KOLKATA, 19 February 2026 – The West Indies are looking to maintain their perfect record in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as they face tournament debutants Italy today at the historic Eden Gardens. Having already secured their spot in the Super 8 stage with three consecutive victories, the two-time champions enter this final Group C fixture as heavy favourites, while Italy aims to cause a major upset following a competitive showing earlier in the week against England.
Match Update: Italy Opt to Bowl
In the latest developments from the ground, Italy won the toss and elected to bowl first. The decision suggests the Italian side is looking to exploit any early moisture in the Eden Gardens pitch before the surface settles for the second innings. West Indies captain Shai Hope noted at the toss that while qualification is secured, the team is focused on “fine-tuning combinations” ahead of the high-stakes Super 8 round.
Italy, led by the inform Ben Manenti, has been the surprise package of Group C. Despite a narrow 24-run loss to England two days ago, the Associate nation earned significant praise for pushing the defending champions to the limit. Manenti, who scored a blistering 60 against England, remains the key wicket for the West Indian bowling attack.
Match Details and Venue Stats
The encounter at Eden Gardens is expected to favour the batsmen as the match progresses, though the venue is known for offering some assistance to spinners in the middle overs. The West Indies have a formidable record in Kolkata, most famously winning the 2016 T20 World Cup title at this very ground.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Match Number | 37 (Group C) |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India |
| Date | 19 February 2026 |
| Toss | Italy (Opted to bowl) |
| West Indies Form | 3 Wins, 0 Losses (Qualified for Super 8) |
Road to the Super 8
The West Indies’ journey through Group C has been clinical. They opened their campaign with a 35-run victory over Scotland and followed it up with a dominant performance against Papua New Guinea. Their most recent victory ensured they would finish at the top of the group regardless of today’s result.
For Italy, this match represents a historic opportunity. While their chances of progressing to the Super 8 were extinguished following England’s victory over them on Tuesday, a strong performance against the West Indies would cement their status as a rising force in international T20 cricket. Public sentiment on platforms like Reddit has been overwhelmingly positive toward the Italian “Azzurri,” with many fans highlighting the competitive nature of the Associate nations in this edition of the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch West Indies vs Italy live?
The match is being broadcast live on Star Sports 1 HD in India and is available for digital streaming on the JioHotstar platform. Fans in the Caribbean can follow the action via local sports networks.
Has Italy ever played the West Indies in a T20I before?
No, this match marks the first-ever T20 International meeting between the West Indies and Italy. Italy is making its debut appearance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026.
Who has already qualified for the Super 8 from Group C?
The West Indies and England have both officially qualified for the Super 8 stage from Group C. Scotland, Italy, and Papua New Guinea have been eliminated from the tournament.
What is the weather forecast for Kolkata today?
The forecast for 19 February 2026 in Kolkata is clear with no threat of rain, ensuring a full 20-over contest for both sides.