Shai Hope to the rescue! West Indies survive Italy scare with crucial 75 at Eden Gardens

Italy made a dream start with the ball, dismissing Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer cheaply during the powerplay to leave West Indies in early trouble.

Hope, the West Indies skipper, then joined hands with Roston Chase to stabilise the innings after the team slipped to 31/2. The pair stitched together a crucial 64-run partnership for the third wicket, countering the disciplined Italian bowling attack.

Italy’s standout performer from their previous match against England, Ben Manenti, provided the breakthrough by dismissing Chase for a cautious 24 off 25 balls. Manenti struck again soon after, removing Rovman Powell to put West Indies under renewed pressure.

Chrishan Kalugamage then claimed the prized wicket of Hope, who departed after a well-crafted 75 that anchored the innings.

However, Sherfane Rutherford (24*) and Matthew Forde (16*) ensured West Indies finished strongly, adding valuable runs in the closing overs to post a competitive total against the tournament debutants.n: