West Indies vs Italy Predicted Playing XI – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Match 37

West Indies will face Italy in Match No. 37 of the T20 World Cup 2026, a Group C clash at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Having already qualified for the Super 8 stage with three wins from three matches, West Indies will look to sustain their rhythm while fine-tuning combinations ahead of the knockout phase. Italy, meanwhile, may be out of the qualification race but have shown significant growth during the tournament, winning one of their three matches and consistently challenging more established sides with a fearless approach.

Predicted West Indies Playing XI

Top Order: Brandon King, Shai Hope (WK & C)

West Indies are likely to stick with Brandon King and captain Shai Hope at the top, even though the pair have had contrasting tournaments so far. King is still searching for rhythm, having struggled to get going consistently, with an average of 19.33 and a strike rate of 116.00 reflecting his difficulty in finding early momentum. Hope, in contrast, has brought a sense of calm and assurance to the role. He will walk in with confidence after a well-paced 61 off 44 deliveries in the previous match. 

Middle Order: Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell

Shimron Hetmyer has scored 133 runs in the tournament at a strike rate of 166, often taking on the role of the enforcer when momentum is needed. Roston Chase has yet to make a telling contribution with the bat, but has picked up two wickets in three matches at an economy of just 6.5. Sherfane Rutherford has been a major positive for West Indies, producing impactful knocks throughout the tournament, most notably his fluent 76 off 42 deliveries against England, while striking at 185 overall.

All-Rounders: Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd

Jason Holder has had limited opportunities with the bat, but he made his impact count with a late cameo against England, striking at 194 to provide crucial finishing touches. With the ball, Holder has been highly effective, picking up seven wickets in three matches. Romario Shepherd, meanwhile, has made his mark primarily with the ball. Although chances with the bat have been limited, he announced himself early in the tournament with a hat-trick against Scotland, finishing that match with five wickets and taking his tally to six overall. Depending on conditions, West Indies may opt for Shepherd’s wicket-taking ability or turn to Matthew Forde for additional control with the ball.

Bowlers: Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph

West Indies’ bowling attack continues to draw strength from its variety. Akeal Hosein has chipped in with two wickets across three matches, though his economy of 8.8 suggests he has been used more as a containing option than a strike bowler. Gudakesh Motie has been the most effective through the middle overs, picking up four wickets while maintaining control at an economy rate of 7.9. Shamar Joseph has taken three wickets in three matches at an economy of 7.83, offering West Indies a genuine wicket-taking option.

Predicted Italy Playing XI

Top Order: Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca

Italy are expected to continue with Justin and Anthony Mosca at the top. Their historic opening stand laid the foundation for Italy’s memorable 10-wicket victory earlier in the tournament. Justin Mosca has been the steadier of the two, averaging 51.5 while providing stability at the top, whereas Anthony Mosca has played the aggressor’s role, striking at an impressive rate of 166.

Middle Order: JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti

Harry Manenti has shown glimpses of his ability in the middle order but has struggled to convert starts into substantial scores so far in the tournament. JJ Smuts, despite his experience, has found it difficult to make an impact with the bat, managing an average of just 11 across the competition. Ben Manenti, on the other hand, has been Italy’s standout performer, striking at 200, and produced a standout knock of 60 off just 25 deliveries against England in the previous match. His value extends beyond batting, having also picked up three wickets while operating at an impressive economy rate of 6.6.

All-Rounders: Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart

Italy may opt for Marcus Campopiano depending on the balance they are looking for, although he is yet to make a significant impact in the tournament. Grant Stewart, on the other hand, found form in the previous match against England, where he played a useful knock of 45 off 23 deliveries to add impetus in the middle order. While he can be expensive with the ball, conceding runs at an economy rate of 11.33, Stewart has still managed to pick up three wickets so far and offers Italy a genuine all-round option who can influence the game in multiple phases.

Bowlers: Gian Meade, Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan

Italy’s bowling attack will continue to rely more on discipline and smart execution than outright pace. Crishan Kalugamage has been their standout performer with the ball, picking up five wickets in three matches while operating at an economy rate of 8.27 and regularly breaking partnerships. Left-arm pacer Ali Hasan has also impressed in patches, claiming three wickets at an economy of 8.23 and providing useful variation through the middle overs. Jaspreet Singh adds control at one end.

FAQs

Q1: What will West Indies be looking to achieve from this match against Italy?

A1: With qualification already secured, West Indies will aim to maintain intensity, assess combinations, and keep key players in rhythm ahead of the Super 8 stage.

Q2: Who has been Italy’s standout performer in the T20 World Cup 2026 so far?

A2: Ben Manenti has emerged as Italy’s most consistent performer, contributing across departments and providing leadership in crucial phases.

Q3: Which player could be the X-factor in Match No. 37?

A3: Shimron Hetmyer’s ability to control and accelerate the innings makes him West Indies’ key X-factor, while Justin Mosca’s form at the top gives Italy their best chance to compete.

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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