Eden Gardens will be one of the crucial venues for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The famous venue will host seven matches in total that include five group-stage encounters and one Super 8 Group match.
In addition, the venue has been allotted a semifinal, though there is a condition: If Pakistan qualify for that semifinal, the match will be shifted to Colombo, in line with the tournament's logistical arrangements.
Regardless, Kolkata is set to witness a significant number of high-stakes cricket matches during the T20 World Cup 2026. Having previously hosted the T20 World Cup final in 2016, the stadium once again returns to the global spotlight.
So, in this article, let's take a look at how many matches will take place at the Eden Gardens and the kind of pitches the teams can expect in the T20 World Cup 2026.
T20 World Cup 2026 matches at Eden Gardens
Date
Matches
February 7
West Indies vs Scotland
February 9
Scotland vs Italy
February 14
England vs Scotland
February 16
England vs Italy
February 19
West Indies vs Italy
March 1
Super 8, Group 1: X1 vs X3
March 4
Semi-final 1
(if Pakistan do not qualify)
The scheduled for T20 World Cup 2026 matches at this venue are:
The first match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Eden Gardens will be played on February 7 between the West Indies and Scotland.
On February 9, Scotland will face Italy. On February 14, England will take on Scotland. In the fourth match at this stadium, England and Italy will play on February 16.
On February 19, the West Indies will compete against Italy. Moving into March, March 1 features the Super 8, Group 1 match between X1 and X3, followed by Semi-final 1 on March 4, which will be played if Pakistan do not qualify.
According to ESPNcricinfo, India has played 8 T20I matches at this iconic venue. The 'Men in Blue' have dominated at this venue, winning 7 matches and losing just one to England.
England has played three matches at this venue and has won just one match. The West Indies have played five matches and have won just one. It is important to note that Italy and Scotland have played no matches at this stadium.
Eden Gardens T20I record
Statistic
Value
Total matches
12
Matches won batting first
5
Matches won bowling first
7
Average 1st innings score
142
Highest total recorded
201/5 (Pakistan vs Bangladesh)
(Data by Howstat)
A total of 12 matches are played at the iconic Eden Gardens in T20Is. Of these, 5 matches were won by teams batting first, while 7 matches were won by teams bowling first.
The average first-innings score across the matches was 142 runs, and the highest total recorded in the competition was 201 for 5, achieved by Pakistan against Bangladesh in 2016.
How the pitch at the Eden Gardens will play out?
The pitch at Eden Gardens in Kolkata is usually very good for batting. At the start of the match, fast bowlers can get some help from the surface, especially with the new ball.
There may be a little seam movement and extra bounce, which means the ball can move off the pitch and rise more than expected.
Because of this, the opening batters need to be careful during the first few overs and avoid playing risky shots.
Once the batters settle in and the ball becomes older, batting becomes much easier. The pitch has even pace and bounce, which allows batters to play their shots freely.
The outfield at this stadium is very fast, so well-timed shots often reach the boundary quickly. As the match goes on, teams can score runs at a quick pace if they bat sensibly.
For bowlers, accuracy is very important. Fast bowlers must bowl on a good length to trouble the batters. Spinners may get a little turn from the pitch, but it is not expected to be a major factor in the game.
Eden Gardens (Source:X)
