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England were given another major fright but held off tournament debutants Italy by 24 runs to secure a place in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup.<\/b><\/p>\n
After England posted 202-7, Italy threatened to pull off the greatest shock in World Cup history in pursuit \u2013 a result which would have left Harry Brook’s side facing an embarrassing group-stage exit.<\/p>\n
Ben Manenti crashed 60 from 28 balls to take Italy within 89 of victory and, after his wicket became the first of four in quick succession, 31-year-old Grant Stewart thrashed a 45 from 25 balls to keep the contest very much alive.<\/p>\n
Italy needed 30 from the last 12 balls but Sam Curran had Stewart caught at short third. <\/p>\n
With 25 runs needed from the last over and two wickets in hand, Jamie Overton wrapped up the innings to leave Italy 178 all out.<\/p>\n
But it was another unconvincing day for England, who progress after a final-ball win over Nepal, a defeat by West Indies and two nervy wins against Scotland and Italy.<\/p>\n
Even in making their highest total of the tournament so far, they were not convincing with the bat.<\/p>\n
They were 105-5 before Will Jacks hit 53 not out from number seven. It was his first fifty in T20 internationals and, coming in 21 balls, England’s quickest at a T20 World Cup.<\/p>\n
The result eliminates Italy, whose tournament ends in Mumbai on Thursday against West Indies. <\/p>\n
England’s Super 8 opponents are still to be confirmed but they will play that phase in Sri Lanka, starting on Sunday, and surely must improve to have any chance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n