Shamar Joseph produced a remarkable all-round display as the West Indies cricket team maintained their perfect record at the T20 World Cup with victory over Italy in Kolkata.
The seamer became the first player to claim four wickets and take four catches in a single men’s T20 international, helping seal a fourth successive group-stage win at Eden Gardens.
Hope anchors competitive total
After Italy opted to bowl, the Windies lost Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer early. Captain Shai Hope steadied the innings with a composed 75 from 46 balls, striking six fours and four sixes before being bowled by Crishan Kalugamage.
Roston Chase and Sherfane Rutherford each added 24 as West Indies posted 165-6, with Kalugamage finishing as Italy’s most effective bowler with 2-25.
Joseph leads clinical defence
Italy’s chase never gathered momentum as they slipped to 37-3 inside the powerplay. Jon-Jon Smuts and Ben Manenti were the only batters to pass 20 as the required rate climbed steadily.
Joseph returned figures of 4-30, while Matthew Forde claimed 3-19, as Italy were dismissed for 123 in 18 overs. The result ensured West Indies finished the group stage with four wins from four and extended their unbeaten run heading into the Super 8s.
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