England vs Italy Football Match Result and Key Highlights
In a high-scoring thriller at Eden Gardens, England defeated Italy by 24 runs in Match 29 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on February 16, 2026.
With this victory, England have officially qualified for the Super 8 stage from Group C, alongside the West Indies. Italy, playing their debut T20 World Cup campaign, fought bravely but fell short in the final over.
Searches for “Who won the England-Italy match today?” and “England vs Italy match result” surged immediately after the final ball.
Match Result at a Glance
- Result: England won by 24 runs
- Player of the Match: Will Jacks (53* off 22 balls)
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Group Impact: England advance to Super 8s
England Innings – 202/7 (20 Overs)
England posted a commanding total of 202/7, but it wasn’t straightforward.
At one stage, they were struggling at 105/5, and Italy looked firmly in control. What followed was a stunning late-innings explosion.
Will Jacks – The Turning Point
Will Jacks delivered a breathtaking finish:
- 53 off 22 balls*
- Strike Rate: 240.91
- Fastest fifty by an Englishman in T20 World Cup history (21 balls)
His clean hitting in the final overs pushed England past the 200-run mark.
Key Contributions
- Tom Banton – 30 (21)
- Phil Salt – 28 (15)
- Sam Curran – 25 (19)
- Extras – 13
Run Rate: 10.10
Italy’s Bowling Effort
Despite conceding 200+, Italy’s bowlers had moments of control.
- Crishan Kalugamage – 4-0-41-2
- Grant Stewart – 4-0-51-2
- JJ Smuts – 3-0-28-1
They triggered England’s middle-order wobble before Jacks changed the momentum.
Italy Innings – 178 All Out (20 Overs)
Italy’s reply began disastrously.
They lost 2 wickets for just 1 run, thanks to early strikes from Jofra Archer. Many expected a collapse. Instead, Italy produced one of the most spirited comebacks of the tournament.
The Manenti–Mosca Revival
- Ben Manenti – 60 (25)
- Justin Mosca – 43 (34)
Their 92-run partnership turned the match into a genuine contest.
Grant Stewart added 45 off 23 balls, keeping the chase alive deep into the death overs.
At one stage, Italy looked capable of pulling off one of the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history.
England’s Bowling at the Death
With 25 required off the final over, the pressure was immense.
Jamie Overton delivered a sensational over:
- Double-wicket maiden
- Sealed victory
- 4-1-18-3 overall figures
Other key bowlers:
- Sam Curran – 4-0-33-3
- Jofra Archer – 4-0-30-2
England’s death-over discipline proved decisive.
Key Highlights of the Match
Fastest English Fifty in T20 World Cup
Will Jacks’ 21-ball half-century now ranks among England’s quickest in tournament history.
Italy’s Fearless Fight
Despite being tournament debutants, Italy:
- Challenged a former world champion
- Built a 92-run recovery partnership
- Took the game into the final over
They exit the tournament with respect and recognition.
Super 8 Qualification Secured
England’s qualification is significant after their earlier loss to West Indies. The win ensures they progress without depending on net run rate scenarios.
Who Won the England-Italy Match Today?
England won by 24 runs and advanced to the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Clarification: Cricket vs Football Searches
Many fans searching for:
- England vs Italy football match result and key highlights 2021
- England vs Italy 1-1
- When did Italy win the Euros against England?
These refer to the UEFA Euro 2020 Final, where Italy defeated England on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Wembley in July 2021.
This article, however, covers the T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match played at Eden Gardens.
What This Means for Group C
- England: Qualified for Super 8
- West Indies: Qualified
- Italy: Eliminated but impressive debut
England now shift focus toward potential Super 8 matchups, where tougher challenges await.
Final Thoughts
This was more than just a routine group match. It tested England’s temperament under pressure and showcased Italy’s emerging cricketing ambition.
Will Jacks’ explosive finishing and Overton’s calm final over ensured England’s progression, but Italy’s fearless approach may be remembered long after this tournament ends.
