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News India Live, Digital Desk: Today, the biggest thrill of cricket will be seen in the historic Eden Gardens of Kolkata. This last and decisive match of the Super-8 round of T20 World Cup 2026 is to be played between India and West Indies. This match is not just a game but a ‘virtual battle’ to get a ticket to the semi-finals. Eden Gardens, Kolkata is all set to witness the ‘do or die’ match between India and West Indies today (1 March 2026). The team that wins this 52nd match of Super-8 will directly secure its place in the semi-finals. In such a situation, who will this pitch of Kolkata support and how important will the toss be, let us know in detail.
Pitch report: Batsman’s paradise or bowlers’ dominance?
The pitch at Eden Gardens has traditionally been balanced, but the mood here seems to have changed in this tournament.
Batting friendly: This match is to be played on pitch numbers 5 and 6, where Scotland had scored a huge score of 207 runs this month. With the outfield being quite fast and the boundaries being small, a high-scoring match is expected today.
Help to bowlers: Initially, fast bowlers can get moisture and movement from the new ball. However, the surface is quite dry, which may give the spinners some grip in the second half of the match, but do not expect too much turn.
average score: The average score of the first innings on this ground has been between 161 to 180, but considering today’s conditions, even a score of 200+ cannot be called safe.
Importance of toss and dew factor
Dew proves to be a big factor in the evening in Kolkata. If dew falls, it will become difficult to bowl later and the spinners may become ineffective due to the ball being wet.
Toss Prediction: If we look at the statistics of this World Cup, 4 out of 5 matches at Eden have been won by the team batting first. In such a situation, the captain who wins the toss will want to create pressure by batting first and putting a big score on the scoreboard.
India’s dominance at Eden Gardens: A look at the records
It is a matter of relief for India that Eden Gardens has been their fortress.
Team India’s record: India has won 7 out of 8 T20 matches played here.
West Indies’ challenge: The Caribbean team will also come here with pleasant memories of winning the 2016 World Cup final, but their record against India on this ground has not yet opened the account of victory.
Highest Score: 207/4 (Scotland vs Italy)
Lowest Score: 70 (Bangladesh vs New Zealand)
Probable playing XI of both the teams (Predicted XI)
India: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Tilak Verma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakraborty, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.
West Indies: Shai Hope (captain/wicketkeeper), Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Moti, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph.