England survive Italy scare after Manenti’s blitz to seal Super Eights spot
England held their nerve to beat Italy by 24 runs and secure a place in the Super Eights, but their performance offered fresh questions about form and temperament. A brutal 60 off 25 from Ben Manenti briefly put the minnows in prime position, and England had to rely on late overs bowling from Sam Curran and Jamie Overton to close out a nervy chase that finished in the late evening ET.
England grit out Super Eights spot despite scares
Set 203 to win after England posted the second-highest total in their T20 World Cup history, Italy fought back with a sustained counterattack that made the final stretch tense. England were indebted to a rapid 53 from Will Jacks, his 22-ball cameo providing the platform for what might have been a routine defend. Yet the top order’s familiar vulnerabilities reappeared early, and the hosts were two down inside the first over of Italy’s reply.
Italy recovered impressively from 22 for three, pulling the chase back into balance with a 92-run partnership that showcased powerful hitting and sharp fielding. When things briefly unravelled for the visitors late on — needing 64 from the last four overs with three wickets in hand — Grant Stewart and Ben Manenti kept pushing the required rate, stunning England by clearing the ropes repeatedly off Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid.
As the game reached its climax, England turned to their death-overs specialists. Sam Curran produced a decisive spell in the penultimate over, while Jamie Overton completed the work by taking the final wicket to leave Italy all out for 178. It was an all-too-familiar mix for England: heavy hitting, intermittent fielding lapses, and last-ditch bowling salvation.
Italy’s fearless display powered by Manenti
Italy’s performance will be remembered for courage and flair. Ben Manenti’s 60 from 25 balls was a masterclass of power hitting and timing, including a vicious over off Will Jacks that briefly swung momentum back to the associate side. Anthony Mosca’s athletic catching and steady support from Grant Stewart underscored Italy’s growth as a competitive T20 unit.
The pair rehabilitated Italy from a perilous 22 for three and dragged the chase back into realistic territory, proving that the gap between full members and associates can be traversed on the day. Fielding errors crept in at key moments, but they were offset by moments of brilliance that repeatedly tested England’s composure. Italy will leave the tournament with reinforced belief and evidence that their approach rewards aggression and backing for their power hitters.
Standings implications: where this leaves both sides
England’s victory clinched progression to the Super Eights, but it stops short of signalling full dominance. The team secured the result they needed, yet the match exposed weaknesses that opponents in the next stage will surely target. For fans tracking the england cricket team vs italy national cricket team standings, the outcome reaffirms England’s place above Italy in Group C but highlights how fragile that hierarchy can be when associates play without fear.
Italy’s loss eliminates them from contention for the Super Eights, but their spirited showing will resonate beyond the immediate standings. Close matches like this can shift momentum and recruiting perceptions, and the experience of pushing a top team to the brink in a global tournament is invaluable for player development and profile.
England now face stronger opponents where consistency will be demanded rather than hoped for. If this match proved anything, it is that late-overs bowling remains England’s safety net and that their batting depth can still rescue them — but only if they tighten up early and avoid leaving contests dangerously open. Italy, having shown they can unsettle a heavyweight, will leave the event with pride and clear evidence that upsets are possible when ambition meets execution.
