The West Indies, led by Shai Hope, and Italy are set to clash in a Group C fixture at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, February 19. The match gives the 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 enters the contest with high confidence after already securing a place in the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Italy, the tournament debutants, will aim to test themselves against the Caribbean team following an encounter with England.
Both teams will assess the Eden Gardens surface before finalising their combinations. This article provides the probable playing XIs and tactical insights for the upcoming clash.
West Indies Playing XI vs Italy
The West Indies management are 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 (c & wk)
Brandon King and Shai Hope form a balanced opening pair. King bats with aggressive intent while Hope stabilizes at the top. The skipper is in excellent form, having scored an unbeaten 61 against Nepal, and will look to lead from the front once again.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder
The middle order is packed with power and experience, featuring Shimron Hetmyer, who contributed a vital unbeaten 46 in the previous game. All-rounders like Jason Holder, who recently took a brilliant four-wicket haul, and Roston Chase add depth in both departments.
Bowlers: Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph
Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie will look to exploit any turn at Eden Gardens. Matthew Forde and Shamar Joseph provide pace and swing, with Forde delivering an economical spell against Nepal.
West Indies Predicted XI: Brandon King, Shai Hope (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph.
Italy Playing XI vs West Indies
Italy will enter this match as the underdogs but with the spirit of a team that has already tasted success in their maiden World Cup. They are expected to field a side that blends associate experience with the technical skills of their key overseas-based players.
Openers: Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca
The Mosca brothers are the backbone of the Italian batting line-up. Anthony Mosca has been the standout performer, scoring a match-winning 62 against Nepal to secure Italy’s first-ever T20 World Cup win.
Middle-Order Batters: JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (c), Benjamin Manenti, Marcus Campopiano
Veteran JJ Smuts brings valuable experience to the middle order, while captain Harry Manenti adds leadership and stability. Marcus Campopiano and Benjamin Manenti play key roles in keeping the scoreboard moving against the West Indies’ quality spin attack.
Bowlers: Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (wk), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan
Grant Stewart and Ali Hasan lead the pace attack, with Hasan impressing by taking key wickets in the powerplay during the tournament. Crishan Kalugamage and Jaspreet Singh provide additional bowling depth, with Kalugamage’s leg-spin crucial in the middle overs.
Italy Predicted XI: Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (c), Benjamin Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (wk), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan.
