ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group C’s action continues on Iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata for an interesting encounter between England and tournament debutants Italy. Two-time champions England are coming into this match on the back of a crucial five-wicket win over Scotland, keeping their Super 8 hopes alive. Meanwhile, Italy are riding the highest wave in their cricket history after achieving a stunning 10-wicket win over Nepal, their first win in the World Cup. While it seems like a mismatch on paper, the ‘Azurri’ have shown they have the spirit to challenge the established order.
England vs ITA, T20 World Cup 2026: Match Details
- date and time: 16 February (Monday); 3:00 PM IST / 9:30 AM GMT
- venue: Eden Garden, Kolkata
England vs ITA, head-to-head record
Matches played: 0 (this is their first international meeting).
eden gardens pitch report
Eden Gardens has maintained its reputation high scoring venue This tournament, however, has offered a balanced battle. The surface generally provides good pace and carry for the fast bowlers initially, but the spinners have to perform well due to the abrasive nature of the pitch. adil rashid and of Italy chrisan kalugamage There will be shopping in the middle overs. The average score at this venue in the 2026 World Cup has been around 170. Since it’s an afternoon game, dew factor It will be negligible, due to which the pitch is likely to be a little slow in the second innings. The captain will probably win the toss. elect to bat first Setting a long goal on a fresh surface.
Team dynamics and key players
England: Harry Brook’s side have been somewhat inconsistent but showed composure in their chase against Scotland. tom banton (63* vs Scotland) while anchoring Phil Salt And jos buttler They remain the most explosive opening pair in the group. His bowling is his biggest asset; jofra archer has regained its apparent momentum, and adil rashid Remains the master of subcontinental conditions. England need a dominant win here to increase their net run rate and secure a top two finish in Group C.
Italy: The Italian team is a blend of professional experience and inspired local talent – which is famously highlighted by chrisan kalugamageA pizza chef by profession who took 3/18 to destroy Nepal. captain Harry Mananti Leads a resilient side strengthened by the experience of JJ Smits And grant stewart. After their clinical 10-wicket chase, Italy will keep an eye on their openers Justin Mosca And anthony mosca To face the early attack of the English fast bowlers. Their aim will be to take the game deep and take advantage of any nervousness in the England camp.
squads
England: Harry Brook (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethel, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tong, Luke Wood.
Italy: Wayne Madsen (captain), Marcus Campopiano, Gian Piero Meade, Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Chrisann George Kalugamage, Harry Mainenty, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Benjamin Mainenty, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smits, Grant Stewart, Thomas Dracula
England vs ITA, T20 World Cup 2026: Today Match Prediction
Case 1:
- England won the toss and batted first
- England Powerplay Score: 55-65 (6 overs)
- England’s total score: 195-205
Case 2:
- Italy won the toss and batted first
- Italy Powerplay Score: 35-45 (6 overs)
- Italy’s total score: 130-140
Match Result: England will win the tournament.
