The 29th match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 will be between England and Italy in Kolkata. This article covers the ENG vs ITA Match No. 29 preview, including the pitch report, weather forecast, head-to-head records, probable playing XIs, and live streaming details.
England walks into this crucial Group C match hurt and under serious pressure after facing a 30-run defeat against the West Indies. This loss pushed the former champions to the fourth spot in the points table. They are now standing at a dangerous point with a -0.650 net run rate and two points.
One more defeat and their Super 8 hopes could suffer a massive setback. On the other hand, the debutant side, Italy, arrives with fire in their eyes and belief in their hearts.
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Italy crushed Nepal by 10 wickets to jump above England in the points table, and now they would love to create history against England in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
ENG vs ITA Match 29 Preview:
Match Details:
Match Date: The 29th match of the T20 World Cup 2026 will be played on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Venue: The match will take place at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Time: The match is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM IST.
ENG vs ITA Squads:
England Squad: Harry Brook (C), Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (WK), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood, Josh Tongue, Rehan Ahmed, Jamie Overton, Ben Duckett
Italy Squad: Wayne Madsen (C), Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (WK), Crishan Kalugamage, Thomas Draca, Ali Hasan, Jaspreet Singh, Marcus Campopiano, Syed Naqvi, Zain Ali
ENG vs ITA Predicted Playing XIs:
England Playing XI: 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 Playing XI: Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smuts, Wayne Madsen (C), Ben Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (w), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan
ENG vs ITA Key Battles
Phil Salt vs Ali Hasan
Phil Salt is England’s explosive opener. He attacks from the first ball and can destroy any bowling attack in the powerplay. But Italy’s left-arm pacer Ali Hasan brings discipline and control with the new ball. The battle between Salt and Hasan could decide this crucial Group C match’s momentum and put one team under early pressure in Kolkata.
Jofra Archer vs The Mosca Brothers
Anthony Mosca and Justin Mosca stunned the cricket world with a fearless 124-run chase, smashing unbeaten fifties and rewriting history against Nepal. On the other hand, Jofra Archer is known for his raw pace and sharp bounce. Jofra’s one fiery spell can shatter even the boldest opening pair in seconds, making their battle an interesting one to watch out for.
JJ Smuts vs Adil Rashid
JJ Smuts brings experience and calm to Italy’s middle order, where England’s wicket-taking spinner, Adil Rashid, hunts with deadly googlies. One mistake and Rashid can bring the collapse. This battle of brains and skill could change the outcome of the T20 World Cup 2026 group match.
Harry Brook vs Crishan Kalugamage
England captain Harry Brook walks in with swagger and can tear apart the middle overs. But Italy also has a silent weapon in Crishan Kalugamage. The in-form leg-spinner loves turning tracks. If Kolkata offers grip, Kalugamage’s piercing spin could trap Brook and trigger a dramatic collapse.
ENG vs ITA Key Players
England: Phil Salt, Harry Brook, Adil Rashid, Jacob Bethell, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Liam Dawson
Italy: Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, Harry Manenti, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart
ENG vs ITA Group C Match – Free Live Streaming and Telecast Details
TV Broadcast in India: The ENG vs ITA T20I will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network, which holds the rights for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India.
Online Live Streaming in India: This match will be live-streamed on the Jio Hotstar app and website.
ENG vs ITA Match No. 29 Weather Report, Pitch Report of Eden Gardens, Kolkata
ENG vs ITA Weather Report of Kolkata:
The weather for the England vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 match in Kolkata on Monday, February 16, is expected to be sunny and clear. The temperature is expected to be around 19°C-32°C. There is no rain threat, and fans can enjoy a 40-over match in Kolkata.
ENG vs ITA Pitch Report of Eden Gardens:
Eden Gardens promises a thrilling battle between bat and ball in this T20 World Cup clash. The pitch offers bounce for pacers early but slows down later, so there will certainly be help for the spinners.
Since the match will be played in the afternoon, there will be no dew factor. With a fast outfield, 180+ is competitive. But one mistake at Eden Gardens can trigger a massive collapse.
ENG vs ITA Head-to-Head Records:
| Stats | Matches | ENG Won | ITA Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| In T20 World Cups | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
ENG vs ITA Head-to-Head Records: Key Statistics
England and Italy are set to create history in the T20 World Cup 2026. They have never faced each other in a T20 International before. Their first-ever T20I clash will take place on February 16 in Kolkata. It is a crucial match, as both teams are fighting hard for a place in the Super 8.
ENG vs ITA – Conclusion:
England and Italy will face each other for the first time in T20Is at Eden Gardens. Debutants Italy currently rank higher than England in Group C. But England will have an upper hand because they have a strong spin attack, and Eden Gardens historically assists spinners. And then England must outbeat Italy and improve their net run rate to stay in the race for the Super 8 round.
