T20 World Cup: West Indies demolish Italy by 42 runs
Cricket
Italy skipper Harry Manenti said after the toss that the strip would likely to assist bowlers at initial stages. “Hopefully we will take wickets early in the match,” he added
(Web Desk) – The West Indies defeated Italy by 42 runs in the last Group C match of T20 World Cup at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Thursday.
Chasing a 166-run victory target, Italy were demolished for 123 runs in 18 overs. Shamar Joseph led the demolition act with four scalps conceding 30 runs. Matthew Forde lent him support with three for 19.
Benjamin Manenti was the top scorer for Italy with 26 off 21 balls hitting two fours and one six. JJ Smuts contributed 24 runs with the help of three fours on 27 balls.
The West Indies remained unbeaten in the group to top the table with eight points.
Earlier, Italy restricted the West Indies to 165-6 in their quota of 20 overs after putting them in to bat. Captain Shai Hope led from the front scoring 46-ball 75. He hit six fours and four sixes and helped his side to post 165-6.
Roston Chase scored and Sherfane Rutherford scored identical 24 in contrasting styles. Chase took 25 balls to compile his runs with the help of two fours, Rutherford faced 15 deliveries for his knock, hitting two fours and a six.
Benjamin Manenti and Crishan Kalugamage captured two wickets apiece 37 and 25 runs respectively.
Italy skipper Harry Manenti said after the toss that the strip would likely to assist bowlers at initial stages. “Hopefully we will take wickets early in the match,” he added.
He acknowledged that they were playing against a powerful West Indies team, and “we are ready for the challenge.”
West Indies skipper Shai Hope said he looked forward to finishing on a high.
“We are happy to bat first. We need to play the brand of cricket that we have been playing without making any changes,” he added.
The West Indies are at the top of Group C with three wins from as many outings and in the Super Eight stage. Italy, on the other hand, have lost two of its matches. They will not qualify even they beat the mighty West Indies.
Playing XIs
West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (capt & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Matthew Forde, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosain, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie.
Italy: Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Harry Manenti (capt), JJ Smuts, Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Gian-Piero Meade (wk), Crishan Kalugamage, Thomas Draca, Ali Hasan
SRI LANKA VS ZIMBABWE
In the second match of the day, Sri Lanka opted to bat against Zimbabwe at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo.
There is an interesting situation in the Group B. Sri Lanka is at the top of the points table after winning all their three matches. Zimbabwe is at second place with five points. They have defeated former champions Australia by 23 runs, Oman by eight wickets and earned a point when match against Ireland was washed out. In case of their victory, Zimbabwe will become group leader with seven points.
