T20 World Cup: England given fright by Italy but qualify for Super 8s

England once again suffered a major scare but edged tournament debutants Italy by 24 runs to secure a place in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup.

After England were 202-7, Italy threatened to suffer the biggest shock in World Cup history; This result could have left Harry Brook’s side facing an embarrassing group stage exit.

Ben Manenti made 60 from 28 balls to take Italy to 89 runs and after his wicket became the first of four in quick succession, 31-year-old Grant Stewart kept the contest very much alive with a knock of 45 from 25 balls.

Italy needed 30 from the last 12 balls but Sam Curran had Stewart caught at third.

25 runs were needed in the final over and with two wickets in hand Jamie Overton finished the innings, leaving Italy 178 all out.

But it was yet another unconvincing day for England, who advanced after a last-ball win against Nepal, defeat to the West Indies and two nervy wins against Scotland and Italy.

Despite posting the highest total of the tournament so far, they were unconvincing with the bat.

Will Jacks was not far behind at number seven with a score of 105-5 before hitting 53. It was his first fifty in T20 internationals and was England’s fastest in the T20 World Cup from 21 balls.

The result eliminated Italy, whose tournament ends against the West Indies in Mumbai on Thursday.

England’s Super 8 opponents are yet to be confirmed but they will play this stage in Sri Lanka from Sunday and will certainly need to improve to have any chance.