🏏ICC Men's T20 WC 2026: Group C, M 29: ENG vs ITA at Kolkata 🏏 - Page 2

Harry Brook’s side have yet to hit top gear in the tournament. After a tight four-run win over Nepal and a 30-run loss to West Indies, they got back on track with a key victory over Scotland to remain in the Super Eight race.

After a 10-wicket triumph over Nepal, Italy will look to carry momentum into their next clash. The 73-run loss to Scotland is now forgotten as Harry Manenti and his team target another upset and a spot in the Super Eight.

Thanks for the tag Madhu.

May the best team win.

Cheers..

Most of the Associate nations have held their own in this World Cup, but if there’s one team that has really grabbed attention, it’s Italy. Playing in their first-ever ICC tournament, they didn’t take long to make a mark. After going down to Scotland in their opener, they bounced back to beat Nepal - and it was the manner of that win that stood out. Nepal were bundled out for 123, and the Mosca brothers made light work of the chase, knocking it off without losing a wicket in just 12.4 overs. It hasn’t been entirely smooth sailing, though. Injuries have disrupted their campaign, including one to skipper Wayne Madsen. Even so, there’s experience in the ranks with the likes of JJ Smuts and the Manenti brothers adding balance to the side. The challenge ramps up significantly today as they face England. Can Italy rattle a heavyweight and create a few nerves, or will England prove a step too far?

England are yet to really hit their straps in this World Cup. They escaped against Nepal in the opener, went down to West Indies next, and were pushed harder than expected by Scotland. So this fixture doesn’t just carry qualification implications - it’s also an opportunity to put together a complete performance before the Super 8s. The primary concern has been the top order. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler are yet to fire, leaving the middle order with plenty to do. Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook and Sam Curran have stepped up when required in the wins so far, but if England are to go deep in the tournament, their opening pair will need to set the tone. The bowling unit has been varied and largely effective, and there’s unlikely to be any tinkering with the XI. On paper, this may look one-sided - but this format has a way of keeping everyone interested. Toss and teams coming up..

"England vs Italy that too in Kolkata..." whoops Mustafa Moudi. "Hard to Believe its a Cricket Match and not a Football Match !!" As the stat going around last week: Italy have won as many cricket World Cup matches since 2006 as they have at the Copa Mundial

"England vs Italy that too in Kolkata..." whoops Mustafa Moudi. "Hard to Believe its a Cricket Match and not a Football Match !!" As the stat going around last week: Italy have won as many cricket World Cup matches since 2006 as they have at the Copa Mundial

England won the toss and opted to bat first.

"Unless there is a good reason not to, England should bat first if they win the toss and try to get Salt, Buttler and Brook back into good form. "

England are yet to really hit their straps in this World Cup. They escaped against Nepal in the opener, went down to West Indies next, and were pushed harder than expected by Scotland. So this fixture doesn’t just carry qualification implications - it’s also an opportunity to put together a complete performance before the Super 8s. The primary concern has been the top order. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler are yet to fire, leaving the middle order with plenty to do. Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook and Sam Curran have stepped up when required in the wins so far, but if England are to go deep in the tournament, their opening pair will need to set the tone. The bowling unit has been varied and largely effective, and there’s unlikely to be any tinkering with the XI. On paper, this may look one-sided - but this format has a way of keeping everyone interested.

England have won the toss and have opted to bat

Harry Brook: We are gonna have a bat first today. There's not much in it stats wise. Going out there with the bat, being fearless and putting pressure on the opposition, not thinking about the result. Same team. Everybody knows we haven't.