Italy’s ambitious journey in the T20 World Cup 2026 came to an end on Monday following a hard-fought 24-run defeat against England. The loss officially eliminated the Azzurri from contention for the Super Eight stage. Despite the exit, Italy's performance in the group stages remained one of the most compelling narratives of the competition.
We'll always risk losing to try and win a game of cricket: Italy captain
After winning the toss, the Harry Brook-led England side elected to bat first and utilized their aggressive depth to post a formidable target of 203 runs. While the total presented a steep mountain to climb for the associate nation, England’s bowling unit was forced to work hard to defend the score as Italy refused to back down throughout the chase.
Although they fell short of the victory, Italy walked away with pride. During their pursuit of the target, the Italian batters cleared the ropes 13 times, setting a new record for the most sixes hit by an Associate team against a full-member nation in a single T20 World Cup innings. This display of power hitting underscored Italy's competitive spirit and their ability to challenge the world's elite programs.
Every time England appeared to be pulling away, Italy clawed their way back into contention, meeting an escalating required run rate with renewed aggression. They refused to play the role of the passive underdog, instead choosing to take the fight directly to their opponents.Italy's stand-in captain Harry Manenti echoed this fearless mindset, asserting that his squad did not enter the World Cup merely to absorb punches. His philosophy was clear, he expected his team to be the ones delivering the blows.
"We didn't want to get dictated to by the English team. If we were to have any chance of winning tonight, we had to be the ones to try and play some shots… We'll always risk losing to try and win a game of cricket," Manenti said after the match.
Ben Manenti's lightning 25-ball 60 goes in vain
England's innings began with a flurry of boundaries as Phil Salt provided a rapid start, scoring 28 off 15 deliveries. However, the top-order stability was undermined by another low score from Jos Buttler, who managed just three runs before being dismissed by Grant Stewart. The middle order offered valuable support, with Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton contributing 23 and 30 runs respectively, while Sam Curran added a quick-fire 25 that included two sixes.
The true momentum shift came from Will Jacks, who arrived at number seven and dismantled the Italian bowling attack. His unbeaten 53 off just 22 balls was the catalyst that propelled England past the 200-run milestone. On the bowling side for Italy, Grant Stewart and Crishan Kalugamage were the most successful, claiming two wickets each, while JJ Smuts, Ali Hasan, and Ben Manenti chipped in with one apiece to keep the pressure on.
Italy’s pursuit of the 203-run target got off to a disastrous start when Jofra Archer removed Anthony Mosca and JJ Smuts for ducks in the opening over. Captain Harry Manenti was also unable to anchor the chase, falling for 12 to Jamie Overton. However, the game took a dramatic turn thanks to a brilliant 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Ben Manenti was the star, smashing 60 off 25 balls (including six 6s), while Justin Mosca played a steadying hand with 43 off 32 balls.
Reflecting on the performance, the Italian skipper praised his brother Ben’s ability to put England on the back foot immediately after the early collapse. He noted that this aggressive approach, followed by Grant Stewart’s brisk 45 off 23 balls, proved that Italy could challenge elite teams when they successfully build partnerships. Ultimately, despite Italy’s valiant effort, England’s superior death-bowling execution restricted the Azzurri to 178 runs. Will Jacks was deservedly named Player of the Match, and Italy now prepares for their final group-stage clash against the West Indies.