SCO vs ITA Dream11 Prediction: Get expert fantasy cricket tips for Scotland vs Italy, 7th Match, Group C, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens. Best team, captain picks, pitch report & winning strategy.

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Introduction: High-Stakes Encounter at Eden Gardens

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 serves up an intriguing Group C clash as Scotland lock horns with Italy on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM Local Time (5:30 AM GMT) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This match carries massive implications for both Associate nations desperate to make their mark on cricket’s biggest stage.

Scotland enter this fixture licking their wounds after a comprehensive 35-run defeat to the West Indies in their tournament opener. The Scots, who earned a last-minute entry after Bangladesh’s withdrawal, showed glimpses of promise through Richie Berrington’s fighting 42 but were undone by Romario Shepherd’s devastating hat-trick spell.

Italy, meanwhile, are riding a wave of confidence following impressive warm-up victories against Canada (10 runs) and a crushing 112-run win over UAE. Making their T20 World Cup debut, Gli Azzurri stunned the cricket world by qualifying through the European Regional Final, including a memorable 12-run victory over Scotland itself back in July 2025.

With both teams eyeing crucial points to keep their Super 8 qualification hopes alive, fantasy players can expect a competitive battle where every tactical decision could swing the match. The head-to-head record stands evenly poised at 1-1, adding extra spice to this encounter.

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Match Information

Match Details	Information
Match	Scotland vs Italy, 7th Match, Group C
Series	ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Date	Monday, February 9, 2026
Time	11:00 AM Local Time, 5:30 AM GMT, 11:00 AM IST
Venue	Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India
Format	T20 International
Broadcast	Star Sports Network (India), JioHotstar (Streaming)
Toss Impact	High – Dew factor expected in second innings
Fantasy Difficulty	Medium – Balanced contest with unpredictable elements

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Pitch Report: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Pitch Nature & Characteristics

The Eden Gardens pitch is prepared using black cotton soil and offers a typically balanced surface that favors both batters and bowlers, though conditions evolve significantly as the match progresses.

Early Phase Characteristics:

• Fresh pitch offers true bounce and even pace
• Fast bowlers can extract seam movement with the new ball
• Opening batters need watchful approach in first 3-4 overs
• Swing available under morning conditions

Middle & Death Overs:

• Surface slows down considerably after 10 overs
• Spin becomes increasingly effective
• Death-over specialist bowlers crucial
• Boundary clearing ability tested on slower pitch

Historical T20 Stats at Eden Gardens

• Total T20I Matches: 12
• Average First Innings Score: 142-143 runs
• Highest T20I Total: 201/5 (Pakistan vs Bangladesh, 2016)
• Lowest T20I Total: 70 (Bangladesh vs New Zealand, 2016)
• Batting First Wins: 5
• Chasing Wins: 7
• Average Runs Per Over: 7.64

Fantasy Impact Analysis

For Dream11 selections, this pitch behavior demands a strategic approach:

1. Powerplay Impact Players: Fast bowlers who can exploit early movement (Brad Currie, Grant Stewart) become valuable assets
2. Middle-Overs Enforcers: Spin options like Mark Watt, Chris Greaves, Harry Manenti, and Crishan Kalugamage gain prominence as pitch slows
3. Death-Over Specialists: Bowlers with yorker proficiency (Brad Wheal, Safyaan Sharif, Jaspreet Singh) are must-haves
4. Boundary Clearing Ability: Batters who can manufacture power on slower surfaces (George Munsey, Brandon McMullen, Wayne Madsen, JJ Smuts) offer high ceiling points
5. Tactical Substitutions Awareness: Captains may rotate resources based on pitch behavior – monitor team combinations closely

The 11:00 AM start means morning dew could influence early bowling, while evening dew in the second innings (if match extends) favors chasing teams. This makes toss-dependent selections critical for Grand League differentiation.

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Weather Update

Kolkata Weather Forecast – February 9, 2026

Condition	Details
Temperature	High: 80.6°F (27°C)
Precipitation Chance	0% – No rain expected
Humidity	Moderate levels
Wind	Light breeze conditions
Sky Condition	Clear skies
Dew Factor	Moderate – Expected in second innings

Impact on Match & Fantasy

Excellent Playing Conditions: With zero rain probability and clear skies, expect a full 40-over contest without interruptions. The moderate humidity and comfortable temperatures are ideal for fast bowling early on, while spinners will appreciate the dry conditions as the match progresses.

