England will face Italy in the 29th match of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in Kolkata. This article covers the ENG vs ITA match prediction, including the toss analysis, pitch report, head-to-head records, predicted scores, probable XIs, and winning probabilities.
The Harry Brook-led England cricket team will be aiming to make a strong comeback against the debutant Italy after the West Indies setback. This Group C match will be a do-or-die clash for England, so they have to beat Italy in Kolkata to keep their Super 8 dreams alive.
On the other hand, Italy has been in sizzling form, and they will be confident when they face England after beating Nepal by 10 wickets in their previous game. They are also above England in the points table, and now they would love to extend their momentum in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
ENG vs ITA Match Prediction: Who Will Win Game No.29?
Match Details:
Match: England vs Italy, Match No. 29, ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Date: February 16, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM IST
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Live Streaming: Jio Hotstar
Live Broadcast: Star Sports Network
ENG vs ITA Match Prediction, Head-to-Head Record
England and Italy have not yet played either a T20I match or a T20 World Cup match against each other. So, they are eager to create history in their first-ever T20I clash in Kolkata.
While Italy comes into the match riding on a massive win over Nepal, England aims for a strong comeback after the West Indies handed them a painful defeat.
Pitch Report & Conditions
Eden Gardens in Kolkata is offering a balanced pitch in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. The surface gives good bounce and pace for batters, but also supports the bowlers.
It is known as a high-scoring ground, but in this event, scores range between 147 and 207. Teams batting first have won slightly more matches, so captains usually prefer to bat first and post a big total at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
ENG vs ITA Weather Report
The weather in Kolkata for the England vs Italy Group C match is expected to be warm and clear, with no interruptions from rain. The temperature will be 19°C to 29°C.
ENG vs ITA Match Prediction, Probable XIs
ENG vs ITA 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/Harry Manenti (C), Ben Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (w), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan
Toss Impact
At Eden Gardens, the toss can make a big difference in the T20I cricket. The pitch is traditionally good for the batters at the start, but as the game progresses, it tends to slow down later. Teams batting first often take advantage, winning about 60% of games.
In the second innings, spinners get extra help, and the ball comes slower. So, the chasing teams find it tough to keep up the run rate, making run scoring very challenging.
Form and Fitness
England’s form has been inconsistent, while Italy enters this match with high confidence after their first World Cup victory. England would want Sam Curran to fire all guns, while Italy would be hoping their captain Wayne Madsen would be fit for this crucial game after dislocating his left shoulder against Scotland.
Score Prediction
The first-innings scores at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata are usually between 170 and 180 in the ongoing tournament. Given that, if England bats first at this venue, they are likely to score between 180 and 195 runs because of their aggressive and fearless batting lineup.
However, if Italy bats first at the Eden Gardens, they are likely to struggle against England’s spinners, especially Adil Rashid, and could post around 130–145 runs on the board.
Read Also: India reminded of old wounds by World Cup winner ahead of Pakistan clash at T20 World Cup 2026
ENG vs ITA: Players to Perform Prediction
England: Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Sam Curran, Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson
Italy: Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Ben Manenti, JJ Smuts, Crishan Kalugamage, Grant Stewart, Ali Hasan
ENG vs ITA: Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for England in the match?
Jos Buttler or Harry Brook
Who will score the most runs for Italy in the match?
Anthony Mosca or Justin Mosca
ENG vs ITA: Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for England in the match?
Aadil Rashid or Sam Curran
Who will pick the most wickets for Italy in the match?
Ali Hasan or JJ Smuts
Conclusion: Who Will Win the ENG vs ITA Match No.29?
England enters Match 29 of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 as clear favorites against Italy. Italy has impressed in this tournament, but England’s stronger squad and experience give them a big edge.
