An unbeaten half century from Will Jacks helped England edge past Italy to reach the Super 8 of the T20 World Cup.
England looked bang in trouble at 105-5, with their top order struggling once again. However, Jacks’ 53, which was his maiden T20 half century, helped set a target of 202.
Italy are the lowest ranked side in the tournament, and having already shocked Nepal, they threatened to crush their opponents’ World Cup aspirations.
They were eventually bowled out for 178 to fall 24 runs short, with Jamie Overton taking two wickets in the final over to finish with figures of 3-18.
Jacks’ Firepower Proves the Difference
England have been unconvincing throughout this tournament. They beat Nepal by one run, lost against the West Indies and struggled past Scotland.
Their travelling fans would have been forgiven for thinking that this match was teetering towards another embarrassment.
Yet Jacks, who is well known for his exploits in The Hundred which include a stunning 108 off 48 balls in 2022, kicked his team into gear.
Sam Curran supported him well with 25, while Tom Banton was the only other man to pass 30.
Meanwhile Italy’s Mosca brothers were unable to replicate their heroics against Nepal. Justin Mosca made 43 from 34 balls, Ben Manenti impressively got 60 and Grant Stewart supported with 45.
England must improve
Before the Scotland match, Phil Salt said: “When we’re at our best, nobody can live with us.” The two subsequent performances have been far from it.
Openers Jos Buttler and Salt have taken a combined total of 114 runs at an average of 14.25 across the tournament.
In fact, 22-year-old Jacob Bethell and the recalled Banton are the only batsmen in the top five to be averaging more than 25.
While Jacks’ batting ultimately ended up deciding the outcome of the match, his off spin conceded 34 runs off two overs. Adil Rashid was also expensive with figures of 1-43 off four overs.
Elsewhere in the tournament, India, Sri Lanka, South Africa and the West Indies remain unbeaten. Meanwhile 2021 champions Australia have been eliminated.
England must now wait to see who they will face in the Super 8, with matches being played from 21-28 February.
