Italy is all set to make history and win the first-ever T20 match of a cricket World Cup at Eden Gardens Kolkata, India today.
Italy won the toss and decided to bowl first against Scotland in the seventh match of the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Italy captain
Italy captain Wayne Madsen said at the toss that “It looks a good pitch and a fast outfield so I think it’s going to be hard to defend. We are really excited. There’s obviously been a lot of build up and preparation for this and it’s about going out there enjoying it and expressing themselves and having a lot of fund.”
Scotland captain
Scotland skipper Richie Berrington said that “We’re fairly happy to bat first. Looks a really good surface and we saw the other day in our opening game you get value for your shots so hopefully we can bat well in that first innings and put a big score on the board.”
Head-to-head
Italy and Scotland have faced each other four times previously, with Scotland winning three matches and Italy securing one victory.
Italy qualified by virtue of finishing second in the T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, and Madsen said that their camps in Dubai and then in Chennai have made them ready for the big stage. The Mosca brothers – Anthony and Justin – will open the batting for them with the Manenti brothers – Harry and Ben – lining up at Nos. 5 and 6.
Crishan Kalugamage, one of those key players in Italy’s pathway to qualification, will provide heft to the bowling with Thomas Draca providing the X-factor with his right-arm fast. They start their T20 World Cup journey against Scotland, a side they beat at the Europe Qualifier.
Playing XIs:
Italy
Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Wayne Madsen (c), Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti, Gian Meade (wk), Grant Stewart, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan and Thomas Draca.
Scotland
George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (c), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross (wk), Mark Watt, Michael Leask, Oliver Davidson, Brad Wheal and Brad Currie.
