West Indies, led by Shai Hope, will look to continue their unbeaten run in Group C during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. They will take on Italy in their final group-stage match at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, February 19.
The Men in Maroon have been the team to beat in this tournament. They have already secured their place in the Super 8 after three consecutive wins over Scotland, England and Nepal. Meanwhile, Italy created history with a stunning 10-wicket win over Nepal.
Notably, Italy suffered a 73-run defeat to Scotland in their opening match. The Italians now have their chance to prove that they can compete against world-class opponents on the biggest stage.
This article covers WI vs ITA Match 37, including match preview, live streaming details, pitch and weather conditions, head-to-head statistics and key players.
West Indies vs ITA Match 37 Preview:
Date and Place:
Eden Gardens, Kolkata will host the Group C match between West Indies and Italy on Thursday, February 19.
Squad:
West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk/captain), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Moti, Shamar Joseph, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Jaden Seales, Quentin Sampson.
Italy: Wayne Madsen (captain), Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smits, Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (wk), Jasprit Singh, Chrishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan, Thomas Dreka.
West Indies vs ITA Probable XI:
Romario Shepherd, who did not play in the recent match against Nepal, is expected to be rested and Matthew Ford will remain in the playing eleven. They may also consider giving a chance to Jayden Seales in the eleven for this poor performance.
West Indies playing XI: Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk/captain), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Moti, Shamar Joseph.
Regular captain Wayne Madsen dislocated his shoulder against Scotland. Madsen missed the next two matches against Nepal and England. He could return for their final group-stage match against the Shai Hope-led side.
Italy Playing XI: Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smits, Harry Manenti (captain), Ben Manenti, Marcus Campopiano/Wayne Madsen, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (wk), Jasprit Singh, Krishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan.
WI vs ITA major battle
Brandon King vs Jaspreet Singh
Brandon King has been giving explosive starts to West Indies and will look to dominate the powerplay at the Eden Gardens. Italy’s Jasprit Singh will aim to find the early movement to disrupt King’s rhythm. Early success could put the Caribbean top order under pressure.
Shai Hope vs JJ Smits
The battle for the middle overs is likely to involve West Indies captain Shai Hope against the experienced spin of JJ Smuts. Hope is technically strong, but Smuts’ ability to take turn from the Kolkata surface could make it an interesting contest.
Harry Manenti vs Gudakesh Moti
Harry Manenti has been a reliable middle-order batsman for Italy and faces a tough challenge against Gudakesh Moti. Moti’s control and variation in left-arm spin will be key in limiting Italy’s scoring during the middle stages of the innings.
Shimron Hetmyer vs Ben Manenti
Shimron Hetmyer is a powerful hitter who provides vital support to the West Indies batting during the middle overs. Ben Manenti’s accurate off-spin has been a vital tool for Italy, helping to provide success in the middle stages of the innings and controlling the scoring rate.
West Indies vs ITA Key Players:
West Indies: Shai Hope, Gudakesh Moti, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King.
Italy: JJ Smits, Harry Manenti, Wayne Madsen, Ben Manenti, Jasprit Singh.
WI vs ITA Free Live Streaming, Live Telecast in India
TV rights in India: The West Indies vs ITA match will be telecast live on Star Sports Network, the official broadcaster of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Live Streaming Platform in India: Fans can live stream the match on JioHotstar app and website.
When will the match happen? The Group C match will be played on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Where will the match be played? This competition is going to be held in Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
How to watch live telecast of West Indies vs ITA match on television? Viewers can watch the match live by tuning in to Star Sports channels.
West Indies vs ITA Match 37 Weather Report, Eden Gardens Pitch Report
WI vs ITA Kolkata Weather Report:
The weather in Kolkata is expected to be sunny and ideal for cricket on the morning of 19th February. Temperatures will range between 28°C and 31°C, with no threat of rain, ensuring a perfect competition.
WI vs ITA Pitch Report at Eden Gardens:
The surface at Eden Gardens has traditionally been batting friendly but the new ball provides early support to fast bowlers. Chasing has been the preferred option at this venue, with eight of the 15 T20 matches won by teams batting second.
Fair competition is seen on the pitch of Eden Gardens. Seamers enjoy early bounce and movement, while becoming easier to bat when conditions are favourable. Spinners gain control in the middle overs. The average score of the first innings is 158, and the average of the second innings is 137.
WI vs ITA head-to-head record: key stats
West Indies and Italy have never faced each other in T20 international matches. This is the first clash between the two sides on the global stage.
West Indies vs ITA – Conclusion:
Given the world-class depth and explosive form of their batting unit, West Indies will enter the match as favourites. While Italy have shown strong progress and technical composure, the skill difference in the bowling department is likely to favor the Caribbean side.
Unless the Italian batsmen produce competitive scores, West Indies are expected to secure an easy win in their final group-stage match.
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