ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 | Match 7: Scotland vs Italy | Preview and Predictions

The seventh match of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 is here and we have debutants Italy taking on Scotland at the iconic Eden Gardens. Playing in their first-ever ICC World Cup tournament, Italy will look to give it all while Scotland made their tournament in the 11th hour following Bangladesh’s controversial withdrawal.

Here, we present our preview and predictions for the first game of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between Scotland and Italy.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 | Match 7: SCO vs ITA | 11:00, February 9, 2026

Scotland start as the favourites with Richie Berrington’s squad coming into their seventh T20 World Cup. Michael Jones and George Munsey are going to be partnering the experienced Mark Watt at the top of the Scottish batting lineup with Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington and Tom Bruce making up an experienced middle order as well. Watt, McMullen and Berrington have gotten runs under their belt in the warm-up games. Scotland have a settled bowling lineup with the likes of Safyaan Sharif, Watt, Brad Wheal and Brad Currie with McMullen and Leask also being more than handy with the ball if needed.

Italy are the unknown team in the event, playing their first-ever World Cup with Wayne Madsen’s squad not having as many officials under their belt as their opponents. Italy have Justin and Anthony Mosca at the top of the order with former Proteas batter JJ Smuts being their most experienced player in the batting order along with their captain Wayne Madsen also having tons of franchise and List-A cricket under his belt. Italy have a host of bowling options in Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Ali Hasan and Thomas Draca amongst others. 

The Eden Gardens ground has been one which has brought about plenty of runs in T20 cricket in the last couple of years and while runs will be on offer, the difference in the quality of teams means that we can be in for a low scoring game as well if Italy bat first. Scotland are the favourites and should come out on top against the debutants. 

Fantasy XI: George Munsey, Brandon McMullen (vc), JJ Smuts, Wayne Madsen, Richie Berrington, Ben Manenti, Gian-Piero Meade (wk), Mark Watt ©, Michael Leask, Brad Wheal, Grant Stewart

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Winners Prediction: Scotland