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

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

After England scored 202-7, Italy threatened to deliver the biggest shock in World Cup history in the chase – a result that would have left Harry Brook’s side facing an embarrassing group stage exit.

Ben Manenti smashed 60 off 28 balls to take Italy within 89 of victory, and after his first wicket of four in quick succession, 31-year-old Grant Stewart smashed 45 off 25 balls to keep the contest alive.

Italy needed 30 off the last 12 balls but Sam Curran caught Stewart at short third.

With 25 runs needed from the last over and two wickets in hand, Jimmy Overton finished the innings to leave Italy 178 all out.

But it was another unconvincing day for England, who qualified after a final win over Nepal, a defeat to the West Indies and nervy victories over Scotland and Italy.

Even in achieving their highest total of the tournament so far, they were not convincing with the bat.

They were 105-5 before Wheeljack reached 53 not out in the seventh over. It was his first fifty in a T20 international, and it came in 21 balls, the fastest by an England player in a T20 World Cup.

The result eliminates Italy, which concludes its competition in Mumbai on Thursday against the West Indies.

England’s Super 8 opponents are yet to be confirmed, but they will play that stage in Sri Lanka, starting on Sunday, and will certainly have to improve to have any chance.