Shai Hope-led West Indies and Italy are set to clash in a Group C match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, February 19. This match will give West Indies a chance to maintain their unbeaten momentum, while Italy will look to cause an upset in the marquee tournament.
The Shai Hope-led side are entering the competition with high confidence having already secured a place in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Italy, who are making their debut in the tournament, will aim to test themselves against the Caribbean team after the clash with England.
Both teams will assess the Eden Gardens surface before finalizing their combinations. This article provides probable playing XIs and tactical insights for the upcoming encounter.
West Indies vs Italy Playing XI
The West Indies management is unlikely to make major changes as they look to maintain their winning streak ahead of the Super 8s. They will face India, South Africa and Australia/Zimbabwe in the next round.
Openers: Brandon King and Shai Hope (captain and wicketkeeper)
Brandon King and Shai Hope form a balanced opening pair. King bats with aggressive intent while Hope remains steady at the top. The captain is in excellent form after scoring an unbeaten 61 against Nepal and would like to lead from the front once again.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder.
The middle-order is full of strength and experience, including Shimron Hetmyer, who made a crucial contribution with an unbeaten 46 in the last game. All-rounders like Jason Holder, who took a brilliant four-wicket haul recently, and Roston Chase add depth to both departments.
Bowlers: Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Moti, Shamar Joseph
Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Moti will look to take advantage of any turn at Eden Gardens. Matthew Forde and Shamar Joseph provide pace and swing, with Forde delivering economical spells against Nepal.
West Indies Probable XI: Brandon King, Shai Hope (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Moti, Shamar Joseph.
Italy Playing XI vs West Indies
Italy will go into this match as underdogs but with the spirit of a team that has already tasted success in the World Cup. They are expected to build a team that blends the collaborative experience of their key foreign-based players with the technical prowess.
Openers: Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca
The Mosca brothers are the backbone of the Italian batting order. Anthony Mosca performed brilliantly and played a key role in Italy winning the T20 World Cup for the first time by playing a match-winning inning of 62 runs against Nepal.
Middle-order batsmen: JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (captain), Benjamin Manenti, Marcus Campopiano
Veteran JJ Smits brings valuable experience to the middle order, while captain Harry Manenti adds leadership and stability. Marcus Campopiano and Benjamin Manenti have been instrumental in keeping the scoreboard ticking against West Indies’ quality spin attack.
Bowlers: Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (wk), Jasprit Singh, Krishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan
Grant Stewart and Ali Hasan lead the pace attack, with Hasan impressing during the tournament by taking vital wickets in the powerplay. Krishan Kalugamage and Jasprit Singh provide additional bowling depth, with Kalugamage’s leg-spin being vital in the middle overs.
Italy Predicted XI: Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (capt), Benjamin Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (wk), Jasprit Singh, Krishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan.