By Rootsalert News Desk- 16-Febraury-2026

Ben Manenti’s blistering 60 off 25 balls sets Eden Gardens alight, but England hold on for a tense 24-run victory to reach Super 8s

Kolkata, February 16, 2026 – England survived one of the biggest frights in T20 World Cup history tonight, edging past a fearless Italy by just 24 runs in a Group C thriller at the iconic Eden Gardens.Batting first after winning the toss, England posted a challenging 202 for 7 in their 20 overs. Will Jacks anchored the innings with a classy unbeaten 53, while Tom Banton chipped in with a quickfire 30. The English middle order kept the scoreboard ticking with aggressive strokeplay, taking advantage of the flat pitch and fast outfield under lights.Chasing 203 for what would have been a monumental upset, Italy started cautiously but never backed down. Contributions from Stewart (45) and Mosca (43) kept them in the hunt, but it was Ben Manenti who turned the game on its head. The all-rounder walked in during the middle overs and unleashed absolute carnage, smashing 60 off just 25 balls in a display of clean hitting that had the packed Kolkata crowd roaring.For a moment, an associate nation knocking off a full-member giant looked possible. Manenti’s onslaught brought the required rate crashing down and nerves jangling in the England dugout.But experience prevailed in the death Jamie Overton (3-18) and Sam Curran (3-22) delivered ice-cool final spells, picking up crucial wickets and choking the runs when Italy needed boundaries most. Italy finished at 178 all out, falling agonisingly short but earning admiration worldwide for their fearless cricket.The win secures England’s place in the Super 8s and keeps their title defence on track, but it came with a serious wake-up call. Italy, though eliminated, head home with heads held high after proving they belong on the big stage.Post-match, England’s stand-in skipper admitted the scare: “Credit to Italy – they played out of their skins. Manenti took the game away from us for a while. We were clinical when it mattered, but we’ll have to be sharper moving forward.”A night of high drama that reminded everyone why T20 cricket is the most unpredictable format in the game!