England take on Italy in a high-stakes Group-stage encounter as the race for the Super Eight intensifies. While England look to stabilize their campaign, Italy arrive brimming with confidence after a landmark victory that has already reshaped perceptions.
Match details
Venue: Eden Gardens
Date: Monday, February 16
Time: 3:00 PM IST, 2:30 PM PST, 9:30 AM GMT
Team overviews
England
England enter Match 29 knowing that consistency has eluded them so far in the tournament. The Harry Brook-led side started with a narrow four-run win against Nepal, a result that exposed several areas of concern. A subsequent 30-run defeat to the West Indies further underlined their struggles with momentum and execution. However, a crucial victory over Scotland on Saturday has kept England’s Super Eight hopes alive and restored a measure of belief within the camp.
England’s batting lineup boasts depth and power, but it has often failed to fire collectively. The middle order, in particular, has faced pressure in tight situations. With the ball, England have relied on their pace attack to strike early, while the spin department has focused on control rather than aggression.
Italy
Italy arrive in Kolkata riding the high of a historic performance. Their emphatic 10-wicket win over Nepal marked their first-ever victory in a T20 World Cup and showcased their growing maturity at the international level. That result erased memories of a heavy 73-run defeat to Scotland and placed Harry Manenti’s side firmly in the conversation for a potential playoff push.
Italy have played fearless cricket, especially with the bat, where their top order has shown clarity and intent. Their bowling unit has complemented this approach with disciplined lines and strong fielding support. Facing England presents a significant step up in quality, but Italy have already proven that they can handle pressure moments.
Key players
Jacob Bethell has emerged as a vital contributor for England. The left-hander has scored 120 runs across three matches at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 139.54. His ability to adapt to conditions and rotate strike makes him well-suited to the Eden Gardens surface, where true bounce rewards confident stroke play. Jofra Archer remains England’s primary strike weapon with the ball, especially in the powerplay.
For Italy, captain Harry Manenti continues to lead from the front, both tactically and with his all-round contributions. JJ Smuts adds experience to the batting order, while the bowling attack will look to contain England’s aggressive batters rather than engage in outright contests.
Head-to-head record
England and Italy meet for the first time in T20 internationals. While the two nations share a storied rivalry in football, their cricketing head-to-head record currently stands at 0-0, making this a historic first encounter between the sides in the shortest format.
Pitch report
Eden Gardens has hosted three matches so far in the 2026 T20 World Cup, producing high-scoring and competitive games. The average first-innings score stands around 181, with teams batting first winning two of those contests. The boundaries remain relatively short, and the outfield stays quick, encouraging batters to play through the line. Bowlers will need variations and precise execution to succeed on a surface that offers minimal margin for error.
Probable playing XIs
England XI:
Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid
Italy XI:
Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (c), Ben Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (wk), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan
Probable match scenarios
If England bat first, they will aim to capitalize on the batting-friendly conditions and post a total in excess of 180, allowing their bowlers to attack with freedom. If Italy bat first, expect them to focus on a strong powerplay and controlled acceleration, targeting a defendable score while relying on disciplined bowling and sharp fielding to create pressure.
Live streaming and broadcast
In India, the match will be broadcast live on JioStar Network Channels and streamed on the JioHotstar app and website. Viewers in Pakistan can follow the action through official sports channels and authorized digital platforms carrying ICC rights. Audiences in the UK and Australia can watch via their respective official ICC broadcast partners and streaming services. Global viewers can access the match through region-specific ICC-approved broadcasters and apps.
Match prediction
England enter the contest as clear favorites due to their experience, depth, and firepower across departments. Italy’s recent historic win gives them confidence, but England’s pace attack and batting strength on a true surface should prove decisive. Italy can challenge if they seize early momentum, but England are expected to secure the points and stay on course for the Super Eight.