West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph delivered one of the most memorable individual performances of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, helping the West Indies cricket team register a commanding 42-run victory over Italy cricket team in a Group C encounter at Eden Gardens.

Joseph’s impact went far beyond traditional bowling figures. With a rare combination of wickets and catches, he effectively dismantled Italy’s chase and sealed West Indies’ fourth straight win in the group stage, confirming their place at the top of the table.

West Indies Post a Competitive Total

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, West Indies put together a solid total of 165 runs in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Shai Hope, who played a composed and authoritative knock of 75 runs from 46 deliveries. His innings featured a well-balanced mix of power and placement, including six boundaries and four towering sixes.

Hope received valuable support from Sherfane Rutherford, who remained unbeaten on 24, and Roston Chase, who added a handy 24 runs to steady the middle overs.

Italy’s bowling effort was led by Krishan Kalugamage and Ben Manenti, both of whom picked up two wickets each to prevent the total from crossing the 170 mark.

Italy Collapse Under Relentless Pressure

Chasing 166, Italy never truly settled at the crease. Their innings unraveled steadily and eventually folded for 123 runs in just 18 overs. The primary reason behind the collapse was the relentless pressure applied by Shamar Joseph, who delivered a spell that combined pace, accuracy, and sharp fielding awareness.

Joseph finished his four overs with figures of 4 wickets for 30 runs, but the damage did not stop there. He was also exceptional in the field, taking four catches across the innings. His total involvement in eight dismissals made him the most influential player on the ground.

This marked the first instance in the 2026 T20 World Cup where a player has claimed four wickets and four catches in a single match—an achievement that underlined Joseph’s all-round athleticism and match awareness.

Group Stage Ends on a High for West Indies

With this victory, West Indies completed a flawless Group C campaign, winning all four of their matches. Along the way, they defeated strong opponents including England, Afghanistan, and Scotland, showcasing both depth and consistency across departments.

The team’s balanced performances with bat, ball, and in the field have made them one of the most dangerous sides in the tournament so far.

Focus Shifts to the Super 8 Stage

Having topped their group, West Indies now advance to the Super 8 round, where they will face high-profile opposition including India cricket team, South Africa cricket team, and Zimbabwe cricket team.

Two-time T20 World Cup champions, West Indies are now firmly eyeing a third title. With players like Shamar Joseph peaking at the right time, their campaign appears to be gaining serious momentum as the business end of the tournament approaches.