West Indies vs Italy, 37th Match, Group C

The upcoming 37th Match of Group C at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 between West Indies and Italy at Eden Gardens promises an intriguing contest. West Indies have a storied history in T20 cricket, showcasing formidable power hitters and experienced bowlers. Their recent form has been mixed; while they possess match-winners like Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder, the team has struggled with consistency in the last five outings. Italy, relatively newcomers on the global T20 stage, have shown spirited performances and tactical discipline, highlighted by their famous qualification to the World Cup. They rely heavily on marquee players such as Jasdeep Singh and captain George Munsey for steady performances. Head-to-head encounters between these two sides are minimal, making this clash unpredictable. Strategically, West Indies will likely exploit their explosive batting lineup on a batting-friendly Eden Gardens wicket, aiming to set or chase a challenging total. Italy, on the other hand, will depend on disciplined bowling and field restrictions to keep the runs in check while looking to upset an established team. The pressure of a group match in a world event could either spur West Indies to assert their dominance or provide a platform for Italy’s fearless approach to emerge victorious. Considering experience, team quality, and home advantage, West Indies start as favorites but cannot underestimate Italy’s hunger and tactical nous.

If West Indies bat first, a total around 170-180 runs seems plausible given the flat track and their aggressive batting style. Their lineup is capable of accelerating powerplays and death overs, making 180 an achievable score. Should Italy get the opportunity to bat first, a score in the range of 150-160 is expected. Italy's batting, while improving, tends to be cautious and methodical. They will aim to build partnerships and take advantage of any loose bowling but may find it challenging to maintain the scoring rate against the world-class West Indies bowlers on a pace-friendly pitch.

Eden Gardens traditionally offers a balanced pitch with something for both batsmen and bowlers. Historically, the average first-innings score hovers around 165 runs, with teams batting second winning approximately 55% of the matches, indicating slight advantage for chasers. The surface tends to slow down as the game progresses, making the initial overs crucial. Weather forecast predicts clear skies and mild humidity, ideal for cricket without interruptions. West Indies’ best performer at this ground is the hard-hitting batter Nicholas Pooran, who once scored 85 off 50 balls here. Italy's Jasdeep Singh boasts the best bowling figures against West Indies, with 3 wickets in a T20 international held previously. The ground’s large outfield might challenge boundary hitting but complements aggressive stroke players and sharp fielders.

Matches Played	West Indies Wins	Italy Wins
2	2	0

Team Recent Performance

Team	Last 5 Matches	Wins	Losses
West Indies	W, L, W, L, W	3	2
Italy	L, W, W, L, W	3	2

Nicholas Pooran: Known for his aggressive finishing, Pooran has recently scored 150+ runs in the tournament, showcasing excellent form and threatening any bowling attack.

Jason Holder: As an all-rounder, Holder contributes crucial wickets and valuable runs down the order, recently taking 7 wickets and scoring vital 80 runs in last 5 matches.

Romario Shepherd: His pace bowling in powerplay overs has been impressive, accumulating 9 wickets in recent fixtures to restrict opponents early.

Jasdeep Singh: Italy’s leading fast bowler, who has picked up important wickets consistently, including a 3-wicket haul against West Indies, making him a vital player.

George Munsey: The Italian captain and top-order batsman, Munsey has been in good touch, scoring 120+ runs with a strike rate above 130 in the tournament.

Marcus Campopiano: Emerging talent with handy contributions both with bat and ball, Campopiano averages 25 with 6 wickets in the last 5 games, adding all-round value to Italy’s squad.