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NEW DELHI: Will Jacks produced a fiery all-round display as England held off a spirited Italian fightback to win by 24 runs and book their Super Eights berth in the ICC T20 World Cup Group C clash at Eden Gardens on Monday.

Choosing to bat first, England rode on Jacks’ unbeaten 53 off just 22 balls to post 202 for seven, their first 200 plus total of this edition.

In response, debutants Italy showed great fight and twice threatened during the chase through Ben Manenti’s explosive 60 off 25 balls and a late surge from Grant Stewart who made 45 off 23.

But Jacks’ maiden T20 World Cup fifty along with a crucial breakthrough ensured England stayed calm in key moments and bowled out Italy for 178 in 20 overs.

For England, Sam Curran claimed 3 for 22 while Jamie Overton picked up 3 for 18.

Archer rattles Italy early

The steep chase began in disastrous fashion for the Azzurri.

Jofra Archer came charging in with serious pace, touching 146 kph, and reduced Italy to 1 for 2 in the first over before they slipped to 22 for 3 inside four overs.

Anthony Mosca fell for a first ball duck trying to pull a short ball that was simply too quick. South Africa born all-rounder JJ Smuts followed soon after, edging to Overton at first slip.

Archer’s bounce on the lively Eden surface proved tough to handle as England grabbed early control. Harry Manenti then fell to Overton with Jos Buttler taking a sharp diving catch, leaving Italy in deep trouble.

Manenti counterattack sparks hope

Then came a burst of entertainment.

Ben Manenti flipped the script with a breathtaking counterattack, smashing a 22 ball fifty which became one of the fastest of the tournament and among the quickest by an Associate batter in World Cup history.

He hammered five sixes and four fours, even taking apart Jacks for 21 runs in one over with a sequence of 4, 6, 6, 4.

Justin Mosca played the perfect supporting role with 43 off 34 balls, cleverly using Archer’s pace to find gaps. The pair added 92 runs off just 48 balls and suddenly the momentum shifted.

Jacks however delivered the key moment, removing Ben with a slightly slower ball that was caught by Tom Banton. With 89 needed off the last eight overs, the task grew harder and Adil Rashid dismissed Justin soon after.

Stewart kept the fight alive with two sixes off Archer and later launched an assault on Rashid. But Curran ended the resistance by taking two wickets in two balls to finish with three scalps.

England batting effort sets platform

Earlier, with their campaign on the line, England started aggressively but continued to lose wickets at intervals.

Jacks’ unbeaten knock proved vital after they were reduced to 105 for five. Curran chipped in with a handy 25 off 19 balls as the pair stitched a 54 run stand off just 25 balls for the sixth wicket.

Phil Salt had set the tone with a brisk 28 off 15 balls as England raced past 50 inside five overs.

But Buttler’s lean run continued when Stewart dismissed him for three. Salt later fell to Ali Hasan even as England kept the scoring rate healthy.

Anthony Mosca pulled off a stunning low catch at deep backward square leg to remove Salt which caused a brief wobble. Jacob Bethell made 23 before falling in the space of 11 balls alongside Salt.

Captain Harry Brook looked fluent but threw away his start after striking Smuts for a six. Banton added a smooth 30 off 21 balls before holing out at deep midwicket.

In the end, Jacks’ brilliance with bat and ball ensured England crossed the line and moved into the Super Eights.

(With PTI Inputs)