The 29th match of the current T20 World Cup 2026 will be held between England and Italy in Kolkata. This article covers ENG vs ITA Match No. 29 preview, including pitch report, weather forecast, head-to-head records, probable playing XIs and live streaming details.
England are hurt and under severe pressure in this crucial Group C match after facing a 30-run defeat against West Indies. This defeat pushed the former champions to fourth place in the points table. They now stand at a dangerous juncture with a -0.650 net run rate and two points.
Another defeat and their Super 8 hopes could face a major blow. On the other hand, the budding team, Italy, comes with fire in their eyes and belief in their hearts.
Also read: Blessing Muzarabani replaces Mustafizur Rahman in KKR
Italy jumped above England in the points table after defeating Nepal by 10 wickets and will now look to create history against England in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
ENG vs ITA Match 29 Preview:
Match Details:
Match date: The 29th match of T20 World Cup 2026 will be played on Monday 16 February 2026.
venue: This match will be held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Time: The match is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM IST.
England vs ITA Squad:
England team: Harry Brook (captain), Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethel, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood, Josh Tong, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Ben Duckett.
Italy squad: Wayne Madsen (captain), Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smits, Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (wk), Chrisann Kalugamage, Thomas Dreka, Ali Hasan, Jaspreet Singh, Marcus Campopiano, Syed Naqvi, Zain Ali
England vs ITA Predicted Playing XI:
England’s playing XI: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethel, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid.
Italy Playing XI: Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smits, Wayne Madsen(c), Ben Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade(w), Jaspreet Singh, Chrisann Kalugamage, Ali Hasan
England vs ITA Major Battle
phil salt vs ali hassan
Phil Salt is England’s explosive opener. He attacks from the first ball and can destroy any bowling attack in the powerplay. But Italy’s left-arm fast bowler Ali Hasan brings discipline and control with the new ball. The battle between Salt and Hasan could dictate the pace of this crucial Group C match and put one team under early pressure in Kolkata.
Jofra Archer vs The Mosca Brothers
Anthony Mosca and Justin Mosca stunned the cricket world by scoring unbeaten fifties while chasing 124 against Nepal fearlessly and rewrote history. Jofra Archer, on the other hand, is known for his raw pace and sharp bounce. A quick spell from Joffra can shatter even the bravest of salami duos in seconds, making their battles a riveting sight to behold.
JJ Smits vs Adil Rashid
JJ Smuts brings experience and calmness to Italy’s middle order, where England’s wicket-taking spinner Adil Rashid hunts with lethal googlies. One mistake could bring Rashid’s downfall. This battle of brains and skills can change the outcome of the group match of the T20 World Cup 2026.
harry brooks vs chrisson kalugamage
England captain Harry Brook walks with swag and can rebel in the middle overs. But Italy also has a silent weapon in the form of Chrisan Kalugamage. The in-form leg spinner likes turning tracks. If Kolkata provides hold, Kalugamage’s piercing spin could trap Brook and lead to a dramatic collapse.
England vs ITA Key Players
England: Phil Salt, Harry Brook, Adil Rashid, Jacob Bethel, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson
Italy: Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, Harry Manenti, Chrishan Kalugamage, Ali Hassan, JJ Smits, Grant Stewart
England vs ITA Group C Match – Free Live Streaming and Telecast Details
TV broadcasting in India: The ENG vs ITA T20I will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network, which holds the rights for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India.
Online Live Streaming in India: This match will be live-streamed on Jio Hotstar app and website.
England vs ITA Match No. 29 Weather Report, Pitch Report of Eden Gardens, Kolkata
England vs ITA Kolkata weather report:
The weather is expected to be sunny and clear for the England vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 match in Kolkata on Monday, February 16. The temperature is expected to be around 19°C-32°C. There is no threat of rain and fans can enjoy the 40-over match in Kolkata.
England vs ITA Eden Gardens pitch report:
Eden Gardens promises an exciting battle between bat and ball in this T20 World Cup encounter. The pitch provides bounce for fast bowlers initially but slows down later, so there will definitely be help for the spinners.
Since the match will be played in the afternoon, there will be no effect of dew. With a fast outfield, 180+ is competitive. But one mistake in the Gardens of Eden could lead to massive collapse.
England vs ITA head-to-head records:
| statistics | Matchbox | England won | ita won | no results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| overall | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| In T20 World Cup | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
England vs ITA head-to-head records: key stats
England and Italy are set to create history in the T20 World Cup 2026. They have never faced each other in T20 Internationals before. Their first T20I match will be held on 16 February in Kolkata. This is an important match, as both the teams are fighting hard to make it to the Super 8.
Also Read: Revealed: How can Australia still qualify for Super 8 after shocking defeat against Zimbabwe in T20 World Cup 2026?
ENG vs ITA – Conclusion:
England and Italy will face each other for the first time in T20 at Eden Gardens. Newcomers Italy are currently above England in Group C. But England will have the upper hand as they have a strong spin attack, and the Eden Gardens historically favor spinners. And then England will have to beat Italy and improve their net run rate to stay in the race for the Super 8 round.
