England and Italy will lock horns against each other in the 29th match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Monday, February 16, 2026. It will be England’s fourth match while Italy’s third game in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.
This article provides the probable playing XIs of West Indies and Nepal for the 25th match of the tournament, likely team combinations, and key players to watch at the Wankhede Stadium.
Read Also: Blessing Muzarabani named Mustafizur Rahman’s replacement at KKR
England Playing XI vs Italy, Match No. 29, T20 World Cup 2026
Openers: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (WK)
Phil Salt gives England a powerful start by attacking from the first ball. He will put Italy under pressure. Jos Buttler will build on Salt’s momentum and play as an anchor under pressure. Their partnership will be crucial to keep England’s T20 World Cup hopes alive.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (C), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson
England’s middle order is packed with firepower, ready to crush Italy’s confidence at Eden Gardens. Captain Harry Brook provides the stability in the middle order, while Tom Banton’s aggressive shots will target Italy’s medium-pacers, and Jacob Bethell provides the crucial left-right combination in the middle order. His left-arm spin will also be handy at the Eden Gardens.
Will Jacks will not only form a lethal spin attack alongside Adil Rashid but can also contribute crucial runs at the death. On the other hand, Sam Curran and Liam Dawson will control middle overs and score handy lower-order runs.
Bowlers: Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid
Adil Rashid will be England’s key weapon at the Eden Gardens. Rashid will not allow Italy to build big partnerships. Liam Dawson will support the senior English spinner perfectly, keeping the pressure on. Jofra Archer will lead the fast-bowling attack, and he will be a big threat for Italy given his speed of 145–150 kph.
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 vs England, Match No. 29, T20 World Cup 2026
Openers: Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca
Italy’s Mosca brothers are on fire. Justin holds the innings steady, while Anthony provides the fireworks at the top. Their fearless partnership is giving Italy a real chance to challenge England and pull off a massive upset in the T20 World Cup.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Gian Meade, JJ Smuts, Wayne Madsen/Harry Manenti (C), Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Zain Ali
Italy’s middle order and all-rounders are the heartbeat of the team. Harry Manenti’s aggressive lower-order hitting and early seam breakthroughs will be key, and he will once again lead Italy if Wayne Madsen misses the crucial game in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
JJ Smuts will anchor the innings while his left-arm spin controls the middle overs. Ben Manenti will bowl tight lines, contribute quick runs, and stabilize pressure situations. Grant Stewart dominates the death overs with big hits and clever bowling. Gian Meade offers flexibility to open or bat in the middle, and Zain Ali adds extra variety to the pace attack.
Read Also: Riyan Parag reveals Yashasvi Jaiswal’s reaction to losing Rajasthan Royals captaincy race
Bowlers: Jaspreet Singh, Ali Hasan, Crishan Kalugamage
Crishan Kalugamage leads Italy’s spin attack, aiming to trouble England’s Brook and Curran. He will exploit Eden Gardens’ slow patches to choke runs and force mistakes. Ali Hasan will target Salt and Buttler in the powerplay. He can also bowl in the death overs to contain runs.
Jaspreet Singh controls the middle overs, keeping pressure on England. Having spent time in Kent, Jaspreet’s knowledge of English batters makes him a key weapon for Italy.
Italy Playing XI: Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smuts, Wayne Madsen/Harry Manenti (C), Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (w), Zain Ali, Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan
