T20 World Cup: Debutants Italy Take on Scotland in Kolkata

The first men T20 world cup that Italy has participated in is coming with a high degree of attention that the team has not seen in a long time. Their qualification has gained momentum in terms of interest back home, television coverage has risen and their qualification being novel coupled with a bright team has put them squarely under the limelight.

The group comes with both experience and a sense of talent. The ex-international from South Africa JJ Smuts brings fire and big match temperament and Ben Manenti has just finished a successful Big Bash League season with the Sydney sixers with an economy rate of less than six. His other brother Harry offers late-order hitting power. Justin and Anthony Mosca are the kind of openers who have a natural on-field understanding and Thomas Draca is considered someone who can be a X-factor. At the heart of the group is 42 years old captain Wayne Madsen whose decades of experience in various cricketing cultures make the group stable in a historical campaign.

Madsen clarified on the eve of their opening match that the team is no longer excited by the qualification. The event has been wettened, he thought, and the business is now squarely on performance. In the way of Italy is Scotland who they beat in the Europe Qualifier which puts the stage ready to have an interesting clash.

Scotland come into the game with a loss to West Indies on the first day which was promising and at the same time with missed chances. Although they had periods of control, they could not take the right time to capitalise. The less than 48 hours turnaround however gives them an opportunity to reset and since they are used to the conditions at Eden Gardens, this may be beneficial to them. Scotland is the more senior T20I team, which means that they might be the favourites, despite the absence of former captain Joe Burns and batsman Emilio Gay, but Italy will be out to ensure that their debut does count.

Form guide: 

Italy - WLLLW
Scotland - LLLWW

Players in focus

JJ Smuts is probably the most valuable batting asset of Italy. The 37-year-old has some international experience between 2017 and 2021, is known as a clean hitter, and with family eligibility, he is currently happy to make his mark in India on the world stage.

In the case of Scotland, George Munsey is one of the threats at the very top. He is known to be fearless in his stroking, and it seems that in his powerplay, he can take the initiative with his sweeps that are very innovative. His 19 against West Indies was also brisk, which was made memorable by three early boundaries and suggested his potential, but he was thrown off with a spectacular catch that cut short his innings. Munsey might start on a strong footing and this would considerably tip the scales.

Team news

Italy should have both the sets of brothers on the field, the Moscas opening, and Smuts and Madsen in the middle of the order. Manenti duo will be the most likely to anchor the finish, whereas Crishan Kalugamage might take the spin attack with his attacking wrist-spin.

Italy (probable XI): Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smuts, Wayne Madsen (capt), Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti, Gian-Pierre Meade (wk), Marcus Campopiano, Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan.

Scotland can contemplate giving newcomer Zainullah Ihsan a debut, but otherwise they should keep the same line-up, excluding any late fitness issues.

Scotland (probable XI): George Munsey, Michael Jones, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (capt), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross (wk), Mark Watt, Michael Leask, Oliver Davidson, Safyaan Sharif, Brad Currie.

Pitch and conditions

The relatively late start at Eden Gardens in the morning would favour seamers at first, though the conditions are relatively cool. Spinners can possibly enter into the scene as the day advances and the sun sets in. Conventionally, the boundaries of Kolkata are also shorter as well as the surface which is true so that it is also promising plenty of runs.

Stats and context

Italy were the 25th team to appear in a men T20 world cup as they had qualified as a result of being second to the Netherlands in the Europe Qualifier. Italy and Scotland have had a draw in T20Is with both win 1-1 with Scotland winning by 155 in 2023 and Italy winning by 12 in 2025.

For Madsen, this isn’t unfamiliar territory. Before his cricketing journey with Italy, he represented South Africa at the 2006 Men’s Hockey World Cup—another reminder of the experience he brings to a team stepping onto the world stage for the first time.

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