HIGHLIGHTS West Indies vs Italy, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, 37 T20- Result, Scorecard

We are back for the chase! The umpires are back out in the middle and so are the players of West Indies. The Mosca brothers, Anthony and Justin, are all set to open the innings for Italy. Akeal Hosein will get proceedings underway with the ball. A slip in place to begin with. Let's go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Chance to script history - Italy will be pleased with their bowling effort here, keeping things tight in the Powerplay as Ali Hasan and Thomas Draca struck early to pick up key wickets and put West Indies under pressure from the outset. The spinners then took control in the middle overs, with Crishan Kalugamage the pick of them, claiming a couple of wickets, giving away just 25 runs in his four overs, while Benjamin Manenti offered superb support with two of his own. The bowlers have done their job, now it is up to the batters to step up and produce something special to script a famous upset. Join us in a bit for the second essay.

Hope holds firm - West Indies stumbled early with a couple of quick wickets, but skipper Shai Hope held firm, anchoring the innings with a gritty 75 off 46 and sharing a 64-run stand with Roston Chase, who struggled for fluency. In fact, it was not until the 10th over that a batter other than Hope found the boundary. With little support from the middle order, the pressure mounted before a few lusty blows from Sherfane Rutherford and Matthew Forde at the death lifted them past the 160-mark.

Windies grind it out - Not the most fluent outing with the bat from West Indies, but they have still managed to put up a competitive score. Italy kept things tight for most of the innings, though 50 runs in the last five overs hurt them slightly. Hasan Ali finished brilliantly, conceding just 8 in the final over, as Italy restricted West Indies to their lowest first innings total of this World Cup.

Ali Hasan to Matthew Forde, Just 8 runs off the final over. Hasan keeps it outside off, away from the hitting arc. Forde has a swing at it but mistimes his shot to the left of long off for a brace. WEST INDIES END WITH 165/6.

Ali Hasan to Matthew Forde, Dot again! Excellent final over from Hasan so far. Angles across a fuller delivery, way outside off. Forde flashes his blade and misses.

Ali Hasan to Matthew Forde, A pinpoint yorker, outside off. Forde tries to go downtown but toe ends his shot back to Hasan.

Ali Hasan to Sherfane Rutherford, Half-a-chance but Crishan Kalugamage has done well to prevent the boundary. Short in length and on the hips, pace off and Rutherford swipes it aerially and to deep backward square leg. Crishan Kalugamage runs in and slides. Parries the ball with his foot towards the short fine leg fielder and keeps it down to one.

Ali Hasan to Sherfane Rutherford, Two more! A wide yorker, nailed outside off. Rutherford squeezes it out to deep point. The fielder is slow to release the ball and the batters sneak in the second run.

Ali Hasan to Sherfane Rutherford, Overpitched, drifting on the pads. Rutherford whips it behind square on the leg side. Crishan Kalugamage sprints to his left and slips a bit on the practice pitches. That allows the batters to come back for the second. Ali Hasan is not happy one bit.

Ali Hasan to Sherfane Rutherford, WIDE! Too full, angling down the leg side. Rutherford fails to clip it away.

Time for the final over. Can Italy keep the West Indies under 170? Ali Hasan has been given the task of closing out the innings. For Sherfane Rutherford, the bigger of the two square boundaries is on the leg side.

Grant Stewart to Matthew Forde, FOUR! Superb from Forde! Anticipates a fuller delivery and shuffles across in his crease. Forde laps it over the keeper and it speeds into the fence. 19 runs off the over.

Grant Stewart to Matthew Forde, FOUR! Oh, that's unfortunate! A well-nailed yorker, angling on leg. Forde manages to get his bat down as he clears the front leg. It rolls through his legs and finds the fine leg fence. 150 up for West Indies.

Grant Stewart to Sherfane Rutherford, Much better from Grant! Pace off, length delivery, outside off. Rutherford is through his shot, he swings hard but manages an inside edge on the leg side. A single.

Grant Stewart to Sherfane Rutherford, FOUR! That is a gift! Italy are giving too many freebies in the back end. A gentle full toss, well outside off. Rutherford frees his arms and cuts it over point for a boundary. A quick check for height on the full toss but it is found to be below the waist.

