West Indies will look to continue their unbeaten run when they face Italy in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Thursday. After wins over Scotland, England and Nepal, Shai Hope’s side has already secured a place in the Super 8 stage with one match still to play.
Both West Indies and England are on six points in Group C, but the Caribbean side sits at the top due to a better net run rate. With qualification confirmed, the team management could experiment with combinations, though key performers are expected to keep their spots. In-form batters like Shimron Hetmyer and captain Shai Hope have been crucial, while Jason Holder has provided leadership and breakthroughs with the ball.
Italy look to end its debut campaign on a high
Italy, meanwhile, are out of contention after their loss to England ended their Super 8 hopes. However, they will aim to finish their maiden T20 World Cup campaign with a strong performance.
ALSO READ | Why did Abhishek Sharma wear Mohammed Siraj’s jersey in T20 World Cup match?
The European side created history earlier in the tournament by registering their first-ever T20 World Cup win, chasing down Nepal’s 123-run target without losing a wicket. The Mosca brothers, Justin and Anthony, starred in that match and are expected to continue at the top. Leg spinner Crishan Kalugamage, with five wickets, has been Italy’s leading bowler.
Harry Manenti will continue as captain after Wayne Madsen dislocated his shoulder in Italy’s opening match against Scotland.
ALSO READ | Three matches, three ducks: Abhishek Sharma enters unwanted record list at T20 World Cup 2026
Live streaming, venue and match details
The match will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, February 19. The game is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. IST (5:30 a.m. GMT).
In India, the match will be telecast live on Star Sports Network channels, while fans can stream it on the JioHotstar app and website.
Predicted XIs
West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph.
Italy: Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (c), Benjamin Manenti, Grant Stewart, Marcus Campopiano, Gian-Piero Meade (wk), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan.
