But the momentum changed in the final three balls of Ben Manenti’s spell. Having subdued England with his fast off-spinners, Manenti looked on furiously when Kalugamage’s misfield led to a four for Jacks, who then thrashed back-to-back sixes – the second off a full toss – and Italy wilted thereafter. Two more leg-side sixes followed in the final over as Jacks brought up a 21-ball fifty, the fastest by an Englishman in this event, as well as his side’s 200, seemingly putting them out of reach. Jacks, having leaked 13 in the powerplay, was brought back for a second over. An attempt at a third leg-side six in the over was scooped up by Banton in the deep and while Curran dismissed Marcus Campopiano and Gian-Piero Meade with successive balls, Stewart made sure England could not slack off.

Source: The Herald February 16, 2026 13:17 UTC