Grant Stewart to Sherfane Rutherford, WIDE! A slower bumper but a bit too wide. Rutherford swings his blade and misses.

Grant Stewart to Matthew Forde, Excellent stop in the deep! Grant Stewart serves another full toss, around off. Forde punches it down towards long off. Harry Manenti runs across to his right and dives to save three runs. Just a single.

Grant Stewart to Matthew Forde, FOUR! Short straight boundary and Matthew Forde hits it effortlessly. A low juicy full toss on middle, Forde opens up his body and just chips it straight down the ground for a boundary.

Grant Stewart to bowl the penultimate over. He has gone for 11 runs in his first couple of overs.

Crishan Kalugamage to Sherfane Rutherford, Crishan Kalugamage ends the over well. He closes his spell with two crucial wickets. Pushes it full and wide outside off, Rutherford leans to drive it away but misses it.

Crishan Kalugamage to Matthew Forde, Tosses it up, around off, Matthew Forde plays it down to long off for a single.

Another one bites the dust. Matthew Forde is the next man in.

Crishan Kalugamage to Jason Holder, OUT! TAKEN! Crishan Kalugamage strikes again. Dragged length and too wide, turning away from the batter. Jason Holder, without any foot movement, tries to hoick it away but he cue ends his shot to long on, where Harry Manenti reverse cups it to his right.

Crishan Kalugamage to Jason Holder, SIX! MASSIVE! West Indies are shifting gears now! Flights it a bit too much, fuller and on leg. Jason Holder stands tall and hammers it over deep mid-wicket for a six.

Crishan Kalugamage to Sherfane Rutherford, Tad fuller and around off. Rutherford pats it behind point for a single.

Crishan Kalugamage to Jason Holder, CHANCE! Floats a fuller-length delivery, around off, Jason Holder tries to power it down the ground but plays off the inner half of the bat to Crishan, who stretches his right hand out. It clips his fingertips and rolls to long off for a run.

Benjamin Manenti to Sherfane Rutherford, FOUR! Well over the fielder! Loops up a length delivery, just outside off, Rutherford makes room on the off side and swings hard. He gets a thick outside edge over backward point and it rolls to the fence.

Benjamin Manenti to Sherfane Rutherford, SIX! Rare loose delivery from Manenti! In the slot, fuller and around off, Sherfane Rutherford thumps it down the ground, towards long off for a biggie. A boundary after 13 deliveries.

Benjamin Manenti to Sherfane Rutherford, Goes fuller and around off, no room to free his arms and Rutherford pushes it to cover.

Benjamin Manenti to Jason Holder, Fractionally short and angling on leg, Jason Holder whips it to the left of deep square leg for a run.

Benjamin Manenti to Sherfane Rutherford, 'Catch it' is the call, but it lands well short! A shorter delivery, around leg, Rutherford is cramped for room as he tries to hoick it away. He mistimes his shot to long on for a single.

Benjamin Manenti to Sherfane Rutherford, Tossed up, full and on middle, Rutherford knocks it to cover.

Crishan Kalugamage to Jason Holder, Bowls in line of the stumps, fuller delivery. Jason Holder defends well.

Crishan Kalugamage to Sherfane Rutherford, Tough chance! Crishan Kalugamage keeps it across the batter, goes very full and outside off. Rutherford tries to drive but cue ends his shot behind, where Gian-Piero Meade fails to close his flaps and the ball parries towards short third. They cross. It will be harsh to call it a dropped catch.

Crishan Kalugamage to Sherfane Rutherford, Serves it short and wide of off, turning away across the batter. Rutherford hangs back to cut but misses.

Crishan Kalugamage to Jason Holder, Fuller-length delivery, outside off, Jason Holder punches it to long off and gets off the mark with a run.

Crishan Kalugamage to Jason Holder, A googly again, tails it on the leg side. Jason Holder looks to flick but misses and wears it on the pads.

West Indies lose half their side now. Jason Holder comes out to the middle now in his 300th International match.

Crishan Kalugamage to Shai Hope, OUT! BOWLED 'EM! Crishan Kalugamage picks up the set batter. Italy are on top now. Flights up a fuller delivery, around off, the wrong 'un but Shai Hope doesn't pick it up, tries to slog it away but misses and it crashes into the stumps. Shai Hope goes for a well-made 75 (46).

