Related Articles
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is entering its final stretch, and the 37th match of the tournament presents a captivating clash between a two-time former champion and a rising European nation. On Thursday, 19th February 2026, the formidable West Indies will take on a spirited Italy at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. As we analyze this WI vs ITLY 37th T20 match prediction, the gulf in experience and pedigree is evident, but Italy has shown they are no pushovers.
The West Indies, under the leadership of Shai Hope, have been a dominant force in Group C. Sitting proudly at the top of the table with a perfect record of three wins from three matches, they have already secured their place in the Super 8s. Their campaign has been built on explosive batting and a varied bowling attack. Shimron Hetmyer has been in scintillating form, amassing 133 runs, while Jason Holder has led the bowling charts with 7 wickets. Their latest victory was a clinical 9-wicket demolition of Nepal, showcasing their depth.
On the other hand, Italy’s maiden World Cup journey has been a mixed bag. Placed fourth in the group with one win and two losses, they are not mathematically out of the running, but they face a monumental task. Their campaign has been highlighted by a fighting spirit, particularly in their last match against England, where they pushed the mighty English to the brink, falling short by just 24 runs. Ben Manenti has been their standout performer, scoring 112 runs and looking comfortable against top-quality bowling. This West Indies vs Italy clash is a mismatch on paper, but T20 cricket thrives on upsets. Italy will take heart from their performance against England and look to cause a major stir at the iconic Eden Gardens.
Match Details
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | WI vs ITLY, 37th T20 Match, Group C |
| Date | Thursday, February 19th, 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 AM Local Time |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
Team Preview
West Indies Team Preview
The West Indies cricket team is once again looking like the team to beat in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. With a perfect record of three wins from three matches, they have dominated Group C and secured their passage to the Super 8s in emphatic style. Their success has been built on the template that made them two-time champions: explosive power-hitting and a deep, varied bowling attack. The batting lineup is a nightmare for any opposition. Shimron Hetmyer has been the standout performer, leading the run-scoring charts for his team with 133 runs. His ability to clear the boundaries at will, combined with his aggressive intent, makes him one of the most dangerous batters in the tournament. He has found the perfect partner in captain Shai Hope, who provides stability and class at the top of the order. Hope’s unbeaten 61 against Nepal was a masterclass in anchoring a chase. The middle order boasts the power of Rovman Powell and the all-round brilliance of Jason Holder, ensuring there are no weak links. With the bat, they can post or chase down any total.
If the batting is destructive, the bowling attack is equally potent. Jason Holder has been in devastating form, claiming 7 wickets with his nagging line and length and clever variations. He is well-supported by the pace of Romario Shepherd and the left-arm spin of Akeal Hosein. For this match against Italy, the West Indies might be tempted to rest a few key players to keep them fresh for the Super 8s. However, given their ruthless nature and the desire to maintain momentum, they are unlikely to take their foot off the gas. Playing at the iconic Eden Gardens, a venue with a rich history, they will be eager to put on a show for the fans and complete a perfect group stage campaign.
Italy Team Preview
For Italy, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has been a journey of growth and validation. Placed fourth in Group C with one win and two losses, they have shown the cricketing world that they belong on this stage. Their campaign has been highlighted by a remarkable fighting spirit, none more so than in their previous match against England. Chasing a mammoth 202, they were reduced to a precarious position early on. However, the middle order, led by the phenomenal Ben Manenti, launched a stunning counter-attack. Manenti smashed 60 runs off just 25 balls, showcasing his clean hitting and temperament. He found able support from Justin Mosca and Grant Stewart, who scored 45 off 23 balls, taking the game deep and giving the English a real scare. While they fell short by 24 runs, the performance earned them respect and proved they can compete with the best.
Ben Manenti has been the star of the show, leading both the batting and bowling charts for his team. With 112 runs, he has been their most consistent batter, and with the ball, he has provided crucial breakthroughs. Captain Wayne Madsen will need to lead from the front and find support from the likes of Grant Stewart and Crishan Kalugamage, who has been their leading wicket-taker with 5 scalps. The bowling attack will need to be at its absolute best to contain the powerful West Indian lineup. This match is a free hit for Italy. With nothing to lose, they can play with freedom and express themselves. A win here, against a two-time champion at Eden Gardens, would be the greatest moment in Italian cricketing history.
Team Squad
West Indies Squad:
Shai Hope (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Quentin Sampson, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd.
Italy Squad:
Wayne Madsen (c), Marcus Campopiano, Gian Piero Meade, Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Crishan Jorge Kalugamage, Harry Manenti, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca.
Probable Playing XI
West Indies Probable Playing XI:
Brandon King, Shai Hope (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph.
Italy Probable Playing XI:
Marcus Campopiano, Justin Mosca, Wayne Madsen (c), Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, JJ Smuts, Gian Piero Meade, Syed Naqvi, Crishan Kalugamage, Jaspreet Singh, Thomas Draca.
