Cricket: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup – 37th Match, Group C

Kolkata’s Eden Gardens pulsed with Caribbean drums and Italian chants as West Indies faced Italy in a pivotal Group C encounter, and when the final ball settled in Shai Hope’s palms, the hosts had sealed a 42-run victory that tightened their grip on the tournament.

Batting first after a hazy evening toss, West Indies laboured through disciplined Italian new-ball spells that nipped the ball gently off the seam. Yet Hope’s composure anchored the innings; his 75 from 46 deliveries blended calculated placement square of the wicket with crisp punishment of anything short. Between boundaries he rotated strike, denying Italy a foothold, and late-order cameos nudged the total to 165 for six in 20 overs.

Italy’s reply began with bold intent, openers flaying the powerplay to raise hopes of an upset. The crowd roared as boundaries flowed, but Hope’s safe pair of hands intervened twice — a tumbling catch on the rope and a sharp snare at cover — to swing momentum. Wickets then tumbled in clusters against the climbing asking rate, and Italy’s fearless start dissolved into a scramble. They were bowled out for 123 in 18 overs, the final wicket greeted by jubilant calypso beats echoing around the floodlit arena.

Hope’s all-round display earned him Player of the Match honours, his 75 runs and two decisive catches embodying the poise that ultimately trumped Italy’s spirited enterprise. The result propels West Indies up the Group C table, while Italy exit the night with encouragement but no points.