Latest previews
SportCricket
SCOScotland
VS
ITAItaly

Scotland vs Italy Prediction & Match Preview – T20 World Cup 2026, 7th Match

Scotland open their search for a first points of the tournament against Italy after a defeat in their first match. Chasing 183 against West Indies, they were 37 for 3 in the powerplay before Richie Berrington (42 off 24) and Tom Bruce (35 off 28) added 78, but the innings ended on 147 and the margin was 35 runs. Scotland are expected to keep the same side, with George Munsey and Michael Jones keen to improve at the top and Brandon McMullen looking to build on his 14. Berrington has 2,377 runs from 103 T20Is.

Bradley Currie was the pick of the bowlers in that game with 2 for 23 from four overs, and Oliver Davidson, Safyaan Sharif and Michael Leask also took one wicket each. Medium pacers such as Sharif and Currie should suit Eden Gardens, with Mark Watt, Davidson and Leask applying pressure through the middle overs.

Italy are in uncharted territory but come in after winning both warm-up matches, against Canada and the UAE. Anthony Mosca hit a rapid fifty against the UAE and opens with his brother Justin. Captain Wayne Madsen, 42, has 205 runs in seven T20Is for Italy, while Grant Stewart has 473 runs at a strike rate of 159.8 and 17 wickets. Ben Manenti is in form after a Big Bash League spell and an eight-wicket haul in the Europe qualifier.

Probable playing XI

Scotland

  1. George Munsey
  2. Michael Jones
  3. Brandon McMullen
  4. Richie Berrington (c)
  5. Tom Bruce
  6. Matthew Cross (wk)
  7. Michael Leask
  8. Mark Watt
  9. Oliver Davidson
  10. Safyaan Sharif
  11. Bradley Currie

Italy

  1. Anthony Mosca
  2. Justin Mosca
  3. Marcus Campopiano
  4. JJ Smuts
  5. Wayne Madsen (c)
  6. Gian-Piero Meade (wk)
  7. Grant Stewart
  8. Harry Manenti
  9. Ben Manenti
  10. Thomas Draca
  11. Jaspreet Singh

Pitch report

Eden Gardens usually offers true bounce and a quick outfield, so batters can play their shots and first-innings totals commonly range from the mid-150s to 180 or more. The surface can slow a little as the game wears on, bringing spinners into play in the middle overs, while seamers need variations. Dew at night can make bowling harder later on.

Weather

Warm and sunny for the late-morning start, with temperatures around 27 °C, clear skies, light winds and moderate humidity. No rain is expected.

Expected scores

  • 1st innings: 150–165
  • 2nd innings: 145–160

Frequently asked questions

Is this Italy’s first T20 World Cup?

Yes. Italy are making their debut in the tournament and in any Cricket World Cup, and are in a group that also includes England and Scotland.

How did Scotland begin their campaign?

They lost to West Indies by 35 runs, bowled out for 147 while chasing 183 after a collapse, despite a 78-run stand between Richie Berrington and Tom Bruce.

Who are Italy’s main threats?

Anthony and Justin Mosca at the top, all-rounders Grant Stewart and JJ Smuts, and captain Wayne Madsen, with the Manenti brothers contributing with bat and ball.

About ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

More ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 previews

All previews