West Indies' Matthew Forde leaps in delight after removing Italy's Justin Mosca at the 2026 ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup group stage match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday-ICC KOLKATA, Feb 19 (Geo Tv): West Indies have topped their group in the first stage of the T20 World Cup after a 42-run win over Italy at Eden Gardens on Thursday.
Setting a target of 166, the Caribbean side bowled Italy out for 123 in 18 overs, with their bowlers producing a stellar performance.
JJ Smuts top-scored for Italy with 24 runs off 27 balls, including three boundaries, while Anthony Mosca contributed 19 off 12 deliveries, hitting a four and two sixes.
Grant Stewart added 12 runs off seven balls, including a six, but other batters struggled to make an impact.
Shamar Joseph starred with the ball for West Indies, claiming 4/30 in four overs. Matthew Forde took three wickets, Gudakesh Motie grabbed two, and Akeal Hosein chipped in with one.
Batting first, West Indies made a shaky start, losing opener Brandon King on the first ball of the second over. He was dismissed by Ali Hasan after scoring four off six deliveries.
The Caribbean side suffered another setback in the powerplay when Shimron Hetmyer fell cheaply for one off four balls to Thomas Draca, leaving the team at 31-2 in 4.1 overs.
Skipper Shai Hope and Roston Chase then steadied the innings with a crucial partnership, guiding the total past the 50-run mark. However, their 64-run stand was broken in the 13th over when Chase was dismissed for 24 off 25 deliveries, including two fours, with the score at 95-3 in 12.3 overs.
Hope was in top form with the bat and anchored the innings with a well-compiled T20I half-century, helping his side reach a competitive total.
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