Kolkata: Italy ran England close in 203-run chase in Group C encounter, putting in an electrifying chase to eventually fall short by 24 runs at Eden Gardens.

With this win, England sealed their qualification while Italy's chances of progressing to Super 8s are officially over, subsequently Scotland, who will play their final game on 17 February, are eliminated too.

Earlier, England won the toss and elected to bat first, while Italy were forced to make do without captain Wayne Madsen, who was sidelined for a second consecutive game due to a shoulder injury.

Italy started positively getting rid of Jos Buttler cheaply, whose lean run continued as he was dismissed for just three, falling to Grant Stewart. The early breakthrough gave Italy momentum, but England stabilised through a composed partnership between Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell.

Italy responded strongly in the middle overs, applying pressure with disciplined lines and timely strikes. By the end of the 13th over, England were 107/3, with Crishan Kalugamage continuing his impressive run of form by claiming two crucial wickets.

The momentum, however, slipped off Italy's grasp as England went ballistic in the death overs. Will Jacks unleashed a blistering counterattack, smashing 53 off just 22 deliveries, while Sam Curran chipped in with a valuable 25 off 19 balls. Their late surge propelled England to 202/7 at the end of 20 overs. 

Italy's chase began with two big wickets falling to Jofra Archer, who stamped his authority with his opening spell. His raw pace proved too hot to handle, producing two wickets in the very first over and reducing Italy to a 1/2 at the end of the first over, putting the chase in early disarray.

England continued to tighten their grip when Craig Overton struck at the end of the fourth over, dismissing Harry Manenti. The breakthrough was sealed by a stunning one-handed catch from Jos Buttler behind the stumps, as the Italian captain departed to further dent the chase.

Despite losing three early wickets, Italy showed resilience. Justin Mosca and Ben Manenti counterattacked with intent, striking five boundaries in the space of eight deliveries to wrest back some momentum. Their positive approach lifted Italy to 47/3 at the end of the powerplay, keeping hopes alive despite the early setbacks.

Manenti went on to produce the innings of his life, launching the English bowlers for massive hits. The Italian all-rounder blazed 60 off just 25 deliveries, peppering the boundary with six towering sixes in a fearless display of power-hitting that reignited Italy’s hopes in the chase.

He was eventually dismissed by Jacks in the 12th over, which proved decisive in the end.

Italy suffered a crucial setback when opener Justin Mosca, who had anchored the chase with composure, was dismissed for 43 off 34 deliveries. 

Italian all-rounder Grant Stewart kept the contest alive with a blistering 45 off just 23 deliveries, launching five sixes to ignite late hopes in the Italian camp. However, England regained control at the death through Sam Curran, whose composed and clinical bowling brought an end to Stewart’s explosive knock.

Jamie Overton polished off the innings with a double-wicket maiden to bring an end to what was a herculean effort from Italy against the 2022 T20 World Cup champions.