Dew Factor Consideration: For Captain/Vice-Captain choices, consider that teams chasing may benefit from dew in the second innings, making the ball skid on and harder for bowlers to grip. This historically favors aggressive batters in the chase and penalizes spinners.

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Last 5 Matches – Recent Form

Scotland – Last 5 T20I Results

Scotland – Last 5 T20I Results

Key Observations:

• Scotland showing inconsistent form with three consecutive defeats
• Struggled against quality opposition in warm-ups
• Last-minute preparation affected team cohesion
• Batting lineup fragile against quality bowling attacks
• Bowling attack lacks penetration in middle overs

Form Pattern: WWLWW(Including warm-ups and qualifiers)

Key Observations:

• Italy on an upward trajectory with strong warm-up performances
• Convincingly defeated Scotland in their last meeting (July 2025)
• Balanced team composition with quality all-rounders
• Death-over bowling has been particularly effective
• Confidence high heading into World Cup debut

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Head-to-Head Record (H2H)

Overall T20I Record: Scotland vs Italy

Metric	Statistics
Total Matches	2
Scotland Wins	1
Italy Wins	1
Ties/No Result	0
Win Percentage – SCO	50%
Win Percentage – ITA	50%

Match-by-Match Breakdown

1. Scotland vs Italy – T20I, July 24, 2023

• Result: Scotland won by 155 runs
• SCO: 245/2 (20 overs)
• ITA: 90 all out
• Top Performers:
  • Ollie Hairs 127* (SCO)
  • Brandon McMullen 96 (SCO)
  • Gavin Main 5 wickets (SCO)
• Match Impact: Scotland’s brutal batting display set tournament record

2. Italy vs Scotland – Europe Region Final, July 9, 2025

• Result: Italy won by 12 runs
• ITA: 167/6 (20 overs)
• SCO: 155/5 (20 overs)
• Top Performers:
  • Emilio Gay 50 off 21 balls (ITA)
  • Grant Stewart 44* off 27 balls (ITA)
  • Harry Manenti 5/31 & 38 runs (ITA) – Player of the Match
  • George Munsey 72 (SCO)
  • Richie Berrington 46* (SCO)
• Match Impact: Italy’s victory secured their T20 World Cup qualification

H2H Top Performers

Highest Individual Score: 127* – Ollie Hairs (SCO)
Best Bowling Figures: 5/31 – Harry Manenti (ITA)
Most Impactful Player: Harry Manenti (ITA) – Match-winning all-round performance

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Venue Statistics: Eden Gardens T20 Records

Ground Stats Summary

Statistic	Details
Total T20 Matches	180+ (All formats)
T20I Matches	12
Average Total Score	311 runs (Both innings combined)
Average 1st Innings	163 runs
Average 2nd Innings	148 runs
Highest T20I Total	201/5 (Pakistan, 2016)
Lowest T20I Total	70 (Bangladesh, 2016)
Successful Chases	7 out of 12
Defending Record	5 out of 12

Powerplay Analysis

Team	Average Powerplay Score
Scotland at Eden Gardens	46.8 runs (Based on limited data)
Italy (Recent Form)	53.4 runs (Last 5 matches average)
General Eden Gardens	44-48 runs typical

Boundary Statistics

• Fours in Powerplay: 4-6 per innings average
• Sixes in Powerplay: 2-3 per innings average
• Total Boundaries per Match: 35-45 across both innings
• Highest Individual Score: 85* (Marlon Samuels vs England)

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Chasing Records at Eden Gardens

Toss & Chase Statistics

Category	Record
Matches Batting First Won	5 (41.7%)
Matches Chasing Won	7 (58.3%)
Success Rate Chasing	58% – Marginal advantage
Highest Successful Chase	158 (India vs West Indies, 2022)
Average Winning Chase	145 runs

Dew Factor Impact

Critical Insight: The 11:00 AM local start minimizes traditional dew concerns, but if the match extends into early afternoon, slight moisture could benefit the chasing side. Teams historically prefer to bowl first at Eden Gardens in T20Is due to:

1. Better assessment of target under lights/afternoon conditions
2. Dew making gripping difficult for bowlers in second innings
3. Pitch deterioration favoring teams batting second on fresh surface

Fantasy Tip: In Grand League, consider loading up on second-innings batters if you predict chasing team, as they may find scoring easier with dew assistance.

