SCO vs ITA: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match Prediction, Squads, Live Score & Stats

• Fixture: Scotland vs Italy
• Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Group C
• Match: 7th Match, Group C
• Date and Time: 9 February 2026, 11:00 AM IST
• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India

Match Preview

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 continues with a Group C clash between Scotland and Italy at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Scotland enter the T20 World Cup with experience. They have played in many tournaments. They have fast-scoring batsmen and all-rounders who have impressed at every stage. Italy is making their maiden T20 World Cup appearance. This is historic for them. They qualified for the 2026 edition after a strong performance in the European qualifiers. This is their first time at this stage.

Scotland will use their experience and familiar conditions in India to get a big win. They know what World Cup cricket demands. They have played under pressure before. Italy will look to build on their qualification momentum and create an upset. They qualified by beating strong teams. They have confidence. They have nothing to lose. Aggressive batting and disciplined bowling can give them a chance.

This match is crucial to kick off the group stage. Both teams know that a strong start will pave their way to the Super 8 stage. This is where defeats and the road becomes difficult. This is where wins and momentum are built. Scotland are favourites but Italy are dangerous. This combination makes this match exciting.

Recent Form and Head to Head

Scotland have a strong record in ICC events. They have faced many top teams in recent global tournaments. Their success comes from experienced batsmen and disciplined bowlers who keep the opposition at bay and make competitive scores. They control the powerplay well. They manage the middle overs effectively. They have players who can complete the innings.

Italy achieved a landmark moment by qualifying for their first T20 World Cup. They performed strongly in the European qualifiers. Their qualifier run included a notable win over Scotland in the Europe Regional Final in 2025. Italy beat Scotland by twelve runs. That result highlighted their competitive ability. It showed Scotland that Italy can beat them.

The head to head between Scotland and Italy is balanced. Italy recently won the qualifiers. Scotland have won in the past. Both teams have a competitive history. This World Cup match carries weight. Italy knows they can win. Scotland knows they must respect Italy.

SCO vs ITA – Squad List

Pitch Report: Eden Gardens Kolkata

Eden Gardens is a historic venue where the atmosphere is enthusiastic. The enthusiasm of the spectators is high. The pitch is balanced which helps both batsmen and bowlers. If the batsmen are set, they can score. If the bowlers bowl well, they can take wickets. Toss decisions can be affected by overhead conditions and fog. Fog can help teams chasing later in the game. The ball gets wet and becomes difficult to catch.

The par score in T20 matches is around 160 to 175 depending on how the pitch plays on the day in Kolkata and the weather conditions. Teams scoring 170 feel safe. Teams chasing 160 feel confident. The game will be decided by which team handles the pressure better.

Team Analysis

Scotland

Scotland have experienced T20 players with good batting depth. If they go forward, their batting line-up can score quickly. They have a disciplined bowling line-up with wicket-taking options. Their bowlers know where to bowl. They have tactical awareness in tournament cricket. They understand match situations.

Scotland also has concerns. The middle order needs consistency if wickets fall early. If the top order fails, the middle order must perform. They must manage the pressure on the batting under high expectations. Scotland is expected to win. This expectation creates pressure.

The key players to watch for Scotland are George Munsey who is a powerful top order batsman. He hits boundaries early on. Mark Watt is a left-arm spin option who controls the middle overs. He takes wickets and keeps the runs down. Safyan Sharif is a key fast bowler who bowls at the death. He is experienced and calm.

Italy

Italy have the strength. This is a historic and enthusiastic team playing their first World Cup. They are excited. They have the energy. They have a mix of experienced T20 performers and young talent. Some players have played franchise cricket. Others are new to this level. They have the ability to surprise with disciplined bowling and aggressive batting.

Italy have concerns. Their experience against the top T20 nations is limited. They have not played many matches at this level. There is the pressure of the World Cup atmosphere at the start of the group stage. The atmosphere will be intense. They will have to control their nerves.

The key players to watch for Italy are Harry Manenti who provides all-round strength with a bowling impact. He can bowl tight overs and bat in the middle order. Krishan Kalugamage is a bowler with wicket-taking ability. He dismisses batsmen. Justin Mosca is an aggressive middle-order batsman who can change games. He hits sixes.

Toss Prediction

Considering the fog and balanced conditions in Kolkata, the captain who wins the toss may opt to bowl first and chase a known target. Chasing becomes safer when there is fog. The ball slips. Bowling becomes difficult. Batting becomes easy. Teams prefer to chase in Kolkata.

Cricbites Match Prediction

Cricbites sees this match as a tight contest between Scotland’s ICC tournament experience and Italy’s spirited debut performance. Scotland are a bit ahead due to their familiarity with competitive T20 events and they have a balanced bowling attack. They have been here before. They know what to do. However, Italy’s confidence in qualifying and their historic success against Scotland in qualifying means they should not be underestimated. They recently beat Scotland. They can do it again.

Cricbites predicts that Scotland will win if their batsmen provide a strong platform and the bowlers, in particular, execute their plans effectively to stop Italy’s middle order. Scotland should bat well early. They should bowl a disciplined line. If they do, they should win. Italy remain dangerous if their bowlers strike early and their batsmen build strong partnerships. Scotland will be nervous if Italy get early wickets. If Italy’s batsmen remain calm, they can chase anything.

The expected contest is competitive and could turn into a key performance in a clutch moment, according to Cricbites. An innings can decide it. A bowler can change the game by taking three wickets. A batsman can win a match by scoring seventy runs. Cricket is limited to moments. This match will have those moments.

Final Thoughts

This Group C match presents an interesting contrast between Scotland’s established T20 pedigree and Italy’s historic first appearance on the World Cup stage. Fans can expect tactical battles and crucial middle over phases and moments where individual talent can influence the game. Early success here will be important for both sides in their quest to qualify for the Super 8 stage. Losing this match makes it difficult to qualify. Winning this match boosts confidence. Both teams know it. The match will be tight. The crowd will be enthusiastic. The cricket will be good.

Disclaimer

This match preview and prediction is based on current teams, historical performance and expected pitch behavior. Cricket remains unpredictable and actual results may vary depending on toss decisions, weather and individual talent on the day.

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