WI vs ITA Match 37 Preview: Free Live Streaming, Pitch & Weather Report, Head-to-Head, Playing XIs | ICC T20 World Cup 2026

WI vs ITA Match 37 Preview: Free Live Streaming, Pitch & Weather Report, Head-to-Head, Playing XIs | ICC T20 World Cup 2026

The West Indies Aim to Maintain Unbeaten Streak Against Italy in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Preview of the WI vs ITA Match 37

The West Indies, under the leadership of Shai Hope, are on a roll in Group C of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as they gear up to face debutants Italy in their final group-stage clash at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, February 19. The Men in Maroon have been dominant in the tournament, securing their spot in the Super 8s with three consecutive wins over Scotland, England, and Nepal. On the other hand, Italy made a mark by registering a remarkable 10-wicket victory over Nepal, but suffered a setback with a 73-run loss to Scotland in their opening match.

Italy now has an opportunity to prove themselves against top-tier opponents on the grand stage. The article covers the WI vs ITA Match 37, providing insights into the match preview, live streaming details, pitch and weather conditions, head-to-head statistics, and key players to watch out for.

Date and Venue:

The Group C encounter between the West Indies and Italy will take place at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, February 19.

Squads:

West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph, Johnson Charles, Matthew Forde, Jayden Seales, Quentin Sampson.

Italy: Wayne Madsen (c), Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (wk), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan, Thomas Draca.

Probable XIs:

West Indies Playing XI: Brandon King, Shai Hope (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph.

Italy Playing XI: Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti (c), Ben Manenti, Marcus Campopiano/Wayne Madsen, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (wk), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan.

Key Battles:

Brandon King vs Jaspreet Singh: Brandon King’s explosive starts will be put to the test by Italy’s Jaspreet Singh, aiming to disrupt his rhythm early on.

Shai Hope vs JJ Smuts: A battle of the middle overs between Shai Hope and JJ Smuts is anticipated, with Smuts’ spin posing a challenge to Hope’s technical prowess.

Harry Manenti vs Gudakesh Motie: Italy’s Harry Manenti will face Gudakesh Motie’s spin, a key battle controlling Italy’s scoring in the middle phase.

Shimron Hetmyer vs Ben Manenti: The power of Shimron Hetmyer against Ben Manenti’s off-spin will be crucial in the middle overs.

Key Players:

West Indies: Shai Hope, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King.

Italy: JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti, Wayne Madsen, Ben Manenti, Jaspreet Singh.

Free Live Streaming and TV Rights:

The WI vs ITA match will be live on the Star Sports Network, with streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website.

Weather and Pitch Conditions:

Weather Report: Sunny conditions in Kolkata with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 31°C, ensuring a full game without rain interruptions.

Pitch Report: The Eden Gardens pitch offers early assistance to pacers but becomes batting-friendly as the match progresses, with spinners coming into play in the middle overs.

Head-to-Head Records:

The West Indies and Italy have never faced off before in T20 Internationals, making this a historic first encounter between the two sides.

Conclusion:

The West Indies are favorites due to their strong form and depth, but Italy’s resilience could pose a challenge. However, the West Indies’ bowling strength is likely to secure them a comfortable victory unless Italy can post a competitive total.

Match Preview and Predictions:

As the West Indies continue their unbeaten streak in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the match against Italy presents an exciting opportunity for both teams. The West Indies, filled with power hitters like Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer, have been dominating their opponents with their aggressive batting approach. On the other hand, Italy has shown glimpses of brilliance, especially with their emphatic victory over Nepal. The clash between these contrasting styles of play promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Prediction: The West Indies are expected to maintain their winning momentum and secure another convincing victory against Italy. Their experience, talent, and form make them the clear favorites heading into this match. However, Italy cannot be underestimated, and if they can put up a strong fight, they might cause some trouble for the West Indies.

Player Analysis:

Shai Hope, the captain of the West Indies team, has been in sublime form with the bat, leading from the front with his consistent performances. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a vital player for the team. Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein have been the standout bowlers for the West Indies, picking up crucial wickets and maintaining tight lines in the middle overs.

On the Italian side, JJ Smuts has been the linchpin of their batting lineup, showcasing his all-round abilities with both bat and ball. Harry Manenti’s leadership and Ben Manenti’s off-spin will be crucial for Italy’s chances against the West Indies’ formidable batting lineup. Jaspreet Singh’s pace and accuracy could pose a threat to the West Indies’ top order, providing Italy with an early breakthrough.

Live Streaming Details:

Cricket fans can catch all the action from the WI vs ITA match on the Star Sports Network, with live streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website. The convenience of online streaming ensures that fans can follow every ball and boundary from the comfort of their homes or on the go.

Weather and Pitch Analysis:

The weather in Kolkata promises ideal conditions for a thrilling T20 encounter, with clear skies and warm temperatures providing a perfect setting for the match. The Eden Gardens pitch, known for its pace and bounce early on, is expected to offer assistance to the fast bowlers, making the opening exchanges crucial for both teams. As the match progresses, the pitch is likely to slow down, favoring the spinners and challenging the batsmen to adapt to the changing conditions.

Historical Context:

While the West Indies and Italy have never met in a T20 International before, this historic clash marks a significant moment for both teams. Italy’s emergence as a competitive cricketing nation and their rapid progress in the T20 format add intrigue to the encounter. The West Indies, with their rich cricketing legacy and powerhouse lineup, will look to assert their dominance and continue their winning streak in the tournament.

Overall, the WI vs ITA match promises to be a fascinating contest between two contrasting cricketing philosophies. The West Indies’ flair and aggression against Italy’s determination and fight will make for an engaging spectacle for cricket fans worldwide. As the teams take the field at the iconic Eden Gardens, all eyes will be on the players as they battle it out for supremacy in this high-stakes encounter.

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