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Team News & Injury Updates

Scotland – Team Status

Status	Players
FULLY FIT	All 15 squad members available
DOUBTFUL	None
RULED OUT	None
KEY NOTES	Full squad recovered from travel; Matthew Cross returned from home renovation; Tom Bruce available after cutting short NZ commitments

Recent Impact: Scotland managed last-minute preparation after Bangladesh withdrawal gave them unexpected entry. Despite limited warm-up time (two defeats vs Afghanistan and Namibia), the squad has rallied with full fitness levels.

Italy – Team Status

Status	Players
FULLY FIT	14 of 15 players
DOUBTFUL	Emilio Gay (excluded from WC squad despite qualifier heroics)
RULED OUT	Joe Burns (former captain, dropped pre-tournament)
KEY NOTES	Wayne Madsen took over captaincy; Strong warm-up form; Camps in Dubai and Sri Lanka paid dividends

Recent Impact: Italy’s methodical preparation through off-season camps in Dubai and Sri Lanka (November-January) has given them superior match readiness compared to Scotland’s rushed entry.

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Probable Playing XI

Scotland Probable XI

Batting Order:

1. George Munsey (LHB) – Aggressive opener, strike rate 144+
2. Michael Jones (RHB) – Solid top-order anchor
3. Brandon McMullen (RHB/RM) – Key all-rounder, powerplay impact
4. Richie Berrington (C) (RHB/RM) – Captain, middle-order stability
5. Tom Bruce (RHB) – Power-hitter, recent NZ form
6. Matthew Cross (WK) (RHB) – Wicketkeeper-batter
7. Michael Leask (RHB/OB) – Hard-hitting all-rounder
8. Mark Watt (LHB/SLA) – Primary spinner, economical
9. Brad Wheal (RHB/RFM) – Death-over specialist
10. Safyaan Sharif (RHB/RMF) – Experienced seamer
11. Brad Currie (LHB/LMF) – Left-arm swing bowler

Team Balance: 6 Batters (including WK), 3 All-rounders, 3 Bowlers (1 Spinner, 2 Pacers + McMullen’s part-time)

Italy Probable XI

Batting Order:

1. Justin Mosca (RHB) – Consistent opener, 158 SR
2. Wayne Madsen (C) (RHB) – Captain, experienced campaigner
3. Gian Meade (WK) (RHB) – Wicketkeeper-batter
4. JJ Smuts (LHB/RAO) – South African all-rounder, match-winner
5. Harry Manenti (RHB/RAO) – Star all-rounder, Scotland nemesis
6. Anthony Mosca (RHB) – Middle-order power
7. Marcus Campopiano (RHB/WK) – Secondary keeper option, finisher
8. Grant Stewart (RHB/RMF) – Pace-bowling all-rounder
9. Ben Manenti (RHB/RAO) – Bowling all-rounder
10. Jaspreet Singh (RHB/RFM) – Fast bowler
11. Crishan Kalugamage (RHB/LB) – Leg-spinner

Team Balance: 6 Batters (including WK), 4 All-rounders, 2 Specialist Bowlers

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Dream11 Prediction: Small League Strategy

Best Small League Team Combination

For Small Leagues (head-to-head and small contests), prioritize safe, consistent performers with high floor points:

Recommended Formation: 1 WK, 4 BAT, 2 AR, 4 BOWL

Selected Players:

Wicketkeeper (1):

• Gian Meade (ITA) – 7.5 Cr

Batters (4):

• George Munsey (SCO) – 8.5 Cr – 72 in last match, proven against Italy
• Richie Berrington (SCO) – 8.5 Cr – Captain, consistent performer
• Wayne Madsen (ITA) – 7.5 Cr – Experienced captain
• Brandon McMullen (SCO) – 8.0 Cr – All-round threat, 95 vs Namibia warm-up

All-Rounders (2):