Crishan Kalugamage is back on the field and back in the attack as well. He has conceded 14 runs in his first two overs.

Benjamin Manenti to Shai Hope, A bit too full, slower in the air and on middle, Hope nudges it to deep square leg for a single to end the over. 9 runs and a wicket off the over.

Benjamin Manenti to Sherfane Rutherford, Flatter delivery, around off, Rutherford punches it square on the off side for a single. Sherfane is underway.

Drinks break brings in a big wicket for Italy. Sherfane Rutherford walks out to bat now. Also, Crishan Kalugamage is going off the field with the physio. He has hurt his fingers while taking that catch.

Benjamin Manenti to Rovman Powell, SIX AND OUT! CAUGHT! Benjamin Manenti is absolutely pumped up. An off-break on leg, Powell is tempted to go big again. He picks up off the pads and whacks it across. Powell thought he had cleared the fence, but Crishan Kalugamage sprints to his right at deep square leg and manages to hold onto it. Almost overruns the ball, slips a bit and hurts his fingertips in the process.

Benjamin Manenti to Rovman Powell, SIX! That has gone a long way! First six for Powell. Benjamin Manenti tosses it up, touch fuller and on middle and leg, Powell clears his front leg and heaves it over square leg for a six.

Benjamin Manenti to Rovman Powell, Fires it full and on middle and leg, Powell leans to clip it away and keeps it out on the leg side.

Benjamin Manenti to Shai Hope, Drops it short and into the surface, on leg, Hope swipes it across and to deep square leg for a run.

DRINKS! The momentum has been sucked out of the Windies innings in the middle overs, but the good thing for them is that Shai Hope is still out there. He has looked in good touch, but the others have struggled around him. Hope will look to bat deep, but they do still have a lot of firepower left that can change things around in the next few overs. Italy have done well with the ball buy they cannot let their good work go to waste with a lack of execution at the death, which has been an area of concern for them in this World Cup.

JJ Smuts to Shai Hope, On a good length and just outside off, Shai Hope taps it wide of point and scampers across for a single.

JJ Smuts to Shai Hope, SIX! High and handsome! Flights it fuller and give slight width on the off side. Hope gets on his knee and slams it down the ground and it goes all the way. 100 up for West Indies.

JJ Smuts to Rovman Powell, Very full and in the blockhole, around off, Powell clips it to deep mid-wicket for one more.

JJ Smuts to Shai Hope, JJ Smuts bowls with some extra pace, length delivery, around off, Hope stays back and punches it through covers for a run.

JJ Smuts to Rovman Powell, An arm ball, very full and on middle, Powell eases it past Smuts' dive and to long on for a single.

JJ Smuts to Rovman Powell, Floats it fuller and on middle, Powell leans and defends off the inside edge to mid-wicket.

Benjamin Manenti to Rovman Powell, Across off, on a length, Powell pats it wide of cover for a single to get off the mark.

Benjamin Manenti to Rovman Powell, Keeps it at the stumps, on a nagging length, Rovman taps it back on the strip.

Benjamin Manenti to Rovman Powell, Flat and short, on middle. Rovman Powell watchfully defends.

Rovman Powell replaces Roston Chase with the bat.

Benjamin Manenti to Roston Chase, OUT! CAUGHT! 'Catch it' is the cry, and the call has been answered. End of a scratchy stay for Roston Chase. Benjamin Manenti spots Chase backing away and he follows him. This is on the shorter side. Roston has a swing across the line and he takes on the longer of the two square boundaries. Hits it straight down the throat of deep mid-wicket, where Anthony Mosca makes no mistake. The 64-run stand has been broken.

Benjamin Manenti to Roston Chase, FOUR! A good effort in the field but not enough! Sliding across off, on a length, on off. Chase stands tall and lofts it back over the umpire's head. Harry Manenti sprints to his right from long off and dives to his right. He even gets a hand on it but the ball ends up trickling into the fence.

Benjamin Manenti to Shai Hope, Gets away with it! A half-tracker from Benjamin Manenti, on middle. Hope pulls it hard but straight to deep square leg. Just a single.

Benjamin Manenti is back on. Also, Justin Mosca is off the field after that effort in the previous over. A precautionary step and let's hope he is okay.

