Kolkata: Italy closed their maiden ICC T20 World Cup campaign with a loss against the West Indies by 42 runs at the historic Eden Gardens.

Italy skipper Harry Manenti won the toss and elected to field first against the West Indies, a decision that paid immediate dividends for the Azzurri.

Ali Hasan set the tone early, striking in the second over to remove opener Brandon King, reducing the West Indies to 5/1. Italy maintained disciplined lines and lengths, building pressure through the opening exchanges. The breakthrough was followed by another crucial scalp in the fifth over when Thomas Draca dismissed the dangerous Shimron Hetmyer for just one run.

The Italian bowling unit delivered an impressive collective performance in the powerplay, restricting the West Indies to 48/2 after six overs. Despite the early setbacks, Shai Hope anchored the innings with composure and brought up a well-compiled half-century in the eighth over, guiding his side towards stability after the early dismissals.

Italy had an opportunity to wrestle back the momentum, however a difficult opportunity was dropped by Justin Mosca to lend a new lifeline to Roston Chase. To compound Italy’s frustration, Mosca appeared to injure himself in the process and was forced to leave the field shortly after the missed opportunity, dealing a setback to the Azzurri.

Roston Chase was unable to capitalise on the dropped chance and fell in the very next over. AJ Mosca, perfectly positioned, made no mistake in completing a safe catch. West Indies were 106/3 at the end of the 14th over.

Ben Manenti picked up his second wicket of the match in the 15th over dismissing Rovman Powell. Crishan Kalugamage, one of the stories of the tournament, continued his impressive form and knocked over the stumps of Shai Hope, dismissing him for 75(46) and dismissed the experienced Jason Holder in the 18th over. 

West Indies were contained to 165/6 at the end of their 20 overs, a total that reflected Italy’s resilience and composure under pressure.

Siblings Justin and Anthony Mosca opened the innings for Italy. Justin Mosca struggled with the West Indian bowlers, and fell to Matthew Forde in the second over of the Italian innings. 

Anthony Mosca hit Akeal Hosein for two sixes in the third over, but a poorly hit sweep on the last delivery was caught by Shamar Joseph at fine leg, resulting in Italy losing both openers by the end of the third over with the scoreboard reading 26/2.

The pressure mounted as Italy failed to capitalise on the powerplay, losing another wicket to close the first six overs at 37/3, with the required rate climbing above 9.2. JJ Smuts attempted to steady the innings with a composed knock through the middle overs, but the early damage proved costly. Italy reached 61/4 at the halfway mark, and when Smuts departed for 24 off 27 deliveries at the end of the 12th over, the West Indies had firmly tightened their grip on the contest.

By the end of the 16th over, Italy were reduced to 115/7 with Forde, Gudakesh Motie, and Shamar Joseph having picked two wickets each. The required run-rate jumped to over 14.5. 

Italy were bowled out 123 in 18 overs, ending their maiden ICC T20 World Cup campaign with a disappointing loss.