• Harry Manenti (ITA) – 8.0 Cr – 5/31 + 38 vs Scotland in last H2H
• JJ Smuts (ITA) – 8.0 Cr – 49 in warm-up vs Canada with wicket

Bowlers (4):

• Mark Watt (SCO) – 8.0 Cr – Lead spinner, economical
• Brad Currie (SCO) – 7.0 Cr – 2/23 vs WI, death-over skills
• Grant Stewart (ITA) – 8.0 Cr – 44* + bowling vs Scotland previously
• Ben Manenti (ITA) – 8.0 Cr – Wicket-taking off-spinner

Captain Options:

1. Primary Captain: Harry Manenti (ITA) – Match-winner vs Scotland, all-round threat
2. Vice-Captain: George Munsey (SCO) – Powerplay impact, 72 in tournament opener

Alternative Captain: Richie Berrington (SCO) – Reliable captain, middle-order stability

Why This Team Works for Small Leagues

1. Safety First: All players have proven track records and defined roles
2. Balanced Coverage: Equal representation from both teams (5 SCO, 6 ITA)
3. H2H Advantage: Prioritizes players who performed in July 2025 meeting
4. All-Round Points: Multiple players who contribute with both bat and ball
5. Captaincy Clarity: Harry Manenti’s 5-wicket haul + runs make him standout choice

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Dream11 Prediction: Grand League Strategy

Best Grand League Team Combination

For Grand Leagues (large contests requiring differentiation), embrace calculated risks with high-ceiling, low-ownership players:

Recommended Formation: 1 WK, 3 BAT, 3 AR, 4 BOWL

Selected Players:

Wicketkeeper (1):

• Matthew Cross (SCO) – 7.5 Cr – Lower ownership, explosive potential

Batters (3):

• George Munsey (SCO) – 8.5 Cr – Must-have, proven form
• Wayne Madsen (ITA) – 7.5 Cr – Captain, batting anchor
• Marcus Campopiano (ITA) – 7.5 Cr – Differential pick, finisher

All-Rounders (3):

• Brandon McMullen (SCO) – 8.0 Cr – Powerplay bowler + batter
• Harry Manenti (ITA) – 8.0 Cr – Match-winner capabilities
• Michael Leask (SCO) – 7.5 Cr – Power-hitter, part-time spinner

Bowlers (4):

• Mark Watt (SCO) – 8.0 Cr – Economy rate master
• Crishan Kalugamage (ITA) – 7.5 Cr – Differential leg-spinner
• Jaspreet Singh (ITA) – 7.0 Cr – Low ownership pace option
• Brad Wheal (SCO) – 7.5 Cr – Death-over specialist

Captain Options:

1. Primary Captain: Brandon McMullen (SCO) – Lower ownership, high ceiling with bat and ball
2. Vice-Captain: Harry Manenti (ITA) – Safe high-performing option

Differential Captain (Bold Pick): Michael Leask (SCO) – Explosive potential, very low ownership

Grand League Strategy Explained

Risk-Reward Balance:

• 50% Safe Picks: Munsey, Madsen, Manenti, Watt provide stability
• 50% Differentials: Cross, Campopiano, Leask, Kalugamage, Singh offer uniqueness

Match-Up Based Selections:

• Crishan Kalugamage targeted against Scotland’s weakness vs leg-spin
• Michael Leask’s power-hitting suits Eden Gardens’ shorter boundaries
• Jaspreet Singh’s pace could exploit Scotland’s top-order struggles

Captaincy Differential:

• Brandon McMullen’s dual-threat (60 vs Australia in 2024 WC, 95 vs Namibia) offers leverage
• Lower captaincy % than Munsey/Manenti creates rank-climbing opportunity

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Player Categories for Dream11 Selection

SAFE PICKS (High Floor, Consistent Points)

Must-Have in Every Team:

• George Munsey (SCO) – 72 vs WI, 287 runs in last 10 T20Is at 146 SR
• Harry Manenti (ITA) – 5/31 + 38 vs Scotland, all-round consistency
• Mark Watt (SCO) – 40+ T20I wickets, economy under 7

Very Safe Options:

• Richie Berrington (SCO) – 2377 T20I runs, captain reliability
• Wayne Madsen (ITA) – Captain, batting experience at highest level

