specialist
Forde continued his incredible tournament form. His ability to move the ball both ways in the first three overs removed any chance of Italy getting off to a flyer. He now enters the Super 8s as one of the most efficient new-ball bowlers in the competition.
Key Moments & Turning Points: The "Bat-Stuck" Run Out
Ali Hasan’s “King” Delivery: In the second over, Ali Hasan produced a brilliant inducker to remove Brandon King for just 4. This early strike gave Italy the belief that a massive upset was on the cards.
Hope’s 15th Over Acceleration: With the run rate hovering around 7, Shai Hope targeted Ben Manenti, smashing two sixes and a four to bring up his 28-ball fifty. This over shifted the momentum and ensured the Windies reached a defensible total.
Shamar Joseph’s Double-Strike: Italy was 57/3 and attempting to rebuild until Joseph removed Harry Manenti and Syed Naqvi in the same over. This double-blow effectively ended the contest, as Italy’s required rate skyrocketed.
The Chase Squeeze: Roston Chase’s entry in the 4th over after Shimron Hetmyer’s dismissal was the primary turning point of the first innings. While he struggled for fluency, his presence allowed Shai Hope to attack without fear, providing the stability that eventually allowed the Windies to post a defendable score.
The Joseph Catch: Shamar Joseph’s running catch at backward point to dismiss the dangerous Anthony Mosca in the 3rd over silenced the Italian dugout. Anthony had just hit a boundary, and his dismissal prevented Italy from building any early momentum in the 166-run chase.
What This Result Means for Group C
The result is final: West Indies finishes Group C as the undefeated toppers with 8 points. They now move into Group 1 of the Super 8s, where they are scheduled to face India, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. For Italy, the 2026 journey ends here. They finish in 4th place, ahead of Nepal on Net Run Rate. While they will be disappointed with the margin of defeat, their performances against England and West Indies have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with in European cricket.
T20 World Cup 2026 Group C Points Table
Final Group C Points Table
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