England will face Italy in the 29th match of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in Kolkata. This article covers ENG vs ITA match prediction, including toss analysis, pitch report, head-to-head records, predicted scores, probable XI and win chances.
The Harry Brook-led England cricket team will be aiming to make a strong comeback against Italy for the first time since the West Indies shock. This Group C match will be a do-or-die match for England, so they will have to beat Italy in Kolkata to keep their Super 8 dreams alive.
Italy, on the other hand, are in great form and will be confident when they face England after defeating Nepal by 10 wickets in their previous match. They are also above England in the points table, and will now look to carry their momentum into the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
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ENG vs ITA Match Prediction: Who will win game number 29?
Match Details:
match: England vs Italy, Match No. 29, ICC T20 World Cup 2026
date: 16 February 2026
Time: 3:00 PM IST
venue: Eden Garden, Kolkata
live streaming: jio hotstar
Live broadcast: star sports network
England vs ITA Match Prediction, Head-to-Head Records
England and Italy have not played any T20I match or T20 World Cup match against each other yet. Hence, they are eager to create history in their first T20I encounter in Kolkata.
While Italy are coming into the match on the back of a massive win over Nepal, England will be aiming to make a strong comeback after their painful defeat to West Indies.
Pitch Report and Terms
Eden Gardens, Kolkata is offering a balanced pitch in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The surface provides good bounce and pace for the batsmen, but also helps the bowlers.
It is known as a high-scoring ground, but in this event, scores range between 147 and 207. Teams batting first have won slightly more matches, so captains usually prefer to bat first and post a big score at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
eng vs ita weather report
The weather is expected to be warm and clear in Kolkata for the England vs Italy Group C match, with no interruption from rain. The temperature will be 19°C to 29°C.
England vs ITA Match Prediction, Probable XI
England vs ITA 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/Harry Manenti (c), Ben Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (w), Jaspreet Singh, Krishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan
toss effect
The toss at Eden Gardens can bring a big change in T20I cricket. The pitch is traditionally good for the batsmen in the beginning, but it slows down as the game progresses. Teams batting first often hold the advantage and win about 60% of the games.
In the second innings the spinners get extra help and the ball comes slower. Therefore, chasing teams find it difficult to maintain the run pace, making it very challenging to score runs.
form and fitness
England’s form has been inconsistent, while Italy go into this match with high confidence after their first World Cup win. England will want Sam Curran to show his full strength, while Italy will be hoping their captain Wayne Madsen will be fit for the crucial game after dislocating his left shoulder against Scotland.
score prediction
In the ongoing tournament at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, the first innings score is usually between 170 and 180. Given this, if England bat first at this venue, they are likely to score between 180 to 195 runs due to their aggressive and fearless batting lineup.
However, if Italy bat first at the Eden Gardens, they are likely to struggle against the England spinners, especially Adil Rashid, and may score around 130-145 runs on the board.
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England vs ITA: Prediction of players to perform
England: Jacob Bethel, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson
Italy: Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Ben Manenti, JJ Smits, Chrisann Kalugamage, Grant Stewart, Ali Hassan
England vs ITA: Prediction of best batsman
Who will score the most runs for England in the match?
Jos Buttler or Harry Brook
Who will score the most runs for Italy in the match?
Anthony Mosca or Justin Mosca
England vs ITA: Best Bowler Prediction
Who will take the most wickets for England in the match?
Adil Rashid or Sam Curran
Who will take the most wickets for Italy in the match?
Ali Hasan or JJ Smuts
Conclusion: Who will win England vs ITA match number 29?
England enter the 29th match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 against Italy as clear favourites. Italy have impressed in this tournament, but England’s strong team and experience is giving them a huge lead.