RISKY PICKS (High Ceiling, Variable Output)

High Risk, High Reward:

• Michael Leask (SCO) – Can win matches single-handedly with bat, inconsistent
• Crishan Kalugamage (ITA) – Leg-spinner in favorable conditions, untested at WC
• Marcus Campopiano (ITA) – Finisher role, either big or nothing
• Tom Bruce (SCO) – New to Scotland setup, recent NZ form unknown

Boom-or-Bust Bowlers:

• Jaspreet Singh (ITA) – Can take early wickets or get expensive
• Brad Wheal (SCO) – Death-over specialist, high variance

MUST-HAVE PLAYERS (90%+ Selection Recommended)

1. George Munsey (SCO) – Tournament form, H2H score of 72
2. Harry Manenti (ITA) – Destructive vs Scotland, dual-threat
3. Mark Watt (SCO) – Primary spinner, always in the game
4. Wayne Madsen (ITA) – Captain, batting anchor

BUDGET PICKS (Value for Money)

Best Budget Options (7.0-7.5 Cr):

• Brad Currie (SCO) – 7.0 Cr – 2/23 vs WI, death-over economy
• Gian Meade (ITA) – 7.5 Cr – WK option, batting potential
• Jaspreet Singh (ITA) – 7.0 Cr – Pace bowling wicket-taker
• Michael Leask (SCO) – 7.5 Cr – Power-hitter, part-time bowling

Budget Strategy: Use 3-4 budget picks to afford premium players like Munsey, Berrington, and Harry Manenti in same team.

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Key Player Analysis

Top Batters to Watch

1. George Munsey (SCO) – 8.5 Cr Left-hand opener with explosive capability, scored 72 vs Italy in July 2025 before falling to Harry Manenti’s brilliance. Recent form shows 287 runs in last 10 T20Is at strike rate of 146.42, making him Scotland’s most dangerous weapon.

2. Wayne Madsen (ITA) – 7.5 Cr Experienced captain leading Italy’s debut, brings Derbyshire County Championship pedigree. Anchors innings with intelligent batting, provides stability crucial for Associate teams under pressure.

3. Brandon McMullen (SCO) – 8.0 Cr South African-born all-rounder is Scotland’s linchpin with 261 runs in last 10 T20Is at 137 SR. His 95 vs Namibia in warm-up and 60 vs Australia in 2024 WC showcase big-match temperament.

4. Richie Berrington (SCO) – 8.5 Cr Captain with 2377 T20I runs, fought valiantly with 46* vs West Indies. At 38 years old, his experience will be vital in pressure moments.

5. Justin Mosca (ITA) – 8.0 Cr Italy’s opener with 223 runs in last 10 T20Is at outstanding 158.15 SR. Provides explosive starts, key to Italy’s powerplay strategy.

Top Bowlers to Watch

1. Mark Watt (SCO) – 8.0 Cr Left-arm orthodox spinner with exceptional economy rate, Scotland’s primary wicket-taker in middle overs. Eden Gardens’ slowing pitch perfectly suits his accuracy and variations.

2. Harry Manenti (ITA) – 8.0 Cr Right-arm off-spinner who decimated Scotland with 5/31 in their last meeting, also scored crucial 38 runs. Eden Gardens conditions favor his bowling style.

3. Brad Currie (SCO) – 7.0 Cr Left-arm seamer who impressed with 2/23 vs West Indies, particularly effective at the death with yorkers and slower balls. Could exploit Italy’s inexperience against quality pace.

4. Grant Stewart (ITA) – 8.0 Cr Right-arm medium-fast all-rounder who scored brilliant 44* vs Scotland in July 2025 qualifier. Provides crucial death-over bowling and lower-order hitting.

5. Ben Manenti (ITA) – 8.0 Cr Harry’s brother, right-arm off-spinner with tight economy. Forms potent spin duo that could strangle Scotland’s middle order.

Top All-Rounders to Watch

1. Harry Manenti (ITA) – 8.0 Cr The standout all-rounder with match-winning capabilities proven vs Scotland (5/31 + 38). His off-spin thrives on Eden Gardens’ pitch while batting prowess adds crucial runs.

