Italy wins the toss and elects to field against West Indies in its last T20 World Cup game

Gros Islet, Saint Lucia – Italy’s stand-in captain Harry Manenti called correctly at the coin toss and immediately inserted the West Indies to bat in what is the Azzurri’s final Group B assignment of the T20 World Cup. The decision came shortly after 10 a.m. local time at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, where Italy is still searching for its first victory of the tournament after earlier defeats to Scotland and England.

Manenti, elevated to the leadership role after first-choice skipper Wayne Madsen dislocated his shoulder in a previous fixture, will look to inspire a disciplined bowling display that keeps Italy’s slim qualification hopes alive. Thursday’s encounter brings down the curtain on Italy’s group-stage campaign, and while progression to the semi-finals appears mathematically improbable, the Europeans are determined to finish on a high note against the co-hosts.

West Indies, buoyed by home support and already in the mix for a knockout berth, will aim to exploit the early-morning conditions once the first ball is delivered. Italy’s XI remains unchanged from the side that pushed England close at the same venue, with Manenti reiterating in the pre-match huddle that “every ball counts” regardless of the standings.

Play is scheduled for a 10:30 a.m. start, weather permitting, with both sides mindful that net-run-rate could yet play a pivotal role in the final group calculations.