With all eight Super 8 spots sealed in the T20 World Cup 2026, Thursday is the first day of the tournament without qualification permutations in play. That, however, doesn’t mean a lack of excitement.
West Indies and Italy kick off proceedings at Eden Gardens, a venue famed for its electric atmosphere and high-scoring encounters. While the West Indies will aim to maintain their unbeaten run, Italy will be eager to bow out of the group stage on a high.
The focus then shifts to R Premadasa Stadium, where Sri Lanka face Zimbabwe in a potentially gripping contest. The day wraps up at MA Chidambaram Stadium, with Afghanistan and Canada playing for pride after their elimination.
When and where to watch
- West Indies vs Italy in Kolkata in a Group C match at 11 am IST
- Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe in Colombo in a Group B match at 3 pm IST
- Afghanistan vs Canada in Chennai in a Group D match at 7 pm IST
All matches will be telecast on Star Sports, with livestreaming available on JioHotstar.
Here is a quick preview of the three games scheduled on Day 12 of the T20 World Cup.
MATCH 1 Prediction: West Indies vs Italy in Kolkata
Thursday’s Super 8 clash between West Indies and Italy at Eden Gardens may appear one-sided on paper, but there’s plenty to watch. West Indies have been one of the most dominant teams in the tournament, topping Group C and securing their Super 8 spot with commanding performances.
Their 30-run win over England stands out, as they posted 196 for six and restricted the visitors to 166. With a lethal combination of big hitting and incisive bowling, they have kept opponents under constant pressure.
Italy, making their T20 World Cup debut, have been a revelation and will be playing purely for pride. The Azzurri announced themselves with a 10-wicket win over Nepal, chasing 124 in just 12.4 overs without losing a wicket.
In a hard-fought clash against England, Italy pushed the two-time champions hard, scoring 178 in response to 203. Ben Manenti’s 60 off 25 balls and Grant Stewart’s 45 showcased their fearless approach, although they fell short by 24 runs.
While West Indies enter this match with momentum and confidence, Italy’s spirited performances — particularly against top sides — suggest they will not simply roll over. Expect a team playing with freedom and pride against one aiming to maintain its dominating tournament rhythm.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Eden Gardens has been batting-friendly, with an average score of 177 across four T20Is. However, three of those four matches were won by the team batting first, suggesting that setting a target could be the preferred strategy. Expect intermittent cloud cover, but rain is not anticipated for now.
Predicted Playing XIs
West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope(w/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph
Italy: Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti(c), Ben Manenti, Marcus Campopiano, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade(w), Jaspreet Singh, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan
MATCH 2 Prediction: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe in Colombo
Thursday’s Group B clash at R Premadasa Stadium features two in-form sides, both unbeaten in the T20 World Cup so far. Sri Lanka have been one of the standout teams, winning all three of their matches convincingly. Their latest outing saw Pathum Nissanka score an unbeaten century to guide them to an eight-wicket victory over Australia, chasing 182 with ease and securing their Super 8 spot.
Zimbabwe have also impressed. Entering the tournament as underdogs, they stunned tournament favourites Australia by 23 runs in Colombo, with a composed batting effort and disciplined bowling display, highlighting their strength. With five points already secured, Zimbabwe now have the opportunity to top the Group B table with a win.
Head-to-head history slightly favours Sri Lanka, who have won eight of their 11 T20 encounters with Zimbabwe, but Zimbabwe are in excellent form and have every chance of challenging the co-hosts.
Sri Lanka will be without the injured Matheesha Pathirana, who has been ruled out with a muscle strain; left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka has been named as his replacement. While this is a setback, Sri Lanka’s batting firepower and momentum remain intact.
Expect a high-quality contest as Sri Lanka aim to maintain their perfect record and Zimbabwe look to finish the group stage at the top of the standings.
Pitch Report
The pitch at R Premadasa Stadium has been reasonably good for batting, with an average score of 158. However, teams should opt to bat first, as chasing sides have lost all four matches played here so far in the tournament.
Conditions in Colombo are expected to be challenging, with clouds and thunderstorms in the area, while temperatures hover around 29 degrees Celsius.
Predicted Playing XIs
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka(c), Kamindu Mendis, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
Zimbabwe: Brian Bennett, Tadiwanashe Marumani(w), Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza(c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Wellington Masakadza, Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani
MATCH 3 Prediction: Afghanistan vs Canada in Chennai
Afghanistan are set to face Canada in their final T20 World Cup game at MA Chidambaram Stadium. The Afghan campaign has been disappointing by their own standards — they sit third in Group D with one win and two losses, missing out on the Super 8s.
Their batting and bowling units have shown flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency has cost them, particularly in tight games against New Zealand and South Africa. Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been key with the bat, scoring 110 runs in three matches, including a well-timed 84 against the Proteas, while Azmatullah Omarzai leads Afghanistan’s bowling with eight wickets so far.
Canada, meanwhile, have struggled for victories, finishing the group stage without a win, though they have shown sparks of potential. The highlight of their tournament was 19-year-old Yuvraj Samra’s century against New Zealand, a historic 110 that made him the youngest centurion in T20 World Cup history and the first from an associate nation to achieve the feat.
Canada’s lineup also includes experienced players like Navneet Dhaliwal, who has announced this as his final international match, adding a sentimental edge to the encounter.
For Afghanistan, this game is about pride and giving their head coach, Jonathan Trott, a memorable farewell as he departs after the tournament.
Both teams will aim to finish on a high note, making this more than just a dead rubber. Expect spirited performances as Afghanistan look to showcase their quality and Canada strive to end their campaign with pride.
Pitch Report
The pitch at MA Chidambaram Stadium has been excellent for batting, with an average score of 188 from five games and batters enjoying favourable conditions.
Teams are advised to field first, as the track is expected to remain true throughout the match. Rain is not expected, with temperatures around 27 degrees Celsius and humidity hovering in the 70s.
Predicted Playing XIs
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan(c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi
Canada: Yuvraj Samra, Dilpreet Bajwa(c), Navneet Dhaliwal, Harsh Thaker, Nicholas Kirton, Shreyas Movva(w), Saad Bin Zafar, Shivam Sharma, Dilon Heyliger, Jaskaran Singh, Ansh Patel
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