Kolkata, Feb 19 (NationPress) The West Indies showcased their bowling prowess as Shamar Joseph claimed four wickets and Matthew Forde added three more, leading to Italy being bowled out for 123 runs in just 18 overs. Defending a total of 165, the West Indies secured a commanding 42-run victory in their final group stage match of the T20 World Cup 2026 held at Eden Gardens on Thursday, thereby remaining unbeaten and advancing into the Super 8s in style.

West Indies captain Shai Hope was the standout performer, scoring an impressive 75 runs that propelled his team to a total of 165/6 in their allotted 20 overs against a strategically strong Italian bowling line-up.

Italy's chase began poorly as they quickly lost their key batter Justin Mosca for just 2 runs on the seventh ball of the innings. His brother, Anthony Mosca, followed soon after, contributing 19 runs off 12 balls, which included a boundary and two sixes.

Things worsened for Italy as Forde struck again, sending Syed Naqvi back to the pavilion, leaving them at a precarious 37/3 by the end of the powerplay.

After a tough start, JJ Smuts and Harry Manenti attempted to stabilize the innings, but Manenti fell for just 8, leaving Italy reeling at 61/4 halfway through their innings.

Smuts tried to anchor the innings with Ben Manenti, but was dismissed by spinner Gudakesh Motie in the 12th over after scoring 24 runs.

Manenti and Grant Stewart sought to revive the innings with a partnership of 25 runs from 17 balls, but the West Indies struck back with quick wickets. Stewart managed 12 runs off 7 balls, while Manenti scored 26 runs off 21 balls, including two fours and a six.

Joseph was the pick of the bowlers for the West Indies, finishing with remarkable figures of 4-30 in four overs. Forde contributed with three crucial wickets, followed by Motie who took two, and Akeal Hossain added another to his tally.

Batting first after losing the toss, the two-time champions faced an early setback with the dismissal of opener Brendon King on the seventh ball. Shimron Hetmyer, who was watching Hope's aggressive batting from the other end, fell shortly after, scoring just 1 run off 4 balls, leaving the team at 48/2 at the end of the powerplay.

Despite the early losses, captain Hope formed a significant 64-run partnership with Roston Chase, who was dismissed by Thomas Draca in the 13th over. Hope reached his fifty in just 28 balls and continued to impress despite the loss of Chase.

As the West Indies neared a substantial total, Italy made a comeback with two quick wickets in three balls.

Rowman Powell was trapped by Ben Manenti in the 15th over, followed by Hope being clean bowled by Crishan Kalugamage in the next over. Hope's innings concluded at 75 runs off just 46 balls, featuring four sixes and six boundaries.

Sherfane Rutherford contributed 24 runs off 15 balls, and with Matthew Forde scoring 16 runs off 8 balls, they formed a strong finish with a quick 28-run partnership off just 14 balls.

Brief Scores: West Indies 165/6 in 20 overs (Shai Hope 75, Roston Chase 24, Sherfane Rutherford 24*; Crishan Kalugamage 2-24, Ben Manenti 2-37) defeated Italy all out for 123 runs in 18 overs (Ben Manenti 26, JJ Smuts 24; Shamar Joseph 4-30, Matthew Forde 3-25, Gudakesh Motie 2-24) by 42 runs.