West Indies will face Italy in the 37th match ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Thursday (February 19) at the famous Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Although the two-time champions qualified for the Super 8 with an unblemished record, Italy’s debut campaign comes to an end regardless of the result on Thursday.
West Indies enter the match with three comprehensive wins – against Scotland, England and Nepal – sitting top of the group with six points and a whopping net run rate of +1,820.
Meanwhile, Italy – 27th and the lowest-ranked team in the tournament – exceeded expectations for the first time in an ICC event. After a heavy defeat to Scotland, they bounced back 10-wicket clear victory over Nepal before pushing England to the brink of a narrow 24-run defeat. For them, this match is the last opportunity to create memories.
WI vs ITA, T20 World Cup 2026: Match Details
- Date and Time: February 19 (Thursday); 11:00 IST / 5:30 GMT
- Location: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
WI vs ITA Head to Head Record in T20Is
Both teams are yet to face each other in international cricket.
Eden Gardens Pitch Report
Eden Gardens has lived up to its label as a run-friendly venue in this tournament, if not one-sided. The pitch usually offers lively pace and quick action with the new ball, but as it wears, its abrasive surface begins to aid spin. It brings bowlers like West Indies Gudakesh Movement and of Italy Crishan Kalugamage comes into play during intermediate passes.
The total number of first innings at this venue in the 2026 T20 World Cup has been around 175, highlighting the scoring potential while rewarding disciplined bowling. Given the conditions, the captain who wins the toss is likely to bat first and aim to post a tough finish on the new track before slowing down at the end of the match.
Groups
West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Jayden Seales, Quentin Sampson, Johnson Charles
Italy: Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (c), Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Marcus Campopiano, Gian Meade (wk), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan, Syed Naqvi, Zain Ali, Thomas Draca, Wayne Madsen
Also READ: Corbin Bosch excited as South Africa thrash UAE in T20 World Cup 2026
WI vs ITA, T20 World Cup 2026: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- West Indies win the toss first
- West Indies powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
- West Indies total score: 210-220
Case 2:
- Italy wins the toss first
- Italy powerplay score: 40-50 (6 overs)
- Italy total score: 180-190
Match Result: West Indies won the competition.
