KOLKATA, India — In an exciting matchup at the T20 World Cup, Italy won the toss and chose to field against the West Indies, who have been dominating the tournament. This game marks Italy’s last appearance in the group stage of its first-ever major ICC global event. The West Indies have already secured their place in the Super 8s, boasting three successive wins in Group C and standing strong in Group 1 alongside co-host India, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
Harry Manenti will continue to captain Italy following the unfortunate dislocation of Wayne Madsen’s shoulder during the opening match against Scotland. Manenti expressed optimism about his team’s chances, hoping for some swing in the daytime conditions to help secure early wickets against a powerful West Indies side.
“Hope there’s a bit in the wicket,” Manenti stated at the toss. “We take some confidence from the England game, and West Indies is another powerful team.”
Italy faced challenges in their group, suffering defeats against Scotland and England, yet they managed a remarkable 10-wicket victory over the highly-rated Nepal, showcasing their potential on the international stage.
Meanwhile, the West Indies have been in formidable form, with captain Shai Hope, along with Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford, each delivering pivotal half-centuries throughout the group stage. Hope remarked on the toss, acknowledging that while they did not win it, the outcome is beyond their control. The West Indies maintained an unchanged lineup that convincingly overcame Nepal by nine wickets in their previous match.
In concurrent action, Zimbabwe, which made headlines by eliminating Australia from the tournament, is set to complete its group stage against Sri Lanka later on Thursday. Afghanistan, which had a thrilling run to the semifinals in 2024, will conclude its group matches against Canada.
West Indies lineup includes: Brandon King, Shai Hope (captain), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Matthew Forde, Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, and Gudakesh Motie.
Italy’s squad features: Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Harry Manenti (captain), J.J. Smuts, Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Gian-Piero Meade, Crishan Kalugamage, Thomas Draca, and Ali Hasan.
This match promises to highlight the underdog spirit of Italy while testing the prowess of the formidable West Indies team, as both squads aim for a strong finish to the group stage.