England Wins Toss, Bowls First Against West Indies in T20 World Cup

England and the West Indies are playing a T20 World Cup match today. England won the toss and decided to bowl first. Both teams have made changes to their players for this important game.

A significant Group C match in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 is set to take place between England and the West Indies. The stakes are high as both teams aim for a crucial win in the tournament. England, captained by Harry Brook, won the toss and elected to bowl first against the West Indies. This decision follows England's narrow victory in their opening match against Nepal, a game that highlighted both the team's resilience and areas needing improvement. The West Indies, on the other hand, enter this contest with confidence, having secured a strong win against Scotland. The historical head-to-head record between these two cricketing giants is exceptionally close, suggesting a keenly contested encounter.

Match Details and Toss Decision

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Group C match between England and the West Indies is scheduled to be held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

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England v West Indies: T20 World Cup – live - 1
  • Toss Winner: England

  • Toss Decision: Elected to bowl first

  • Captains: Harry Brook (England), Shai Hope (West Indies)

  • Date: February 11, 2026

The toss was conducted with a slight moment of confusion regarding which captain would spin the coin. Ultimately, Harry Brook won the toss and his decision to bowl first reflects a strategy to utilize favorable bowling conditions or to put pressure on the West Indies' batting lineup early.

Playing XIs: Team Changes and Selections

Both teams have made adjustments to their playing XIs. England has brought in Jamie Overton to replace Luke Wood, a move described as strengthening their batting depth after a challenging chase against Nepal. The West Indies have also made a change, with Roston Chase coming in for Matthew Forde.

England v West Indies: T20 World Cup – live - 2
TeamPlaying XINotes
EnglandPhilip Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil RashidJamie Overton replaces Luke Wood.
West IndiesBrandon King, Shai Hope (wk, c), Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar JosephRoston Chase replaces Matthew Forde.

Historical Context and Head-to-Head Record

The rivalry between England and the West Indies in T20 internationals is one of the most closely followed. Both teams are acknowledged as formidable forces in the T20 World Cup, with each having won the tournament twice, a record shared with India.

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  • Total T20I Matches Played: 38

  • England Wins: 19

  • West Indies Wins: 18

  • No Result: 1

In T20 World Cup encounters specifically, the West Indies hold a slight edge with five wins to England's two. However, recent T20 World Cup history indicates England has won their last two encounters against the West Indies on this stage. This disparity between overall T20I records and T20 World Cup records warrants further examination.

England v West Indies: T20 World Cup – live - 3

Pre-Match Analysis and Team Form

Both teams are entering this match with winning momentum, though their paths to victory were different.

  • West Indies: Achieved a convincing 35-run victory against Scotland. This performance demonstrated their all-around capabilities.

  • England: Secured a narrow four-run win over Nepal, a match that tested their composure and revealed vulnerabilities, particularly against spin bowling. This close encounter has led to a strategic change in their playing XI to bolster batting.

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England captain Harry Brook has acknowledged the need for a more dominant performance, especially after the scare against Nepal. Conversely, the West Indies will aim to replicate their strong opening display and build on their unbeaten run. The dynamics of their recent victories suggest England may need to overcome a mental hurdle from their last match, while the West Indies are riding a wave of confidence.

England v West Indies: T20 World Cup – live - 4

Broadcast and Streaming Information

Fans will have multiple options to watch the match:

  • India: Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, and HD channels), with live streaming on JioHotstar. The match is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM IST.

  • United Kingdom & Ireland: Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming via Sky Go and the NOW app. The match is available for free streaming on the Sky Sports App.

  • West Indies: ESPN Caribbean.

Expert Insights

The close nature of the head-to-head record, coupled with both teams' strong T20 World Cup pedigree, positions this match as a pivotal moment in Group C. Analysts note that while England has enjoyed recent bilateral success, the West Indies' proven record on the World Cup stage makes them a dangerous opponent. The decision by England to bowl first, a move potentially influenced by the conditions at the Wankhede Stadium, will be keenly observed.

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  • "The rivalry is very closely encountered as they have won 19 times and West Indies have secured victory on 18 occasions." (Source: Outlook India)

  • "While England have enjoyed recent bilateral success, the West Indies maintain an edge on the world stage, making their upcoming clash highly anticipated." (Source: India Today)

Conclusion

The England vs. West Indies fixture at the T20 World Cup 2026 presents a compelling clash between two nations with a rich history in the shortest format of the game. England's decision to bowl first, the strategic changes in playing XIs, and the finely balanced historical record all contribute to an anticipation of a fiercely contested match. England's recent narrow escape against Nepal highlights the need for a more assured performance, while the West Indies arrive with the psychological advantage of a dominant opening win. The outcome of this match will significantly influence the progression of both teams in Group C.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the toss between England and West Indies?
England won the toss.
Q: What did England decide to do after winning the toss?
They decided to bowl first.
Q: Where is the match being played?
The match is being played in Mumbai.
Q: Have there been any changes to the teams?
Yes, both England and West Indies have made changes to their playing teams.