2. JJ Smuts (ITA) – 8.0 Cr Former South African international brings T20 experience, scored 49 vs Canada in warm-up with wicket-taking ability. Left-hand bat provides variety to Italy’s lineup.

3. Brandon McMullen (SCO) – 8.0 Cr Seam-bowling all-rounder who bowls in powerplay and bats aggressively. His dual role makes him indispensable to Scotland’s balance and fantasy value.

4. Michael Leask (SCO) – 7.5 Cr Right-hand power-hitter with part-time off-spin, capable of clearing boundaries at will. Eden Gardens’ dimensions suit his hitting arc, though consistency remains question mark.

5. Grant Stewart (ITA) – 8.0 Cr Pace-bowling all-rounder who excelled vs Scotland previously. His death-over skills and lower-order blitz make him valuable in both departments.

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Match Prediction & Win Probability

Expert Analysis

Pitch Advantage: Eden Gardens’ slowing surface favors Italy’s spin-heavy attack (Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti, Crishan Kalugamage) over Scotland’s pace-reliant approach. The Azzurri’s recent victory over Scotland on similar conditions in the Netherlands gives them psychological edge.

Form Trajectory: Italy arrive with momentum from two warm-up wins (10 runs vs Canada, 112 runs vs UAE) while Scotland are reeling from three consecutive defeats (Afghanistan, Namibia in warm-ups + West Indies in opener). Confidence disparity could prove decisive.

Team Composition: Italy’s balanced XI with four quality all-rounders (Smuts, H. Manenti, Stewart, B. Manenti) provides flexibility that Scotland’s less balanced side lacks. The Scots are heavily reliant on Munsey-McMullen-Berrington trio.

Historical Context: The July 2025 meeting saw Italy defend 167 successfully, with Harry Manenti’s 5-wicket haul demolishing Scotland’s chase. Similar pitch conditions at Eden Gardens could replay that scenario.

Preparation Factor: Italy’s methodical camps in Dubai and Sri Lanka (November-January) contrast sharply with Scotland’s rushed 2-week preparation after unexpected World Cup entry. Match-readiness favors the Azzurri.

Win Probability

Team	Win Probability	Key Factors
Italy	55%	Superior recent form, H2H advantage, better preparation, balanced attack
Scotland	45%	Individual quality (Munsey, McMullen), experience, desperation factor

Final Neutral Prediction

Italy to win by 15-25 runs or 2-3 wickets

Italy’s confidence, superior preparation, and recent head-to-head victory give them the edge in what should be a competitive contest. However, Scotland’s individual match-winners (Munsey’s explosive batting, Watt’s economical spin) keep them very much in the hunt.

The toss will be crucial – the team batting second has won 58% of T20Is at Eden Gardens. Expect a target around 155-165 with the chasing side slightly favored due to morning start minimizing dew impact but pitch assessment advantage.

Fantasy players should lean 55-60% Italy, 40-45% Scotland in team composition for balanced risk.

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Final Dream11 Team (Balanced XI)

Recommended Playing XI

Formation: 1 WK, 4 BAT, 2 AR, 4 BOWL

Role	Player	Team	Credits	Why Selected
WK	Gian Meade	ITA	7.5	Consistent keeper, batting depth
BAT	George Munsey	SCO	8.5	Must-have, 72 vs ITA in H2H
BAT	Richie Berrington (C)	SCO	8.5	Captain, reliable middle-order
BAT	Wayne Madsen	ITA	7.5	Italy captain, anchor role
BAT	Brandon McMullen	SCO	8.0	All-round threat, powerplay bowler
AR	Harry Manenti	ITA	8.0	5/31 vs SCO, match-winner
AR	JJ Smuts	ITA	8.0	Experience, all-round capability
BOWL	Mark Watt	SCO	8.0	Lead spinner, economical
BOWL	Brad Currie	SCO	7.0	Death-over specialist, value pick
BOWL	Grant Stewart	ITA	8.0	Pace + batting, proven vs SCO
BOWL	Ben Manenti	ITA	8.0	Spin partner to Harry, tight lines

Total Credits: 87.5/100

Captain & Vice-Captain Selection

CAPTAIN: Harry Manenti (ITA) – 2X Points

• Destroyed Scotland with 5/31 + 38 in July 2025
• All-round threat ensures points from both disciplines
• Eden Gardens pitch suits his off-spin bowling
• Confidence high after warm-up performances
• Expert’s Verdict: Manenti’s match-up against Scotland batters who struggled vs his spin previously makes him a tactical masterclass captain choice. His ability to bowl through the middle overs (when pitch slows) and contribute vital runs in lower-middle order provides dual-avenue scoring. The psychological advantage from their last meeting cannot be understated.

