For those paying attention, Oman’s ascent is no fluke. Since becoming an ICC Affiliate in 2000, they have evolved from a regional side into a four-time T20 World Cup participant (2016, 2021, 2024, and 2026). After qualifying as runners-up in the East Asia Pacific Qualifier, they enter this tournament with a ranking that has climbed to 18th in the world, and despite a winless Rising Stars Asia Cup campaign they offered up some fight against India A.

For the “Chevrons” that warm-up loss was a bucket of cold water. Zimbabwe’s run-up to the tournament has been a mixed bag: despite an undefeated Africa Region Qualifier campaign, they managed just one win in November’s tri-series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and suffered a home whitewash against Afghanistan.

However, the longer view remains hopeful. This is a side that finally broke a string of first-round eliminations in 2022 – highlighted by a famous defeat of Pakistan – and they are desperate to erase the memory of failing to qualify in 2024. Now they’re back with a squad largely on the right side of 30, and one anchored by the supreme experience afforded by a trio of near-40-year-olds – Sikander Raza, Brandon Taylor and Graeme Cremer.

Over recent years, they’ve shown the ability to hang with the best, now is when they will hope to bring it all together. Oman. meanwhile. want to show they’re ready for the big time. Two sides with something to prove, it’s what the T20 World Cup is all about.

On the eve of the game, Madsen said that they’re done soaking in the occasion. It’s action time now, and standing in front of Italy are Scotland, a team they took down during the Europe Qualifier for the World Cup.

Scotland’s opening-day defeat to West Indies showed promise but also frustration. They threatened to gain control in phases but they missed their opportunities along the way. The positive is the turnaround for the Italy game is under 48 hours, and they have the advantage of being able to brush that defeat off. They are also familiar with Eden Gardens.

Scotland – also the higher-ranked T20I side – possibly start off as favourites since former captain Joe Burns and batter Emilio Gay are not part of this squad, but Italy won’t back down from turning a historic game into an unforgettable one.

Former South Africa international JJ Smuts is possibly Italy’s biggest batting trump card. His clean-hitting can travel far at Eden Gardens, and his years between 2017 and 2021 bring an experience that is irreplaceable in the Italy camp. At 37, he couldn’t even fathom playing another World Cup, but his qualification via marriage to play for Italy has given a late boost to his motivations, and he wants to leave a mark in India.

George Munsey, occasionally called the reverse-sweeping demon, always finds a way to score runs. His crisp shots with the new ball always makes him dangerous in the powerplay, and he is threatening against the spinners with his sweeps. Against West Indies, he dazzled with three fours in a quick-fire start of 19, and looked good for more on that pitch, but his innings was cut short courtesy a magical catch from Shimron Hetmyer. A strong start from Munsey makes Scotland an even more dangerous side.