West Indies Conclude T20 World Cup Group Stage Undefeated After Defeating Italy

Kolkata. The West Indies have advanced to the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup after remaining undefeated in the group stage. The West Indies, who had already secured their place in the next round by winning 3 matches, defeated Italy in the final group stage game.

Chasing a target of 166 runs for victory, Italy could only manage 123 runs for the loss of all wickets in 18 overs. Ben Manenti contributed the highest score of 26 runs for the team. John Smyth made 24 runs off 25 balls.

Similarly, Anthony Mosca scored 19 runs while Grant Stewart added 12 runs. Other batters failed to reach double figures.

For the West Indies, Shamar Joseph took 4 wickets for 30 runs in 4 overs. Alzarri Joseph bowled lethally, conceding only 19 runs for 3 wickets in 4 overs. Gudakesh Motie took 2 wickets while Akeal Hosein claimed 1 wicket.

Batting first after losing the toss in the Group C match held in Kolkata, the West Indies scored 165 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Shai Hope scored 75 runs off 46 balls. In this innings, he hit 6 fours and 4 sixes.

However, the team's start to the match was not good. Brandon King was out for only 4 runs in the second over. Shimron Hetmyer could not stay long either. He returned to the pavilion after scoring only 1 run in the fifth over.

After that, Hope carried the team forward with Roston Chase. Chase hit 2 fours in 25 balls, scoring 24 runs. After that, the West Indies lost wickets continuously.

In the 15th over, Rovman Powell was out for 9 runs, and in the next over, Hope was also forced to return to the pavilion after being bowled. Jason Holder could only score 9 runs.

Towards the end, Sherfane Rutherford contributed 24 runs while Matthew Forde added 16 runs.

For Italy, Crishan Kalugamage took 2 wickets for 25 runs in 4 overs. Ben Manenti provided good support by taking 2 wickets. Ali Hassan and Thimoshon Dhakal claimed 1 wicket each.