VICE-CAPTAIN: George Munsey (SCO) – 1.5X Points

• Scotland’s most explosive batter with 146 SR
• Scored 72 in last H2H vs Italy
• Powerplay impact crucial on fresh pitch
• Plays shots all around the wicket
• Expert’s Verdict: Munsey’s aggressive opening style exploits the morning conditions before pitch deteriorates. His 72 against Italy’s attack in their previous meeting shows he’s cracked the code. With Scotland desperate for points, expect maximum intent from ball one, and Eden Gardens’ boundaries suit his arc perfectly.

Alternative Captaincy Options:

1. Brandon McMullen (SCO) – Dual-threat with bat and ball, differential pick for Grand Leagues
2. Richie Berrington (SCO) – Safe captaincy for Small Leagues, consistent performer
3. Mark Watt (SCO) – Bowler captaincy for brave hearts, economy + wickets guaranteed

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who will win Scotland vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 match?

Italy are marginal favorites with 55% win probability based on superior recent form, head-to-head advantage (12-run victory in July 2025), better preparation through camps in Dubai and Sri Lanka, and balanced team composition. However, Scotland’s individual match-winners like George Munsey and Brandon McMullen keep the contest competitive. The toss will be crucial, with teams chasing winning 58% of T20Is at Eden Gardens historically.

2. Who are the best Dream11 captain and vice-captain picks for SCO vs ITA?

Captain: Harry Manenti (ITA) – The Italian all-rounder demolished Scotland with 5/31 + 38 runs in their last meeting in July 2025. His off-spin bowling thrives on Eden Gardens’ slowing pitch, and his batting at No. 5 provides crucial runs. The psychological edge from their previous encounter makes him a tactical masterclass choice.

Vice-Captain: George Munsey (SCO) – Scotland’s explosive left-hand opener with a strike rate of 146+ scored 72 against Italy’s attack in their last H2H. His powerplay impact on Eden Gardens’ fresh morning pitch and desperate need for Scotland to win makes him a high-floor, high-ceiling option.

Alternative Options: Brandon McMullen (SCO) for dual-threat differential, Mark Watt (SCO) for bowler captaincy, Richie Berrington (SCO) for safe Small League choice.

3. What is the pitch report for Eden Gardens, Kolkata?

The Eden Gardens pitch features black cotton soil offering a balanced surface initially before slowing down significantly. Early phase provides true bounce with seam movement for fast bowlers, favoring cautious batting in first 3-4 overs. From the 10th over onwards, the surface slows considerably, making spin increasingly effective and boundary-hitting challenging.

Key Stats: Average first innings score of 142-143 runs, teams chasing have won 58% of T20Is here (7 out of 12), highest T20I total 201/5, and average runs per over of 7.64. The 11:00 AM start minimizes dew impact but slight moisture could benefit chasers in second innings.

Fantasy Impact: Prioritize death-over specialist bowlers, spin options for middle overs, and batters with boundary clearing ability on slower surfaces.

4. What is the recent form of Scotland and Italy teams?

Scotland Form: LLWWL (Last 5 T20Is) – Currently struggling with three consecutive defeats including 35-run loss to West Indies in tournament opener, plus warm-up losses to Afghanistan and Namibia. The team suffered from rushed preparation after late World Cup entry when Bangladesh withdrew. Individual performers like George Munsey (72 vs WI) and Richie Berrington (46* vs WI) showing fighting spirit.

Italy Form: WWWWL (Recent matches) – Riding high with impressive warm-up victories: 112-run demolition of UAE and 10-run win vs Canada. Their July 2025 qualifying campaign included memorable 12-run victory over Scotland and 4-wicket win vs Netherlands. Methodical preparation through Dubai and Sri Lanka camps (November-January) has team firing on all cylinders for World Cup debut.

