Two-time champions West Indies will be looking to fine-tune their combination and put in a more clinical performance when they take on invigorating debutants Italy in the final Group C match of the T20 World Cup here on Thursday. The Caribbean team has been on the decline since winning their second and final T20 World Cup at this very venue a decade ago, but they are starting to peak at the perfect time for this global spectacle.
As the end of business approaches, the Darren Sammy-coached team appears to be finding rhythm in a grueling Super Eight schedule. West Indies face Zimbabwe in Mumbai on February 23 and South Africa in Ahmedabad on February 26 before returning here on March 1 for the big game against co-hosts and favorites India. With that decisive match also taking place at Eden Gardens, the Caribbean side will be hoping to prove their authority and gain momentum at the historically favorable venue. Captain Shai Hope rediscovered the feel of the top at just the right time.
Despite modest returns of 0 against England and 19 against Scotland, the opener responded with a fluent 44-ball 61 not out to lead a nine-wicket chase against Nepal in the previous match. Shimron Hetmyer brings stability and power to the midfield, scoring 64 in the opening game of the tournament against Scotland at this venue. He then made an unbeaten 46 against Nepal, scoring runs at a brisk strike rate and bringing stability to his innings.
Sherfan Rutherford has flourished in his role as a finisher, with the explosive left-hander posting a strike rate of 200 in his last appearance here, producing a stunning 42-ball 76 not out to power West Indies to 196/6 against England. He will try to inflict death on himself again.
Among the bowlers, Matthew Ford was particularly impressive, maintaining an excellent economy rate throughout the two matches and providing control in the middle overs alongside Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motier. For Italy, who have already withdrawn from the tournament, this match will be an opportunity to be defeated with pride. Best known for their footballing exploits, the first-time World Cup side have enjoyed a memorable campaign, including an emphatic 10-wicket win over Nepal, their first win at this level.
They will be playing their third game at Eden Gardens and will be looking to pull off an upset, even if it’s just for the record books, as they settle into the conditions. The Mosca brothers have been active at the top. His younger brother Justin returned to form with an unbeaten 60 against Nepal, followed by a 43 against England. His elder brother Anthony hit 62 not out against Nepal and his 124 in the opening match was the best partnership between brothers in the history of the T20 World Cup.
In the absence of regular captain Wayne Madsen, who dislocated his left shoulder in the fourth over of his debut match against Scotland, Italy put up a great show. Ben Manenti is in great shape, scoring over 250 points in three games, and Harry Manenti is leading the team.
Benn’s 25-ball 60 at this venue recently gave England a scare as they chased 202, but Italy showed a desire to pursue a target of 200 or more, needing 30 runs from the final two overs, but ultimately fell 24 runs short. Madsen is recovering well, but a decision on his availability for Italy’s final World Cup match will be decided on the morning of the match, team officials said.