England secured a 24 run win over Italy to record their fourth straight victory at Eden Gardens, but the newcomers gave them a real scare.
Italy chased 203 and lost Anthony Mosca and J. J. Smuts with only 1 run on the board. Captain Harry Manenti also fell early. Opener Justin Mosca then tried to rebuild the innings with Ben Manenti.
After the third wicket fell at 22, Ben and Justin added 92 runs and brought Italy back into the game. Justin scored 43 from 34 balls before he got out. Ben played a strong attacking knock. He hit 60 from just 25 balls with four fours and six sixes.
Grant Stewart kept the chase alive with a quick 45 from 23 balls. Italy raised hopes for a shock win at one stage. But they could not finish the job and ended short, as England sealed the win by 24 runs.
Italy are playing their first Cricket World Cup. Still, they showed great fight against the two time champions. England had also struggled to beat Nepal earlier in the tournament. This close match will give them something to think about before the Super Eight stage.
Earlier, England batted first after winning the toss and scored 202 for 7. Will Jacks made the top score. He stayed unbeaten on 53 from 22 balls and hit three fours and four sixes. Tom Banton scored 30 from 21 balls. Phil Salt added 28 from 15 balls, while Sam Curran made 25 from 19 balls. For Italy, Grant Stewart and Crishan Kalugamage took two wickets each.