Grant Stewart to Shai Hope, Low full toss, on middle, Shai can only pat this away to long on for another run.

Grant Stewart to Roston Chase, Full and on the pads, Chase clips it to deep square leg for a single.

Grant Stewart to Roston Chase, DROPPED! A valiant effort by Justin Mosca nonetheless! Off-cutter, full and on middle, Chase clears the front leg and has a swipe across the line. He does not pick the slower one and goes through the shot early. A leading edge is induced and the ball balloons over backward point. Mosca runs over his left shoulder and stretches his hands out in front but fails to cling on. He lands awkwardly on his left arm near the practice pitches but seems fine as he is staying on. Two runs taken.

Grant Stewart to Shai Hope, Pace off, on a good length, on off. Hope guides it wide of backward point and takes the single.

Grant Stewart to Roston Chase, Fuller and on middle, Roston pushes it to long on and gets to the other end.

Grant Stewart to Roston Chase, On a back of a length, outside off, Roston steers it with an open bat face to short third.

Crishan Kalugamage to Shai Hope, SIX! A good end to the over for West Indies! Crishan Kalugamage tosses it up but ends up dishing it out in the slot, on off. Shai needs no second invitation as he gets down on a knee, swings through the line and tonks it back over the bowler's head for a six. The 50-run stand comes up between this pair.

Crishan Kalugamage to Shai Hope, Nearly through the defences! Googly from Crishan Kalugamage, on a nagging length, on middle. Shai stays leg side of the ball and looks to punch it away. He fails to pick the variation and ekes out an inside edge onto the pads.

Crishan Kalugamage to Roston Chase, This is full and quick, outside off, Chase drills it to long on and crosses over.

Crishan Kalugamage to Roston Chase, Drags the length back and finds a bit of turn, around off, Roston steers it to short third.

Crishan Kalugamage to Roston Chase, Very full, outside off, Roston drives well but can't get it past cover.

Crishan Kalugamage to Shai Hope, Flat and short, outside off, Shai reaches out and cuts it to backward point. The fielder dives to his right and parries it away. Saves at least a couple of runs for his side. Just a single.

At the halfway mark, West Indies are 76/2. With 8 wickets in hand, expect the Men in Maroon to go full throttle from hereon.

JJ Smuts to Roston Chase, FOUR! Lovely shot! This is fuller, on off, Chase gives himself a bit of room and extends his hands into the lofted drive. Goes inside out over cover and picks up his first boundary. In fact, first boundary by any batter other than Hope.

JJ Smuts to Roston Chase, Dropped short, outside off, Roston backs away and hammers it hard but picks out extra cover.

JJ Smuts to Shai Hope, Shorter and on off, Shai hangs back and works it to the right of extra cover for one more.

JJ Smuts to Shai Hope, Drifting in, full and at the stumps, pushed back to the bowler.

JJ Smuts to Roston Chase, Shouts of 'catch it'! Floated up, on off, Roston charges down the track to loft it down the ground. The bat turns in his hands and he mistimes it to the right of long off. Just a single.

JJ Smuts to Shai Hope, Angled into the pads, Shai goes deep in the crease and nurdles it in front of square leg for a run.

Crishan Kalugamage to Shai Hope, Short and outside off, slapped off the back foot to deep cover for one by Shai. Six singles off the over!

Crishan Kalugamage to Roston Chase, Sliding into the right-hander, on a length, on middle. Chase brings his bat out in front and plays it to long on for one more run.

Crishan Kalugamage to Shai Hope, Floater, full and on off, Shai hangs low and reaches out to crack the drive to deep cover for another single.

Crishan Kalugamage to Roston Chase, A bit too short, outside off, Roston hits it firmly to extra cover. A misfield allows the batters to cross over.

Crishan Kalugamage to Shai Hope, Edgy! A bit of extra bounce, short and on off, Shai looks to force it away off the back foot. Ali Hasan moves to his left at short third and slides to keep it to a single.

Crishan Kalugamage to Roston Chase, Starts with a googly, bowled from wide of the crease. Short and around off. Roston works it off the back foot towards deep mid-wicket. They cross.

Just one over for Benjamin Manenti. Time for the leg spinner, Crishan Kalugamage.

JJ Smuts to Roston Chase, Drags the length back and bowls it with a flatter trajectory, on middle. Chase hits it down to long on and keeps the strike with a single.

JJ Smuts to Shai Hope, FIFTY FOR HOPE! Back-to-back fifties for the Windies skipper, and that augurs well for the team heading into the Super 8s, especially with Brandon King having struggled for rhythm. Flighted delivery, full and on middle. Shai leans on and drives it to long off for a single to bring up his 11th T20I half-century.

JJ Smuts to Roston Chase, Nearly sneaked through! Darted in on a length, on middle. Chase has a big swing through the line, aiming to go down the ground. Gets an inside edge through square leg for a single.

JJ Smuts to Roston Chase, Short and on off, Roston hangs back and taps it to cover.

JJ Smuts to Shai Hope, Tossed up, on off, this is eased wide of cover for a single.

JJ Smuts to Roston Chase, Fractionally short, on the off pole. Roston knocks it to long off and gets to the other end.

JJ Smuts is back into the attack. He went for 5 runs in the first over.

Benjamin Manenti to Shai Hope, Pushes it through, on the fuller side, Hope goes deep in the crease and tucks it in the vacant mid-wicket region. Benjamin Manenti goes after the ball but neither he nor the deep fielder can prevent the batters from taking the second run.

Benjamin Manenti to Roston Chase, Shorter and slower, on middle, Roston turns it square on the leg side and crosses over.

Benjamin Manenti to Roston Chase, Around off, on a nagging length, Chase attempts the reverse sweep, but the ball catches him on the glove and drops at his feet.

Benjamin Manenti to Shai Hope, Quicker and flatter, the length is pulled back, on off, Shai punches it wide of extra cover for a single.

Benjamin Manenti to Shai Hope, SIX! Flat hit! Floated up by Benjamin Manenti, a bit too full, on off. Hope clears the front leg, opens up the front hip and goes inside out cover for a six.

Benjamin Manenti to Shai Hope, Short and turning in at the hips. Hope presses back and drops it beside strip on the leg side.

DRINKS BREAK! The bowling has been a mixed bag from the Italians. It was a promising start, but since then, there have been far too many loose balls. The early swing has disappeared, yet there is still enough assistance in the surface, provided the quicks consistently hit that 6-8 metre length. Shai Hope has capitalised on the indifferent bowling and is looking in ominous touch, which will be a concern for the Azzurri. They will look to improve their discipline and wrest back some control in the middle phase. Also, Benjamin Manenti will bowl after the break.

Grant Stewart to Shai Hope, Gets away with it! Grant Stewart bowls a full toss, on the pads, there to be put away. Shai Hope clips it away but cannot get it past deep square leg. Just one. West Indies are 48/2 at the end of the Powerplay!

Grant Stewart to Roston Chase, Uppish but safe! Fuller in length this time, on off, holds its line. Roston Chase looks to flick it across the line but gets a leading edge. It flies in the air but lands well short of deep third who grabs it on the bounce. They cross.

Grant Stewart to Roston Chase, Back of a length and on off, Roston Chase steers it towards point. He wants the run but is sent back by his partner.

Grant Stewart to Shai Hope, A slower delivery, full and on middle, Shai Hope taps it towards cover for another run.

Grant Stewart to Roston Chase, Good length and on off, Roston Chase tries to play away from his body and gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls towards point. They cross.

Grant Stewart to Shai Hope, On a length and around leg, Shai Hope flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Thomas Draca to Shai Hope, Fullish and on middle, shaping into the legs again. Shai Hope clips it away nicely through mid-wicket. The fielder from deep square leg runs a long way to his left and dives to push the ball back inside towards the incoming fielder from mid-wicket. Three taken.

Thomas Draca to Shai Hope, Much better! Hard length and on off, jags back in sharply. Shai Hope has no room to work with and only manages to pat it down on the pitch.

Thomas Draca to Shai Hope, FOUR! Two in two! Thomas Draca tries to correct his line but overcompensates and bowls this fuller, angling into the pads. Shai Hope brings his wrists into play and flicks it with good timing through mid-wicket for another boundary.

Thomas Draca to Shai Hope, FOUR! There is no stopping that! Short of a length but way outside off. Shai Hope gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through point. There is a fielder in the deep, but the ball races across the turf for four runs.

Thomas Draca to Roston Chase, Back of a length and around off, Roston Chase steers it away towards point for a single.

Italy have their second wicket. In walks Roston Chase.

Thomas Draca to Shimron Hetmyer, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Thomas Draca gets the big fish here. He bowls the off-cutter, serves this full and around off. This one grips onto the surface and angles away too. Shimron Hetmyer looks to go over covers but gets a thick outside edge that flies wide of fly slip, where JJ Smuts flings himself to his right to grab a fantastic catch. West Indies are 31/2 now.

Thomas Draca to continue. He will be keen to make amends after an expensive first over.

Ali Hasan to Shai Hope, SIX! BANG! Shai Hope goes big now! Ali Hasan straightens the line but a bit too much. He bangs this into the pitch, down the leg side. Hope gets inside the line of it and pulls it over the deep backward square leg fence for a biggie. 14 runs off the over!

Ali Hasan to Shai Hope, FOUR! Cracking stroke! This is full again and outside off, asking to be hit. Shai Hope does not miss out. He swings through the line and lofts it over extra covers for another boundary.

Ali Hasan to Shai Hope, Short of a length and around off, angling further away, Shai Hope slashes at it but misses.

Ali Hasan to Shai Hope, Nicely bowled! Ali Hasan lands this on a good length and on middle, jags back in sharply. Shai Hope gets cramped up for room and just keeps it out on the pitch, losing his bottom hand as well.

Ali Hasan to Shai Hope, Pitched up and on off, Shai Hope drives it firmly but straight to short cover.

Ali Hasan to Shai Hope, FOUR! Beautifully played! Fuller and wide outside off. Shai Hope extends his arms to get under it and creams it through covers for his third boundary.

Thomas Draca to Shimron Hetmyer, Falls short! Pitched up and on middle, Shimron Hetmyer does not get elevation on his lofted shot and the ball drops in front of mid on, going on the bounce to the fielder.

Thomas Draca to Shimron Hetmyer, WIDE! Bangs in a bouncer but just down the leg side, Shimron Hetmyer swivels and looks to hook but fails to connect. Called a wide.

Thomas Draca to Shai Hope, A bit of a mix-up, but no harm done! Hard length and around off, Shai Hope tries to guide it away but gets a bottom edge behind towards the keeper. Shimron Hetmyer calls him for the run, but he responds a bit late. Gian-Piero Meade, the keeper, collects the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Hope was in anyway.

Thomas Draca to Shai Hope, FOUR! Up and over! Fuller in length and just outside off. Shai Hope accepts the width on offer. He gets his hands through the shot and smacks it over extra cover for another boundary.

Thomas Draca to Shai Hope, Short of a length and outside off, Shai Hope looks to cut it away but ends up chopping it on the off side.

Thomas Draca to Shai Hope, Good comeback from the bowler! This is on a good length and in that channel outside off, gets it to shape away from the seam. Shai Hope has a poke at it but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Thomas Draca to Shai Hope, FOUR! Lovely shot! Thomas Draca serves a juicy half-volley around off. Shai Hope leans on to his drive nicely and drives it crisply through covers for a boundary. Crishan Kalugamage at short cover dives to his left but has no chance and awkwardly lands on his left shoulder. Hopefully, he is fine.

Excellent first over from Ali Hasan. Just the one over for JJ Smuts in his opening spell. He is replaced by the right-arm speedster, Thomas Draca.

Ali Hasan to Shai Hope, Back of a length and on off, shaping in, Shai Hope dabs it through point for a run. 2 runs and a wicket from Ali's first over!

Ali Hasan to Shai Hope, Overpitched delivery, on off, Shai Hope drills it straight towards mid off.

Ali Hasan to Shai Hope, Pulls his length back a bit, on off, nips back in again. Shai Hope gets behind the line of it and fends it down the pitch.

Ali Hasan to Shimron Hetmyer, Pitched up and on off, Shimron Hetmyer drills it wide of mid off, where the fielder makes a sliding stop to his right. A single to get off the mark for Hettie.

Ali Hasan to Shimron Hetmyer, Fuller delivery, on middle, Shimron Hetmyer blocks it out.

