The Eden Gardens in Kolkata hosts a Group C dead rubber that pits the tournament’s most dominant side against its most endearing debutants. West Indies have been nothing short of spectacular—three wins from three, a net run rate of +1.820, and the scalp of pre-tournament favorites England already in the bag. They are through to the Super 8 as group winners regardless of this result, a testament to their explosive batting and tournament-best bowling attack. Italy, meanwhile, are living the dream. Their debut World Cup campaign has already delivered a historic first victory, a 10-wicket demolition of Nepal and a performance against England that had the cricketing world taking notice. The Mosca brothers announced themselves on the global stage, Ben Manenti smashed 60 off 25 against England, and the Azzurri have proven they belong. This is a dead rubber in name only. For Italy, it’s a chance to test themselves against two-time champions and leave with heads held high. For West Indies, it’s about maintaining momentum and giving their fringe players valuable game time ahead of the Super 8.
West Indies vs Italy Win Probability
RCBW vs DCW Batting Tips
WI vs ITA, Group C T20 World Cup 2026 37th Match Details
| Match | ICC T20 World Cup 2026, 37th Match, Group C |
| Date | Thursday, February 19, 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 AM (IST) |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Live Streaming (TV) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | JioHotstar |
WI vs ITA Team Form – Who Will Win Today’s Match?
West Indies
West Indies are in imperious touch (W, W, W, L, W), with three dominant tournament wins. Their key strength is a batting lineup firing in unison. Shimron Hetmyer leads with 133 runs, including 64 vs Scotland and 46 vs Nepal. Sherfane Rutherford’s 76 off 42 against England announced his arrival. Captain Shai Hope finally found form with 61 off 44 vs Nepal. The bowling attack is tournament-best, with Jason Holder (7 wickets, including 4/27 vs Nepal), Romario Shepherd (6 wickets, including a hat-trick), and a world-class spin unit. The psychological edge is immense—they are playing perfect cricket.
Italy
Italy’s form is spirited (L, W, L, W, W), with one historic tournament win and a creditable performance against England. Their key strength is explosive middle-order batting. Ben Manenti smashed 60 off 25 against England (strike rate 240), while Grant Stewart blasted 45 off 23. Justin Mosca has been consistent at the top (43 off 34 vs England). The bowling attack is balanced, with Crishan Kalugamage leading (5 wickets) and five bowlers taking three or more wickets. Their realistic objective is to compete fearlessly and leave with pride intact.
WI vs ITA Probable Playing XI
West Indies Probable XI-
Brandon King, Shai Hope (C & WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie.
Italy Probable XI-
Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (C), Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Marcus Campopiano, Gian-Piero Meade (WK), Crishan Kalugamage, Jaspreet Singh, Ali Hasan.
WI vs ITA Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)
| Total Match Played | 00 |
| WI Won | 00 |
| ITA Won | 00 |
| Draw/No Result | 00 |
WI vs ITA Pitch Report
The Eden Gardens pitch offers a balanced surface with excellent pace and bounce early on. The quick outfield aids stroke-making. There is little help for pacers, who must rely on line and length. As the new ball’s shine fades, spin bowlers come into play, offering turn and grip. The average first-innings score in this World Cup is 175. Scotland posted the tournament-high 207 here. 3 of the 4 matches have been won by the chasing team.
WI vs ITA Weather Report
Conditions will be mostly cloudy with temperatures around 28-31°C. There is a 5-10% chance of rain. The sun will peek through the clouds, and it won’t be very hot. Play is unlikely to be interrupted.
WI vs ITA Toss Prediction
The captain winning the toss will likely choose to bat first. Despite chasing teams winning 3 of 4 matches at this venue in the World Cup, the day game conditions mean the surface will slow and offer more grip for spinners in the second innings. Setting a target is the preferred option.
WI vs ITA Match Prediction
This is a dead rubber between a team at its peak and a team playing with freedom.
West Indies’ case: They are playing perfect cricket. Shimron Hetmyer is in the form of his life. Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd form the tournament’s most lethal bowling partnership. The spin unit, led by Gudakesh Motie, is world-class. They have the confidence of beating England comprehensively and the momentum of three consecutive wins.
Italy’s case: They have Ben Manenti—a genuine match-winner who smashed 60 off 25 against England. Grant Stewart provides explosive lower-order hitting. Crishan Kalugamage leads a balanced attack. They have nothing to lose, which can be dangerous. The freedom of playing without pressure could unlock their potential.
However, the gulf in every department is cavernous. Italy’s bowling was taken for 202 by England in 20 overs, West Indies’ batting was equally explosive. Their batting, while spirited, is inconsistent.
Expect West Indies to approach this with professional intensity—even with potential rotation, their depth is frightening. Hetmyer will attack from ball one. The bowlers will hunt wickets in clusters. Italy will compete. Manenti may produce another magical innings, the Mosca brothers may score but West Indies’ superior class, depth, and momentum should see them secure a comprehensive victory and complete a perfect group stage campaign.
WI vs ITA Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeeper: Shai Hope, Gian-Piero Meade
- Batters: Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Justin Mosca
- All-rounders: Jason Holder, Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart
- Bowlers: Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Crishan Kalugamage
Captain (C) Pick: Shimron Hetmyer,Shai Hope.
Vice-Captain (VC) Pick: Ben Manenti, Romario Shepherd.
