NEW DELHI: England finally rediscovered their attacking touch, powered by a blistering start and a late flourish from Will Jacks, to post a competitive 202 for seven against Italy in their must-win Group C clash on Monday.

With a Super Eights spot on the line after a shaky campaign, the two-time champions came out firing but continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Jacks’ unbeaten 53 off just 22 balls, including four sixes and three fours, provided the late spark, lifting England to their first 200-plus total in this edition.

England had looked in trouble at 105 for five before Jacks and Sam Curran (25 off 19 balls) added the late impetus. The duo stitched together the innings’ best partnership, a 54-run stand off 25 balls for the sixth wicket.

Powerplay promise and mid-innings wobble

Opting to bat, Phil Salt set the tone with a quick 28 off 15 balls, racing past 50 inside five overs. However, veteran Jos Buttler continued his poor run, falling for just three in the third over, dismissed by Grant Stewart.

Both openers were removed in the powerplay at 54 for two when Salt fell to Ali Hasan in the sixth over, yet England managed to maintain momentum. A sensational forward-diving low catch by Anthony Mosca at deep backward square leg from Salt’s miscued pull briefly triggered a wobble.

Jacob Bethell (23 off 20 balls) and Salt had earlier carried England past the 50-run mark inside the powerplay, but Bethell too fell soon after, as England lost the pair in just 11 balls.

Late flourish lifts England

Captain Harry Brook looked in touch, striking left-arm spinner JJ Smuts over long-off and square leg for six. But a reckless shot off the next ball, edging a slower delivery, saw him throw away his start.

Tom Banton, fresh from his unbeaten 63 against Scotland, got going again with 30 off 21 balls. Playing straight and getting to the pitch of the ball, he batted sensibly before gifting his wicket with a simple catch to Manenti at deep midwicket.

It was Jacks’ late blitz that ultimately turned the innings around and gave England a challenging total to defend.

(With PTI Inputs)