Brandon King's lean run in the World Cup continues. Shimron Hetmyer is in early.

Ali Hasan to Brandon King, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Oh...that's an absolute beauty. Ali Hasan comes from over the wicket, lands this on a good length on the fourth stump line, gets it to jag back in sharply. Brandon King looks to play at it from the crease but gets cut in half as the ball goes past the inside edge behind, where the keeper, Gian-Piero Meade, takes a good catch to his left. There is a shout for caught behind, but turned down. However, the keeper and bowler convince the Italy skipper to take the review. UltraEdge comes up on the big screen and shows a spike when the ball is next to the bat, much to the delight of Italians. The on-field call is changed to Out, and the Windies are rocked early.

Pace from the other end? Indeed. Left-arm quick, Ali Hasan is ready at the top of his mark.

JJ Smuts to Brandon King, Pushed through quicker, shortish and on middle, angling in again. Brandon King backs away and punches it towards short extra cover for one. Just 5 runs off the first over!

JJ Smuts to Brandon King, Arm ball, full and on off, angling in, Brandon King pushes it back to the bowler.

JJ Smuts to Brandon King, Continues with the shorter length, on the leg stump line, Brandon King flicks it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

JJ Smuts to Shai Hope, Goes short again, on off, Shai Hope stays back and nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

JJ Smuts to Brandon King, Brandon King and West Indies are underway! Shorter in length and outside off, King backs away and slaps it wide of extra cover. Anthony Mosca dives to his left to make a good stop. A single taken.

JJ Smuts to Brandon King, JJ Smuts starts with a floater, full and on off, Brandon King prods forward and blocks it out.

We are all set for the action to begin. West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite has the honour of ringing the bell before the start of play. 'Remember the name' - Ian Bishop's iconic words still ring in our ears after Brathwaite’s unforgettable heroics on the big stage here. Harry Manenti and his men make their way out to the centre. It will be Shai Hope and Brandon King to open the innings for West Indies. Italy are starting with spin in the form of JJ Smuts. King to face the first ball. Away we go...

Before we get underway, the two teams will line up for the national anthems. The match officials lead the way, followed by the two sets of players. It will be Italy's national anthem, followed by the anthem of the West Indies.

PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull reports lovely conditions at the venue, with ideal weather for a good contest. He informs that the pitch is situated closer to the western side of the ground. In terms of dimensions, one side measures 71 metres, the other 59 metres, with 73 metres straight down the ground. Samuel Badree describes the venue as an unforgiving one for bowlers. Further says that it has been the best ground for six-hitting in this World Cup, with the fewest balls required per six. He observes a nice covering of grass on the surface. Badree notes that yorkers are always a strong option, but suggests the 6-8 metre length could be just as effective, where the strike rate drops to just under a run a ball. He also advises bowlers to make good use of cutters and to be mindful of the shorter square boundary. Doull adds that if he was the captain, he would have chosen to bat first on this surface.

A pillar of West Indies cricket - A massive moment as Jason Holder joins the elite club of 300 international caps. Shimron Hetmyer presents Jason Holder with a commemorative cap and a 300 printed jersey to mark the veteran's milestone 300th international appearance.

Momentum key for the team - The skipper of West Indies, Shai Hope says that the toss is not in their control, but they will need to set the tone with the bat. Adds that even with the qualification, the process does not change. Hope mentions that they want to continue playing a good brand of cricket and go into the next round with momentum on their side. Informs that they are unchanged.

Great opportunity to express themselves - The captain of Italy, Harry Manenti believes that there will be a bit in the wicket and they want to have a crack with the ball early on. He mentions that the side will take confidence from their previous outing, but acknowledges that the West Indies are another powerful unit. Shares that their focus is on picking wickets in the first half of the game. Informs that they have made two changes, with Thomas Draca coming in for Jaspreet Singh. He further shares that Syed Naqvi also gets a game with Marcus Campopiano making way.

West Indies (Unchanged Playing XI) - Brandon King, Shai Hope (C/WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein and Shamar Joseph.

Italy (Playing XI) - Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (C), Syed Naqvi (In for Marcus Campopiano), Benjamin Manenti, Grant Stewart, Gian-Piero Meade (WK), Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan and Thomas Draca (In for Jaspreet Singh).

