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STAT ATTACK: Shamar Joseph becomes the first player in T20I history to record 4 catches and 4 wickets in a single match.

Player of the Match: Shai Hope

Shai Hope (POTM): "[How do you value this innings in terms of the context of the game?] Well, the way I see it, I always try to contribute as much as I can. In these games, I’m mainly batting — and keeping as well — but more so focusing on my batting. As long as I’m scoring runs and contributing to team wins, I’m very pleased. Today, I thought the wicket was a good one. I felt as though I could have gone on a bit longer and given the team more impetus at the back end, but I’m still happy with the win.

[How do you sort of come up with the planning as to how deep at what pace you go?] The honest reality is that when you face opposition you’re unfamiliar with, you can do all your planning in the dressing room and before you get to the ground, but there’s still some uncertainty about what a few of their players are going to do.

It was the first time some of us had faced those bowlers. I thought they bowled really well in practice, so scoring wasn’t easy at the start of the game. I felt we needed to be a bit more ruthless with them in the first six overs and put them under more pressure. But overall, I’m happy with the result we got in the end."

Harry Manenti (Italy Captain): "[Pleased with the bowling effort] We were very happy with our bowling effort. We know the power they possess. After limiting them to 160-odd, we were very happy.

[Reason behind the loss today] We kept losing wickets in crucial times today. We didn't get the partnerships going today and it resulted in our loss today.

[Thoughts on how the tournament went for his side] I'm really proud of the whole group. There were different stages in the tournament when different boys have put their hands up. I'm proud as a captain. The boys have showed what they can do. To the guys who don't get the spotlight, it was good to see them coming in and showcasing their skills.

[Positives from this tournament] The ability to keep fighting against the sides like England and West Indies. We haven't nailed the full game of cricket yet. We were good against England. We could have been good today. But we haven't nailed a complete performance.

[Expectations moving forward] It's not easy to be honest. Portions need to go everywhere. From the Italian point of view, if we can get support from ICC and the other nations, we could improve. We need some polishing. The more we play cricket together, the more we will be competitive against sides like West Indies."

Shai Hope (West Indies Captain): "[How did you see the way you went about that innings?] Like I said previously, I thought the pitch was pretty decent. We probably should have had a bit more on the board, especially considering how the wicket played in the first couple of overs. As I mentioned earlier, it’s different when you’re facing a few unfamiliar bowlers. In that situation, I felt we could have added more impetus to the innings, particularly through the middle period. But again, there are plenty of learnings to take from it. If we find ourselves in that position again, we need to be a bit more forceful — especially against stronger opposition. That’s not to take anything away from Italy, but when it’s crunch time, you’ve got to make sure you capitalize on more deliveries.

[On bowlers] Yeah, very proud. They’re executing really well — not just in this tournament, but even in the previous series. We’re playing the shots we need to, and I feel the confidence and clarity we have in our bowlers give us much clearer execution overall. In this situation, it’s about doing it consistently, over and over again, and going as far in the competition as we possibly can.

[On group stage phase] Yeah, I always focus on the present — those things are in the past. Of course, we can look back and use those experiences to build the momentum we’re after. But this is tournament cricket, and you’ve got to bring your best every game, especially in a Cricket World Cup. It’s great to see the guys coming out, giving their best, and executing the way they need to. As you said, we’re four from four, and we just need to keep this momentum going all the way through.

[On batting depth] It’s a fine margin. Yes, we know we have batting depth, but we still need to apply smart batting — especially against international opposition, where anyone can get you on the day. You’ve got to be clinical and ruthless in your stroke play. No matter how much depth we have, we must make sure we’re capitalizing on the right deliveries. Regardless of who’s out there in the middle, it’s about doing it for the team.

[You're happy with where the guys are?] Yeah, for sure. Four from four — that’s exactly where we wanted to be. We aim to reach the next stage, and we just have to take it one game at a time. Let’s see if we can go all the way."

Another clinical performance from West Indies and they make it four wins in a row. They will be riding with confidence. Italy, on the other hand, can hold their heads high as they showed great fight in their maiden T20 World Cup appearance. The action doesn't stop though as the high-octane clash between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe begins soon. Do switch tabs to follow it live.

For now, this is Akshay Bhide, signing off, on behalf of my co-commentators Deepak Prakash, Pritam Dey, scorer Raju Khariya and statistician Aman. Until next time, cheers and good bye.