Fantasy Team XI
| Role | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Wicket-Keeper | Shai Hope | West Indies |
| Wicket-Keeper | Ben Manenti | Italy |
| Batter | Shimron Hetmyer | West Indies |
| Batter | Brandon King | West Indies |
| Batter | Wayne Madsen | Italy |
| All-Rounder | Jason Holder | West Indies |
| All-Rounder | Grant Stewart | Italy |
| All-Rounder | Romario Shepherd | West Indies |
| Bowler | Akeal Hosein | West Indies |
| Bowler | Crishan Kalugamage | Italy |
| Bowler | Jayden Seales | West Indies |
Building a winning fantasy XI for this WI vs ITLY clash requires a strategy of loading up on dominant West Indian players while picking a few high-value Italian match-winners who have proven their form. We start with the wicket-keepers. West Indies’ captain Shai Hope is in sublime touch, fresh off an unbeaten 61, and provides stability at the top . Italy’s Ben Manenti is a dual threat and a must-have, being their leading run-scorer with 112 runs and a handy bowler .
The batting lineup is heavily West Indian. Shimron Hetmyer is the team’s leading run-scorer and in devastating form. Brandon King provides explosive starts at the top. From Italy, captain Wayne Madsen is their most experienced batter and a key to their middle order .
The all-rounder department is stacked with quality. West Indies’ Jason Holder is a top fantasy pick, leading their wicket-taking charts with 7 scalps and contributing valuable runs lower down. Italy’s Grant Stewart was the hero in the last game with a blistering 45 and is a genuine wicket-taker. Romario Shepherd adds depth with his pace-hitting and medium pace, making him a high-upside pick .
The bowling attack is spearheaded by West Indies’ spin ace Akeal Hosein, who is economical and a wicket-taker in the middle overs. Italy’s Crishan Kalugamage is their leading wicket-taker with 5 scalps and a genuine threat. West Indies’ Jayden Seales provides raw pace with the new ball, capable of running through the top order.
Captain and Vice-Captain Picks:
- Captain: Jason Holder (Leading wicket-taker for WI, all-round contributions, safe fantasy points).
- Vice-Captain: Shimron Hetmyer (In sublime touch, WI’s top scorer, capable of a match-winning knock).
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Team:
- Rovman Powell (WI): Batting lower down the order, he might not get enough deliveries to make a significant fantasy impact if the top order fires.
- JJ Smuts (ITLY): Has had a quiet tournament with both bat and ball. On current form, there are better all-round options available from the Italian side.
Pitch Report
The Eden Gardens in Kolkata is a historic venue known for its balanced surface. It offers good bounce and carry for the pacers initially, while spinners come into play as the game progresses with the pitch slowing down. The boundaries are reasonably sized, and the outfield is fast. Batting first is preferred, with scores around 160-170 being competitive.
Weather Report
Kolkata will experience warm and humid conditions with clear skies. There is no forecast of rain, ensuring a full 20-over contest. Temperatures will be around 28°C with moderate humidity.
Toss Prediction
At Eden Gardens, captains winning the toss prefer to bat first to utilize the best batting conditions and put pressure on the opposition. We predict West Indies will win the toss and bat first.
Probable Best Batter & Bowler
Probable Best Batter: Shimron Hetmyer (West Indies)
Shimron Hetmyer is in the form of his life. With 133 runs already, he has been the linchpin of the West Indian batting lineup. His ability to clear the boundaries with ease and his aggressive intent make him a nightmare for bowlers. On the good batting surface at Eden Gardens, expect him to play another match-winning knock.
Probable Best Bowler: Jason Holder (West Indies)
Jason Holder has been the standout bowler for the West Indies, claiming 7 wickets with his nagging line and length. His ability to bowl in the powerplay, at the death, and use his variations makes him a constant threat. Against a relatively inexperienced Italian lineup, he is primed to add a few more wickets to his tally.
Match Prediction
This is a clear mismatch on paper. The West Indies are a two-time champion with a world-class lineup of power-hitters and a varied bowling attack. Italy have fought valiantly but lack the firepower to compete with the Caribbean giants. Expect the West Indies to win comfortably and complete a perfect group stage campaign.
Our Winner: West Indies Will Win
Legal Disclaimer: All content on cricketpandith.com is provided strictly for informational, analytical, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote, support, or facilitate betting, wagering, or gambling in any form. This website does not offer betting odds, wagering advice, or monetary recommendations. Laws relating to online betting and gambling vary by jurisdiction and may be restricted or illegal in certain regions, including parts of India. Users are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable local laws. Content is intended for audiences in jurisdictions where such material is lawful. cricketpandith.com accepts no liability for actions taken by users based on this content.
