Scotland vs Italy Prediction & Match Preview – T20 World Cup 2026, 7th Match
Match summary
Scotland face debutants Italy at Eden Gardens on 9 February 2026. Read our T20 World Cup preview with form, key players, pitch, weather and likely XIs.
Match details
| Match | Scotland vs Italy, 7th Match |
|---|---|
| Series | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Date | 9 Feb 2026 |
| Start time | 5:30 am GMT / 11:00 am local |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | Scotland |
| Toss pick | Scotland |
Matches in this series
Match preview
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.
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.
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
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 150–165 | – |
| Second innings | 145–160 | – |
Scotland
Scotland’s greater experience, led by Richie Berrington, and a pace attack suited to Eden Gardens make them favourites against World Cup debutants Italy.
Toss pick: Scotland
FAQ
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.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
Scotland
- George Munsey
- Michael Jones
- Brandon McMullen
- Richie Berringtonc
- Tom Bruce
- Matthew Crosswk
- Michael Leask
- Mark Watt
- Oliver Davidson
- Safyaan Sharif
- Bradley Currie
Italy
- Anthony Mosca
- Justin Mosca
- Marcus Campopiano
- JJ Smuts
- Wayne Madsenc
- Gian-Piero Meadewk
- Grant Stewart
- Harry Manenti
- Ben Manenti
- Thomas Draca
- Jaspreet Singh