Scotland take on Italy in Match No. 7 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as both teams look to strengthen their position in Group C. The clash at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, carries importance for two sides eager to gain early momentum in the tournament.
Match details
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Date: Monday, February 9, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM IST, 9:30 PM PST (February 8), 5:30 AM GMT
Tournament context and overview
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has already delivered competitive cricket, and this Group C encounter adds another intriguing matchup between an experienced associate side and a rapidly improving European team. Scotland enter the match under pressure after a string of recent losses, while Italy arrive with confidence following their impressive qualification campaign. With group points at a premium, this fixture could play a key role in shaping the mid-table standings.
Scotland team overview
Scotland have endured a difficult run in T20 internationals, losing their last three matches, including a defeat against the West Indies. Those results have highlighted issues around consistency at the top of the order and execution during the closing overs. Despite that, Scotland remain a well-drilled side with a strong core of players who have featured regularly in global tournaments.
George Munsey continues to be the cornerstone of their batting unit, offering aggressive starts and experience in subcontinental conditions. Captain Richie Berrington provides balance and leadership through the middle order, while all-rounders such as Brandon McMullen and Michael Leask add depth with both bat and ball. Scotland’s bowling attack, led by Safyaan Sharif and Mark Watt, will focus on discipline and control, especially on a surface that rewards smart variations.
Italy team overview
Italy’s qualification for the twenty-team T20 World Cup has been one of the tournament’s standout stories. They earned their place through strong performances in the qualifiers, previously under Joe Burns, who is not part of the current World Cup squad. Leadership duties now rest with Wayne Madsen, whose experience at domestic and international levels has added structure to the side.
Italy’s strength lies in collective execution rather than individual stardom. Their batting unit relies on steady partnerships, with JJ Smuts and Harry Manenti playing key roles in stabilising the innings. The bowling attack, featuring a mix of seam and spin, focuses on restricting runs rather than outright pace, which could be effective on the Eden Gardens surface as the match progresses.
Head-to-head record
Scotland and Italy have faced each other twice in T20 internationals, with both teams claiming one victory each. Scotland won the first meeting on July 24, 2023, while Italy emerged victorious in their most recent encounter on July 9, 2025. With the rivalry evenly balanced, this match serves as an important tiebreaker at World Cup level.
Pitch report: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Eden Gardens is one of the most historic venues in world cricket and continues to offer competitive conditions in T20 matches. The pitch is expected to be good for batting early, allowing stroke-makers to play through the line with confidence. As the game moves forward, bowlers who use cutters, slower deliveries, and accurate lengths tend to gain assistance. Recent T20 international results at the venue suggest that teams batting first and defending a total have enjoyed greater success, making the toss a key factor.
Probable playing XIs
Scotland:
George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (captain), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross (wicketkeeper), Mark Watt, Michael Leask, Oliver Davidson, Safyaan Sharif, Brad Currie
Italy:
Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Wayne Madsen (captain), Harry Manenti, Gian-Piero Meade (wicketkeeper), Grant Stewart, Marcus Campopiano, Jaspreet Singh, Ali Hasan, Crishan Kalugamage
Live streaming and broadcast information
In India, the match will be broadcast live on JioStar Network channels, with digital streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website. Viewers in Pakistan can watch the match through official ICC broadcast partners on television and approved digital platforms. In the United Kingdom, the game will be available on designated ICC rights-holding sports channels and their streaming services. Australian audiences can follow the action via local sports broadcasters with ICC rights, along with their official apps. Global viewers can access the match through ICC-authorised TV networks and streaming platforms in their respective regions.
Match prediction
This contest is expected to be closely fought. Scotland hold an advantage in terms of experience and familiarity with high-pressure World Cup fixtures, while Italy bring momentum and a disciplined approach that makes them competitive. Conditions at Eden Gardens suggest that the team batting first and managing the middle overs effectively will be better placed to control the game. If Scotland’s top order delivers a solid start, they are likely to edge ahead, but Italy possess enough structure and bowling control to challenge strongly if they execute their plans.