TOSS - Shai Hope and Harry Manenti are in the middle for the coin toss. Up goes the coin, and it lands in Manenti's favour. Italy elect to BOWL first!

A motivated Windies team - Standing in their way is a West Indies side that looks every bit like a championship contender. Unbeaten in the tournament and already through to the Super 8s, the Men in Maroon are a juggernaut of power and precision.  With Jason Holder spearheading a disciplined bowling attack and Shai Hope anchoring a deep batting lineup, they have brushed aside opponents with clinical ease.  As they return to the iconic venue of their 2016 triumph, the Windies will be looking to maintain their perfect record and send a stern message to their future Super Eight rivals. Toss and team sheets next.

The Azzurri's final showdown - Despite the absence of their regular captain Wayne Madsen, Italy have played with a fearless brand of cricket that nearly toppled the giants of the game. Having already tasted victory against Nepal and pushed England to the absolute limit in a high-scoring thriller, the Azzurri have proven they belong on the world stage.  With players like Benjamin Manenti and Grant Stewart finding form, Italy will be dreaming of a giant-killing act to sign off on their historic journey.

Final match in Group C! Welcome to the Mecca of Indian Cricket, Eden Gardens, as we are all set to witness a fascinating clash of narratives as the spirited debutants, Italy, take on the powerhouse West Indies in their final Group C encounter.  For the Azzurri, this match represents the pinnacle of a heartwarming maiden World Cup campaign. The Windies return to the very ground where they famously secured their second World T20 title.

...MATCH DAY...

Group C's final act - In the final Group C fixture, tournament debutants Italy take on two-time champions West Indies at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. While there is not much to gain for the Windies from this fixture, for the Azzurri, this is another chance to show their wares on the global stage and sign off with a statement performance. Unbeaten and building momentum - With three wins from three, West Indies were the first team to secure a Super 8 berth. Shai Hope’s men will now look to maintain their perfect record and carry strong momentum into the next round, where fixtures against Zimbabwe, South Africa and India await them. Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer have done the bulk of the scoring so far. A major positive from the win over Nepal was skipper Shai Hope spending valuable time in the middle and registering a half-century, which should do his confidence a world of good. One slight concern has been the lack of runs from Brandon King at the top, and the Windies will hope he rediscovers his touch before the Super 8s begin. With the ball, Jason Holder has quite literally stood tall, leading the attack impressively, with Romario Shepherd providing solid support. Shepherd missed the Nepal game due to a niggle, and given this is a dead rubber, the management may err on the side of caution and keep him fresh for the Super 8 stage. In the spin department, Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie have complemented each other well, while Roston Chase has quietly contributed with the ball, adding balance to a well-rounded bowling unit. From nerves to belief - Italy's World Cup debut against Scotland could perhaps be put down to nerves, as they were unable to fully showcase their potential on the big stage. However, the two matches since have painted a far more encouraging picture. They registered a thumping win over Nepal and then gave England a genuine scare in a spirited chase, eventually falling short. It was their death bowling and ground fielding that let them down in that contest, and had they been sharper in those areas, the result might have been different. Benjamin Manenti's Big Bash League experience has clearly come to the fore, with the all-rounder making his presence felt with both bat and ball. The loss of skipper Wayne Madsen has hampered their campaign, particularly in the batting department, but the side has been led admirably by Harry Manenti, even if he will be personally disappointed not to have contributed more with the bat. The Mosca brothers, Justin and Anthony, were among the stars of that memorable first World Cup win, though they have struggled to replicate that impact in the games around it at the top of the order. With the ball, it has largely been a collective effort. Leg spinner Crishan Kalugamage, along with Manenti and JJ Smuts, have excelled in the spin department, while Ali Hasan and Grant Stewart have delivered useful spells in patches. Form (Last 5 completed T20Is, most recent first) - West Indies - WWWWL | Italy - LWLLWL. Conditions check - Italy have already played two games in Kolkata, while this will be just the second outing here for West Indies. With an 11 pm start, the conditions are unlikely to change over the course of the match, unlike the 3 pm fixtures, where batting has tended to get easier once the floodlights take effect. Both teams bring their own attacking brand of cricket, and these conditions should suit them nicely. All the ingredients are in place for an entertaining contest.