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THE TIMES OF INDIA | Feb 19, 2026, 10:53:16 IST
West Indies vs Italy Live Score, T20 World Cup 2026: West Indies, two-time T20 World Cup champions, will aim to sharpen their combinations and sustain momentum when they take on debutants Italy in their final Group C match on Thursday. The Caribbean side, which last lifted the trophy at this venue a decade ago, appears to be rediscovering rhythm at the right time as the Super Eights loom.
Under Darren Sammy’s guidance, West Indies have shown signs of peaking. Skipper Shai Hope rediscovered form with a fluent unbeaten 61 against Nepal, while Shimron Hetmyer has delivered solidity and power in the middle order. Sherfane Rutherford has emerged as a key finisher, highlighted by a blistering unbeaten 76 against England, showcasing his ability to dominate at the death.
The bowling unit has also looked balanced, with Matthew Forde impressing with his economy and Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie providing control in the middle overs. With tough Super Eights fixtures against Zimbabwe, South Africa and India ahead, West Indies will be keen to build confidence at Eden Gardens, a venue that holds fond memories for the team.
For Italy, already eliminated, the match represents a chance to bow out with pride in their debut World Cup campaign. The Mosca brothers have been influential at the top, setting a record for the highest T20 World Cup partnership by siblings. Ben Manenti has been in excellent form, while Harry Manenti has led the side admirably in Wayne Madsen’s absence following his injury.
Despite being newcomers, Italy have shown fighting spirit, including a dominant win over Nepal and a strong chase against England. They will hope to end their campaign with a statement performance, even if only for the record books.
Before we get underway, the two teams will line up for the national anthems. The match officials lead the way, followed by the two sets of players. It will be Italy's national anthem, followed by the anthem of the West Indies.
PITCH REPORT - Simon Doull reports lovely conditions at the venue, with ideal weather for a good contest. He informs that the pitch is situated closer to the western side of the ground. In terms of dimensions, one side measures 71 metres, the other 59 metres, with 73 metres straight down the ground. Samuel Badree describes the venue as an unforgiving one for bowlers. Further says that it has been the best ground for six-hitting in this World Cup, with the fewest balls required per six. He observes a nice covering of grass on the surface. Badree notes that yorkers are always a strong option, but suggests the 6-8 metre length could be just as effective, where the strike rate drops to just under a run a ball. He also advises bowlers to make good use of cutters and to be mindful of the shorter square boundary. Doull adds that if he were captain, he would have chosen to bat first on this surface.
A pillar of West Indies cricket - A massive moment as Jason Holder joins the elite club of 300 international caps. Shimron Hetmyer presents Jason Holder with a commemorative cap and a 300 printed jersey to mark the veteran's milestone 300th international appearance.
T20 World Cup Live Score: What is at stake?
T20 World Cup Live Score: For West Indies, the result may not affect qualification, but momentum is everything heading into the Super Eights. A dominant performance would boost confidence before high-pressure clashes against Zimbabwe, South Africa and hosts India.
For Italy, this is about legacy. Their maiden World Cup journey has already delivered history, and ending with a competitive display would underline their progress in international cricket.
With both teams eager to make a statement for different reasons, an intriguing contest awaits at Eden Gardens.
WI vs ITA Live Score: Key contests to watch
WI vs ITA Live Score: One of the key contests today will be Italy’s top order against West Indies’ disciplined bowling attack. Matthew Forde’s control in the middle overs and Gudakesh Motie’s variations could be crucial in restricting the Mosca brothers and Ben Manenti.
On the batting front, Italy’s bowlers will face a stern test against a powerful West Indies lineup featuring Hope, Hetmyer and Rutherford. Containing Rutherford at the death could be decisive.
Eden Gardens has traditionally been a high-scoring venue, but disciplined bowling and smart field placements will determine the outcome.
WI vs ITA Live Score: Italy look to end campaign on high
WI vs ITA Live Score: Italy may be out of contention, but their debut World Cup campaign has delivered several standout moments. The Mosca brothers scripted history with the highest T20 World Cup partnership by siblings, while Ben Manenti has emerged as a reliable run-scorer.
Despite captain Wayne Madsen’s injury, the team has shown resilience under Harry Manenti’s leadership. Their victory over Nepal and spirited chase against England underlined their growing confidence and ability to compete at this level.
Today’s match is an opportunity to sign off with pride and perhaps produce a surprise result.
WI vs ITA Live Score: Hope’s return to form major boost
WI vs ITA Live Score: Shai Hope’s return to form has been a major boost for West Indies. After low scores early in the tournament, the skipper responded with a classy unbeaten 61 against Nepal, anchoring a comfortable chase.
Shimron Hetmyer has been consistent with both stability and power, while Sherfane Rutherford’s recent unbeaten 76 showcased his destructive finishing ability. The Caribbean batting unit appears settled and capable of posting or chasing big totals.
In bowling, Matthew Forde has impressed with tight spells, supported well by Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie. With conditions at Eden Gardens familiar, West Indies will look to stamp authority and fine-tune strategies before tougher Super Eights battles.
West Indies vs Italy Live Score: Hello and welcome to TimesofIndia.com for the live coverage of the T20 World Cup 2026 Match No. 37 between West Indies and Italy
West Indies vs Italy Live Score: West Indies face Italy in their final Group C fixture with an eye firmly on the Super Eights. The Caribbean side have been building momentum and will want a clinical performance at Eden Gardens, a venue that holds special significance given their last T20 World Cup triumph here a decade ago.
Italy, meanwhile, are already eliminated but have shown plenty of fight in their debut campaign. The Mosca brothers and Ben Manenti have provided memorable moments, and they will look to finish on a high note.
With West Indies set to face Zimbabwe, South Africa and India in the next round, today’s match offers a chance to test combinations and maintain rhythm.
Momentum key for the team - The skipper of West Indies, Shai Hope says that the toss is not in their control, but they will need to set the tone with the bat. Adds that even with the qualification, the process does not change. Hope mentions that they want to continue playing a good brand of cricket and go into the next round with momentum on their side. Informs that they are unchanged.
Great opportunity to express themselves - The captain of Italy, Harry Manenti believes that there will be a bit in the wicket and they want to have a crack with the ball early on. He mentions that the side will take confidence from their previous outing, but acknowledges that the West Indies are another powerful unit. Shares that their focus is on picking wickets in the first half of the game. Informs that they have made two changes, with Thomas Draca coming in for Jaspreet Singh. He further shares that Syed Naqvi also gets a game with Marcus Campopiano making way.
West Indies (Unchanged Playing XI) - Brandon King, Shai Hope (C/WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein and Shamar Joseph.
Italy (Playing XI) - Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (C), Syed Naqvi (In for Marcus Campopiano), Benjamin Manenti, Grant Stewart, Gian-Piero Meade (WK), Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan and Thomas Draca (In for Jaspreet Singh).
TOSS - Shai Hope and Harry Manenti are in the middle for the coin toss. Up goes the coin, and it lands in Manenti's favour. Italy elect to BOWL first!
West Indies vs Italy Live Score, T20 World Cup 2026: Two-time champions West Indies will look to fine-tune their combination and build momentum when they face spirited debutants Italy in their final Group C match of the T20 World Cup on Thursday. The Caribbean side, which last lifted the title at this very venue a decade ago, appears to be peaking at the right time under coach Darren Sammy.
Skipper Shai Hope has found form at the top, while Shimron Hetmyer and Sherfane Rutherford have added stability and firepower in the middle and lower order. Rutherford’s recent unbeaten 76 showcased his finishing prowess, while Hetmyer has been consistent with impactful knocks. Among the bowlers, Matthew Forde, Roston Chase, and Gudakesh Motie have provided control in key phases.
Italy, already eliminated, will aim to end their maiden campaign on a high. The Mosca brothers have impressed with record-breaking partnerships, while Ben Manenti has emerged as a standout performer. Despite captain Wayne Madsen’s injury, Italy have shown resilience and competitiveness.
With West Indies eyeing a strong Super Eights campaign, this match offers a chance to stamp authority at Eden Gardens, while Italy will look to create a memorable upset.
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