Shamar Joseph Creates History, Becomes The 1st-Ever Cricketer To..

Shamar Joseph creates history in T20 World Cup [Source: AFP]

West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph delivered a sensational display against Italy in a group-stage clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens on February 19. His fiery spell and sharp fielding helped his team seal a convincing victory.

West Indies took on Italy in their last group match at the T20 World Cup 2026. The WI vs ITA match took place at the Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata. While the Windies went in the game with the same team as the last match, the Italians made a couple of changes.

West Indies post a decent total

West Indies were asked to bat first. They lost Brandon King for 6 and Shimron Hetmyer for 1 inside the powerplay. Meanwhile, captain Shai Hope steadied the innings with a composed knock.

Hope received strong support from Roston Chase as the pair added 64 runs for the third wicket. Notably, he reached a quick fifty and eventually scored 75 off 46 balls.

Later in the innings, Italy picked up wickets in quick succession, dismissing Chase and Rovman Powell. However, late cameos from Sherfane Rutherford (24*) and Matthew Forde (16*) lifted the total to 165 for 6 in 20 overs. For Italy, Ben Manenti and Crishan Kalugamage claimed two wickets each.

Shamar Joseph’s record-breaking spell

Notably, he became the first cricketer in T20I to claim four wickets and take four catches in a single match, an achievement never seen before in the tournament

Shamar Joseph struck early in the innings and set the tone for West Indies. At first, he dismissed Italian captain Harry Manenti for 8 runs. Soon after, he removed Grant Stewart for 12 and then sent back Thomas Draza for 5.

Later, he completed his four-wicket haul by dismissing Ali Hasan. Notably, he finished with excellent figures of 4 for 30 from four overs, showing control and pace throughout.

This performance marked his maiden four-wicket haul in T20 World Cup matches. Moreover, it was his first four-fer in T20Is overall. He now has seven wickets from four games in the tournament and 24 wickets from 19 T20Is.

Shamar Joseph’s impact was not limited to bowling. He contributed equally in the field and grabbed four catches. He caught Anthony Mosca, Syed Naqvi, JJ Smuts, and Gian‑Piero Meade. Therefore, his combined bowling and fielding effort created a historic all-round match performance that powered West Indies to victory.

Italy struggle in the chase

Italy’s chase of 166 never gained momentum. Opening pair Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca started the innings, yet Justin fell early for 2. Anthony scored 19 before departing. Zain Naqvi and captain Harry Manenti failed to settle, leaving Italy at 61 for 4 halfway through.

Later, JJ Smuts and Ben Manenti attempted a recovery with scores of 24 and 26. Nevertheless, West Indies bowlers kept striking at regular intervals. Shamar Joseph led the attack, while Matthew Forde picked up three wickets and Gudakesh Motie added two. As a result, Italy were bowled out for 123 in 18 overs, falling short by 42 runs.

With this win at Eden Gardens, two-time champions West Indies ended the group stage with four wins from four matches. Italy concluded their maiden T20 World Cup campaign with only one victory.