England vs Italy Prediction & Match Preview – T20 World Cup 2026, 29th Match

England have steadied their campaign with a five-wicket win over Scotland at Eden Gardens, chasing 153 after early wickets. Tom Banton’s unbeaten 63 earned him Player of the Match. It was their second win in three matches and lifted them to second in Group C, one win away from a Super Eight place, though they had earlier lost to the West Indies and narrowly got past Nepal.

Phil Salt and Jos Buttler have yet to deliver a big score, Salt’s best being 30 and Buttler having 50 runs in total. The middle order has done the work, with Jacob Bethell on 120 runs in three games, Harry Brook 74 and Sam Curran 73. Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson have taken nine wickets between them, and Jofra Archer bowled a strong spell last time.

Italy are celebrating a historic first T20 World Cup win, by 10 wickets against Nepal. Crishan Kalugamage and Ben Manenti led the bowling as Nepal were held to 123. Anthony Mosca then hit an unbeaten 62 off 32 balls and his brother Justin an unbeaten 60 as the target was reached in 12.4 overs without loss. JJ Smuts adds experience, and Italy are playing fearlessly.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

Eden Gardens is generally good for batting early on, with true bounce, a fast outfield and shorter side boundaries. First-innings totals often run from the mid-150s to 180 and beyond. The surface can slow later, helping spinners in the middle overs, while seamers depend on variations.

Weather

Expect dry, sunny and warm conditions by mid-afternoon, at around 33 °C, with no significant chance of rain or cloud. February is one of the drier months in Kolkata.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 175–195
• 2nd innings: 155–175

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