England edge past Italy despite Ben Manenti’s stunning counter-attack in T20 World Cup

Defending a formidable total of 202, England made a dream start with the ball as Jofra Archer struck twice in the opening over, dismissing Anthony Mosca and JJ Smuts for ducks to put Italy under immediate pressure.

Italy’s chase suffered another setback when captain Harry Manenti was dismissed cheaply, leaving the side struggling early in their pursuit of 203.

However, Italy mounted an impressive fightback through Ben Manenti and Justin Mosca. The duo stitched together a crucial 92-run partnership for the fourth wicket, reviving Italy’s hopes. Mosca scored a steady 43 off 34 balls, while Ben Manenti launched a fierce counter-attack, reaching his half-century in just 22 balls.

The 28-year-old smashed four boundaries and six towering sixes, threatening to take the game away from England before he was caught by Tom Banton off Will Jacks, providing the breakthrough England desperately needed.

Italy continued to resist as Grant Stewart and Jaspreet Singh added a quickfire 40 runs for the eighth wicket, keeping England under pressure. Stewart scored a fighting 45 off 23 balls before being dismissed by Sam Curran in the 19th over. Singh was dismissed in the final over as Italy were bowled out for 178.

Earlier, England were powered by a sensational unbeaten knock from Will Jacks, who scored 53 off just 22 balls to rescue his side from a precarious 105/5.

Jacks stitched together a vital 54-run partnership with Sam Curran for the sixth wicket and added another valuable 35 runs alongside Jamie Overton to lift England to a commanding 202/7 in 20 overs.

For Italy, Crishan Kalugamage was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/41.

Despite Italy’s spirited resistance, England held their nerve to register a memorable victory in the historic encounter.