England roar into Super Eights

England made a spirited entry into the Super Eight Stage of the Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup beating Italy by 24 runs in their group stage match at Eden Gardens in Kolkara yesterday.

England went through some anxious moments batting first and it went down to a smashing show by late order batter Will Jacks who smacked a blistering unbeaten 53 in just 22 balls with three fours and four sixes to take his team to a total of 202 for 7 in the 20 overs.

On yet another occasion England’s openers failed to make any headway with Jos Buttler extending his poor run with the bat this time dismissed for just three runs.

England’s middle order too were forced to think twice in their approach against some effective bowling by the Italians.

Finally it came down to Jacks being the saviour on the day as he took England from 105 for 5 in the 13th over with two productive partnerships, first with Sam Curran and then with Jamie Overton.

Italy made every effort in the book to match England’s total but fell short, all out for 178.

Overall England had 12 sixes in their innings and qualified to the Super Eights along with the West Indies in their group.

Scores:

England 202/7 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 28, Jacob Bethel 23, Tom Banton 30, Harry Brook 14, Sam Curran 25, Will Jacks 53 not out, Jamie Overton 15)

Italy 178 in 20 overs (Justin Mosca 43, Benjamin Manenti 60, Grant Stewart 45, Jofra Archer 2 for 35, Sam Curran 3 for 22, Jamie Overton 3 for 18)