
Scotland will take on Italy in a Group C fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on February 9, with the match scheduled to begin at 11 AM at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. With conditions expected to favour stroke-making early before slowing down, the contest presents an intriguing battle between Scotland’s established international core and Italy’s growing all-round depth.
Scotland enter the fixture with greater experience at the global level and a settled combination across departments. Italy, meanwhile, will rely on discipline, adaptability, and collective execution to challenge a more seasoned opponent. With Group C likely to be tightly contested, early points could prove crucial.
Team balance and role clarity will be vital at Eden Gardens, where both pace and spin are expected to play a role as the surface wears.
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Here are the Predicted Playing XI of Scotland vs Italy, T20 World Cup 2026 Match 7:
Predicted Scotland Playing XI
Top Order: George Munsey, Matthew Cross (wk), Brandon McMullen
George Munsey provides explosive starts at the top, while Matthew Cross offers stability and wicketkeeping option. Brandon McMullen’s presence adds flexibility, allowing Scotland to adapt based on match situations.
Middle Order: Michael Jones, Tom Bruce, Richie Berrington (c)
Michael Jones and Tom Bruce bring composure through the middle overs, while skipper Richie Berrington could anchor the lineup with experience and leadership, capable of shifting gears when required.
All-rounders: Michael Leask, Oliver Davidson
Leask’s power-hitting and off-spin make him a vital middle-overs option, while Davidson adds balance with his seam-bowling ability and lower-order batting.
Bowlers: Mark Watt, Brad Currie, Safyaan Sharif
Mark Watt’s left-arm spin will be key in controlling the middle overs, supported by Brad Currie’s pace and Safyaan Sharif’s experience with the new ball and at the death.
Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Richie Berrington (c), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross, Bradley Currie, Oliver Davidson, Chris Greaves, Zainullah Ihsan, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, Bradley Wheal.
Predicted Italy Playing XI
Top Order: Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts
The Mosca brothers are expected to open, offering aggression and familiarity at the top. JJ Smuts adds experience and stability, capable of anchoring the innings if early wickets fall.
Middle Order: Wayne Madsen (c), Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti, Gian-Piero Meade (wk)
Captain Wayne Madsen remains Italy’s key batter, providing calm leadership and control. The Manenti brothers add all-round depth, while Meade strengthens the unit as a wicketkeeper-batter.
Lower Order: Grant Stewart
Stewart provides seam-bowling all-round value and late-order hitting ability.
Bowlers: Jaspreet Singh, Ali Hasan, Crishan Kalugamage
Italy’s bowling attack relies on variation and discipline, with a mix of pace and spin suited to Kolkata conditions.
Italy T20 World Cup 2026 squad
Wayne Madsen (c), Marcus Campopiano, Gian-Piero Meade, Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Crishan Jorge, Harry Manenti, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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