West Indies vs Italy Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: West Indies beat Italy by 42 runs in Kolkata
THE TIMES OF INDIA | Feb 19, 2026, 16:12:44 IST
Comments
Share

West Indies vs Italy Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: West Indies beat Italy by 42 runs in Kolkata

West Indies vs Italy Highlights, 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.
10:39 (IST) Feb 19

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.

10:38 (IST) Feb 19

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.

10:38 (IST) Feb 19

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.

10:37 (IST) Feb 19

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).

10:33 (IST) Feb 19

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 Highlights, 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.