5. Which players should I pick for an alternative Dream11 team?

Alternative Small League Team:

• WK: Matthew Cross (SCO) – Explosive keeper, lower ownership
• BAT: Justin Mosca (ITA), Marcus Campopiano (ITA), Tom Bruce (SCO), Michael Jones (SCO)
• AR: Michael Leask (SCO), Grant Stewart (ITA)
• BOWL: Brad Wheal (SCO), Safyaan Sharif (SCO), Crishan Kalugamage (ITA), Jaspreet Singh (ITA)
• Captain: Brandon McMullen (SCO)
• Vice-Captain: JJ Smuts (ITA)

Key Differentials: Tom Bruce (recent NZ form unknown but quality player), Crishan Kalugamage (leg-spinner on helpful pitch), Michael Leask (explosive power-hitter), Marcus Campopiano (finisher role).

Strategy: This team takes calculated risks with lower-ownership players who have high ceilings, perfect for Grand Leagues where differentiation matters more than floor.

6. What is the toss impact and weather forecast for the match?

Weather Forecast: Excellent playing conditions expected with high of 80.6°F (27°C), 0% precipitation chance, clear skies, and moderate humidity. No rain interruptions anticipated for full 40-over contest.

Toss Impact: HIGH – Teams batting first have won 41.7% while chasing teams won 58.3% at Eden Gardens in T20Is. The 11:00 AM local start minimizes traditional dew concerns, but slight moisture in second innings could make ball skid on, favoring aggressive batters and penalizing spinners.

Recommendation: Team winning toss likely to bowl first to assess conditions, benefit from slight dew advantage, and chase on a pitch where target knowledge helps. For Dream11, consider loading 60% of your team from the likely chasing side if toss information is available before deadline.

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Expert’s Final Verdict: The Tactical Edge

This Scotland vs Italy encounter represents a classic crossroads battle where momentum, preparation, and psychological factors converge. While statistical models give Italy a marginal 55-45 edge, the beauty of T20 cricket lies in its unpredictability—especially when Associate nations with nothing to lose face each other.

For Dream11 Success, Remember:

1. Harry Manenti is non-negotiable – His 5/31 + 38 vs Scotland in July 2025 wasn’t a fluke; it was a blueprint. The Eden Gardens pitch will only amplify his off-spin effectiveness.
2. Toss-dependent flexibility – If information emerges pre-deadline, skew your team 60-40 toward the chasing side. Eden Gardens historically rewards teams batting second.
3. Differential captaincy wins Grand Leagues – While Munsey and Manenti are obvious choices, bold players who captain Brandon McMullen or Michael Leask could leap rankings if they fire.
4. Don’t fade Scotland completely – Their 45% win probability reflects genuine threats: Munsey’s explosiveness, Watt’s economy, and McMullen’s dual capability. A 50-50 team split hedges risk optimally.
5. Budget allocation strategy – Use 3-4 players in 7.0-7.5 Cr range (Currie, Gian Meade, Leask, Jaspreet Singh) to afford the premium trio of Munsey, Berrington, and H. Manenti.

The team that handles the middle-overs spin challenge better will likely prevail. Italy’s spin depth (both Manentis + Kalugamage) versus Scotland’s reliance on Watt alone could be the decisive factor. For fantasy managers, loading up on Italian spinners while backing Scotland’s top-order explosiveness before the ball gets old represents the sweet spot.

Final Team Composition Recommendation:

• Small League: 50% SCO, 50% ITA with Manenti (C) and Munsey (VC)
• Grand League: 45% SCO, 55% ITA with McMullen (C) and Manenti (VC)

May your captain choices lead you to fantasy glory! 🏆

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Disclaimer: This Dream11 prediction is based on expert analysis, statistical data, recent form, pitch reports, and head-to-head records available as of February 8, 2026. Fantasy cricket involves elements of skill and chance. Please gamble responsibly and within your means. Battingfirst.com is not liable for any financial losses. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes only.

Last Updated: February 8, 2026, 7:15 PM IST
Next Update: Post-Toss Team Adjustments (February 9, 2026, 10:45 AM IST)

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