T20 World Cup 2026: England vs Italy, Match 29 – Full highlights, top moments & winner details

It was a high-scoring thriller between England and Italy at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on February 16 in the Match 29 of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

England won the toss and elected to bat first. Their talisman Jos Buttler, though, carried on his poor run of form in the tournament with yet another failure. Phil Salt gave them a flying start after Buttler’s wicket, scoring 28 off just 15 balls. Jacob Bethell (23) and Tom Banton (30), too, played crucial parts.

While defending the total, England started well, picking up the wickets of Anthony Mosca and JJ Smuts, with Italians struggling at 2 for 2 wickets. Their middle-order batter Ben Manenti had other plans, though.

The right-hander was at his best, scoring 60 off just 25 balls, an innings that gave his side a real chance of chasing the total. But his efforts were not enough, as Italy lost the contest by 24 runs. Jamie Overton picked up three wickets, the same as Sam Curran, whereas Jofra Archer picked up two wickets.

ENG vs ITA: Top Performers of the Match

Top batting performance: Will Jacks 

The star of the show for the Three Lions was Will Jacks. The right-hander scored a breathtaking 53-run knock, which included three fours and four sixes. He gave his side a strong finish to score 202 runs in their 20 overs. The English all-rounder had a brilliant outing with the bat, scoring a match-winning knock of 53 off just 22 balls, with a strike rate of 240.91. He was named Player of the Match for his scintillating display at the Eden Gardens, which also confirmed England’s qualification for the latter stages of the twenty-team tournament.

Top bowling performance: Sam Curran 

Sam Curran repeated his heroics against Nepal by bowling yet another brilliant 19th over against Italy at the Eden Gardens. In his three overs, he gave away only 22 runs while picking up three wickets. Curran is expected to carry his form through to the Super Eights as well, as the Englishmen seek to claim the prized silverware.

Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved

• Second-ever 20th maiden over (by Jamie Overton)
• Second most sixes by an associate team in a T20 WC inning (13 by Italy vs ENG)

Who was the Player of the Match?

Will Jacks was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock against Italy on Monday, February 16. 

When is the next match?

With this win, England are currently awaiting their opposition in their opening game of the Super Eights. Whereas, Italy will bow out of the competition with a match against the West Indies on February 19. Match 30 of the tournament between Sri Lanka and Australia is already underway at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy.