ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Report, Result and Video Highlights

Sam Curran said England would not “hide” from a “need to improve” after coming back from 105-5 to beat huge underdogs Italy at the ICC. T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Will Jacks hits an unbeaten 53 from 22 balls to save England, who won by 24 runs to reach the Super 8 stage in unconvincing style.

Ben Manenti made 60 off 25 deliveries for Italy, while England's Jofra Archer took both his wickets in his first over and Jamie Overtun recorded 3-18 as the tournament debutants were bowled out.

England vs Italy analysis: where did Harry Brook's side struggle?

England posted a 202-7 record and had long been in danger of suffering one of the biggest shocks in tournament history against opponents aided by Grant Stewart's 45 off 25 balls after Manenti was dismissed.

Italy finished on 178, with England's spinners conceding 102 for nine to take their average to 9.34 runs per over in the final. Only Oman, with 9:41, has a worse record.

“I don’t think we played really well,” Curran told Sky Sports. “The teams we played against were of different intensity.

“There are a few nerves, but I don't think we're nervous. Every time we tried to push, we lost wickets…I guess it's a fine balance of going too hard and losing wickets.

“We make no secret of the fact that we have not been at our best. There is a need to improve. We also need to look at the positives. We are an honest group and we will have honest conversations within the team.”

T20 World Cup: How Will Jacks saved England

England's start included losing Jos Buttler for three, but Jacks' innings included 50 from 21 deliveries from number seven.

“I feel like it’s been a long time coming,” Jacks said. “It took a while, but it's nice to have this one. I feel like I'm settling into my role in the order.”

“[Ben Manenti] played incredibly well and he hit the ball better than us. I tried to change and go over and luckily I got that wicket.

“If he had bowled a few more overs, who knows what would have happened? The most important thing is that we qualified.”

Why Italy is “proud” despite its World Cup defeat

Italy are the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, but recovered from a 73-run defeat against Scotland to claim their first ever final victory with a 10-wicket win over Nepal in their second match.

“Will Jacks excelled at batting and when you go all out with the power he has, anything can happen,” reflected captain Harry Manenti.

“Those were some impressive strikes in his pursuit after we lost a few earlier. Ben [Manenti] put England under pressure and Grant Stewart did the same. If you form a partnership, this can help you move forward.

“I was proud of Ben. He had the opportunity to show how good he is. Same with Grant. He's a lower level hitter, so to come out and show what he can do made me proud, as a captain.

“The Associate Nations have put pressure on the 'big' teams. We have no right against a team like England, but it's good for the game and it's about getting games under our belt against classy opposition.”

England vs Italy teams

England: Harry Brook (c), Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid.

Italy: Harry Manenti (c), Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Benjamin Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian-Piero Meade (week), Crishan Kalugamage, Jaspreet Singh, Ali Hasan.

What's next for these teams? T20 Cricket World Cup Schedule in England and Italy

THE World Cup The Super 8s start on February 22, with England ready to discover their opponents once the rankings for groups A and B are settled on Tuesday.

Italy can still make a statement to end their campaign when they take on the in-form West Indies at Eden Gardens on Thursday (0530 GMT).

England squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

England: Harry Brook (c), Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton (wk), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Ben Duckett, Luke Wood, Josh Tongue, Rehan Ahmed.

Italy squad for ICC T20 World Cup 2026

Italy: Wayne Madsen (c), Marcus Campopiano, Gian-Piero Meade (week), Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Crishan Kalugamage, Harry Manenti, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca.

How to Watch T20 World Cup: TV Channel, Live Stream Online

THE T20 The World Cup is broadcast exclusively live in the UK on Aerial sports.

You can stream it on a wide variety of devices and on the go via the Sky Go app.

For coverage elsewhere in the world, click HERE for details about your local rights holder.