England vs Italy Match Preview: T20 World Cup 2026, Match 29 – Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Date: February 16, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM GMT / 3:00 PM IST
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Live Streaming: Jio Hotstar
Live Broadcast (India): Star Sports Network / Sony Sports Network

Match Overview

The 29th match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 will see England take on Italy in a high-stakes Group C clash at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. With England still in the hunt for a Super 8s spot, and Italy already showing promise as a debutant, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter.

England, under the leadership of Harry Brook, will look to bounce back from their recent defeat against the West Indies. A win here is crucial for their campaign, while Italy, riding on a 10-wicket thrashing of Nepal, will be eager to continue their momentum and cement their position as a rising force in world cricket.

Head-to-Head Record

This will be the first-ever T20I match between England and Italy, making it a historic clash. Both teams are eager to make their mark in this inaugural meeting.

Pitch and Weather Report

Pitch Report (Eden Gardens):
The pitch at Eden Gardens is generally balanced, offering good bounce and pace for batters in the early overs. However, it tends to slow down in the middle and death overs, aiding spinners. The outfield is fast, and scores above 180 are considered competitive.

Weather Forecast:
The weather is expected to be clear and sunny, with temperatures ranging between 19°C and 29°C. No rain or weather-related interruptions are anticipated.

Probable Playing XIs

England (11):
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (WK), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (C), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid

Italy (11):
Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smuts, Wayne Madsen (C), Ben Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (WK), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan

Key Matchup

• Phil Salt vs Ali Hasan: England’s explosive opener faces a disciplined Italian pacer.
• Jofra Archer vs The Mosca Brothers: A battle of pace and power in the middle overs.
• Adil Rashid vs JJ Smuts: A classic spin vs experience duel in the death overs.

Form and Fitness

England:
England’s form has been inconsistent, with a loss to the West Indies raising concerns. However, their depth in batting and spin bowling gives them a strong chance to bounce back. Key players like Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, and Jos Buttler will need to step up.

Italy:
Italy arrives in high confidence after their 10-wicket win over Nepal. Captain Wayne Madsen will be crucial, but his shoulder injury from the Scotland game could be a concern. If fit, he will be a key figure, alongside the Mosca brothers and Ali Hasan.

Match Prediction and Score Forecast

England First Innings (Batting):
With a strong batting lineup, England are expected to post 180-195 if they bat first.

Italy First Innings (Batting):
Against England’s spin-heavy attack, Italy may struggle and could be 130-145 if they bat first.

Winning Probability:

• England: 65%
• Italy: 35%

Players to Watch

England:

• Jos Buttler – The finisher with a knack for big runs
• Sam Curran – All-rounder with match-winning potential
• Adil Rashid – Spin wizard with a deadly googly
• Jofra Archer – Pace threat with lethal yorkers

Italy:

• Anthony Mosca – Explosive opener
• Justin Mosca – Big-hitter in the middle
• Ali Hasan – Left-arm pacer with control
• JJ Smuts – Experienced middle-order anchor

Best Batsman Prediction

• England: Jos Buttler or Harry Brook
• Italy: Anthony Mosca or Justin Mosca

Best Bowler Prediction

• England: Adil Rashid or Sam Curran
• Italy: Ali Hasan or JJ Smuts

Conclusion: Who Will Win?

While Italy has made a strong start in the tournament, England remain the favorites in this encounter. Their experience, depth, and spin firepower give them a clear edge, especially on a pitch that tends to assist spinners later in the innings. However, Italy’s aggressive batting and disciplined bowling could make it a close contest.

Prediction: England by 8-10 runs

Live Streaming & Broadcast

• Live Streaming in India: Jio Hotstar
• Live TV Broadcast in India: Star Sports Network / Sony Sports Network

Stay tuned for live updates, scorecard, and analysis as England and Italy battle it out in what promises to be a thrilling T20 World Cup 2026 clash.
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