wi vs ita: West Indies seek clinical tune-up against spirited Italy at Eden Gardens
West Indies and Italy meet in the final Group C game at Eden Gardens as both sides draw a line under the opening phase of the tournament. For the Caribbean side, the fixture is a final tune-up before a packed Super Eights schedule; for Italy, it is a chance to leave the T20 World Cup on a high after a memorable debut campaign.
West Indies eye momentum and match-sharp balance
The West Indies enter this match with form that suggests they are finding their best combinations at the right moment. Shai Hope has rediscovered his touch at the top of the order, following modest early returns with a fluent 61 not out off 44 balls in the most recent outing. Shimron Hetmyer has provided the middle-order muscle, turning starts into substantial contributions and striking at a brisk rate when the team has needed acceleration.
Sherfane Rutherford has emerged as a true finisher in this tournament, his explosive left-handed hitting producing match-defining late-order surges. An unbeaten 76 off 42 deliveries against England underlined his ability to close out big totals and change games in short spans. The bowling group has provided the control to complement that firepower. Matthew Forde’s tidy middle-over spells have stemmed momentum, while Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie offer dependable overs and variety with the ball.
Beyond the immediate match, the West Indies have the Super Eights slate on the horizon: a trip to face Zimbabwe in Mumbai on February 23 (ET), South Africa in Ahmedabad on February 26 (ET), and a high-profile showdown back at Eden Gardens against co-hosts and title contenders on March 1 (ET). This sequence places a premium on peaking now and fine-tuning combinations ahead of a gruelling schedule.
Italy aiming to exit with pride after a historic debut
Italy have already made headlines as debutants with a number of memorable moments, and they will be determined to finish their campaign strongly. The Mosca brothers have been central to Italy’s rise: Justin Mosca returned to form with an unbeaten 60 against Nepal and a lively 43 against England, while Anthony Mosca’s unbeaten 62 in the Nepal game helped build the highest partnership by brothers in T20 World Cup history.
Ben Manenti has been a standout performer, adding two fifties in three matches and showing the temperament to challenge high totals and sensitive run chases alike. Harry Manenti has led the side admirably in the interim, marshaling a squad that has coped with adversity after an early injury to regular skipper Wayne Madsen. A decision on Madsen’s availability for this final Group C fixture will be taken on the morning of the match.
Italy’s campaign already features a landmark 10-wicket victory over Nepal and a tense chase that pushed England close, demonstrating the team’s appetite for competitive cricket at the highest level. Familiarity with Eden Gardens will work in their favour too; this will be their third match at the ground and an opportunity to exploit conditions they now know better.
Match outlook — what to watch and potential X-factors
Eden Gardens has offered batting rewards for teams that can time their big spells, and the contest promises to pivot on how both sides manage the middle overs. West Indies’ plan will likely focus on backing their explosive finishers while using their spinners and seamers to choke run-flow in the middle. Italy will depend on their top-order partnerships to set a platform or chase down a challenging total, with the Manenti brothers providing options in both batting and bowling.
Key moments to monitor: whether West Indies deploy Rutherford early in the death overs to unsettle the chase, how Matthew Forde and the spin pair control the middle overs, and whether Justin and Anthony Mosca can rekindle their partnership magic against a high-quality bowling attack. With Super Eights drama looming and pride on the line for Italy, this final Group C clash should deliver competitive, attention-grabbing cricket.
