WI vs ITA might look like a dead rubber on paper, but do not tell that to either dressing room. West Indies vs Italy at Eden Gardens on February 19 carries real weight for two very different reasons. West Indies arrive as Group C’s best side, unbeaten in three games, with a net run rate of +1.820 and a Super Eight spot already booked.
Italy walked in with just two points, eliminated, but far from finished. Their 10-wicket demolition of Nepal proved they belong on this stage. This West Indies vs Italy T20 gives the Caribbean giants a chance to sharpen their form before the knockout rounds.
It gives Italy a shot at a famous farewell victory. Eden Gardens will serve up a fast outfield, short boundaries, and a batting track that rewards intent. The West Indies vs Italy cricket team players who fire early will control this match completely.
Table of Contents
Match Details of WI vs ITA
- Match: West Indies vs. Italy (Match 37, Group C).
- Date & Time: February 19, 2026, at 11:00 AM IST.
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
- Head-to-Head: This is their first-ever T20I meeting; Italy is making its tournament debut in 2026.
- Live Streaming: Fans in India can watch the live action on the JioHotstar App and website.
- Broadcaster: Star Sports Network.
- Tickets: Official tickets can be purchased via the ICC Ticketing Portal or through the official booking partner, BookMyShow.
Team News
The West Indies plan to rotate players carefully in their final Group C match on Thursday, February 19, 2026, to save their key players for the Super Eight stage while still trying to maintain their winning streak.
Brandon King is likely to retain his spot as he seeks to regain batting form, while coach Daren Sammy may provide opportunities to bench players like Jayden Seales or Quentin Sampson. Italy will definitely be without their permanent captain Wayne Madsen, who remains sidelined following a shoulder dislocation earlier in the tournament.
Harry Manenti will continue to lead the side as acting captain, supported by key performers Benjamin Manenti and the Mosca brothers, as they look to conclude their maiden World Cup campaign with a strong performance at Eden Gardens.
Probable Playing XIs
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
Italy: Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (c), Benjamin Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (wk), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan
Eden Gardens Pitch Report
Eden Gardens has hosted four T20 World Cup 2026 matches so far. The average first-innings score sits around 181. Two matches went to the teams batting first, and two to the teams chasing.
The outfield runs fast, boundaries are reachable, and the surface offers early pace before settling into a batter-friendly track by the sixth over. Winning the toss and reading conditions clearly matter here. Teams that bat first must post at least 175 to stay competitive.
3 Tactical Keys
1. West Indies Powerplay Domination
Brandon King and Shai Hope must attack in the first six overs. Italy’s pace attack lacks international depth, and the Eden Gardens surface rewards top-order aggression early. If the West Indies reach 60-plus in the Powerplay, the game moves firmly in their favour before the 10th over.
2. Italy’s Middle-Over Wicket Plan
Italy’s best chance is taking three wickets between overs 7 and 15. Grant Stewart and Jaspreet Singh must bowl disciplined lines targeting the stumps. If they dry up runs and create pressure, Italy can keep the total below 160 and chase competitively on a fast outfield.
3. Spin in the Middle Overs
Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie will target Italy’s inexperienced middle order between overs 8 and 16. West Indies used spin effectively against Nepal and England. On this surface, left-arm spin from Hosein can trap right-handers on the crease and generate big wicket moments.
Players to Watch
Shimron Hetmyer (West Indies)
Hetmyer averages 52.29 in this tournament with a strike rate of 177.66. He smashed unbeaten scores of 64 against Scotland and 46 against Nepal. He reads the field quickly and clears the ropes on both sides. Italy’s bowlers have no realistic plan to contain him if he gets in.
Jason Holder (West Indies)
Holder leads the West Indies’ bowling attack with seven wickets in three matches. His length and seam movement trouble batters who lack experience against quality pace. He will target the top of Italy’s order early and could wrap up the innings inside 15 overs.
Justin Mosca (Italy)
Mosca carries Italy’s batting with 272 runs in this tournament at a strike rate of 150.27. He held Italy together in every chase and power play. Against the West Indies, he must bat through the innings and rotate the strike smartly to keep his team in the contest.
Wayne Madsen (Italy)
Madsen brings experience from leagues around the world to the Italian dressing room. He reads match situations well and can anchor one end while Mosca goes after the attack. His calm approach under pressure gives Italy a steadying influence at number four or five.
WI vs ITA Match Prediction
West Indies is the hot favourite in the West Indies vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 match. Their batting depth, experienced bowling attack, and superior tournament form make them heavy favourites.
Italy will fight hard, but their bowling lacks the firepower to contain King, Hope, and Hetmyer on a fast Eden Gardens surface. Expect West Indies to post 185-plus and defend it comfortably, or chase down any total within 15 overs.
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