
Prateek Thakur
abplive|01-03-2026
Defending champions India face off against a resurgent West Indies in what has effectively become a virtual quarter-final. With both teams tied on points in the Super 8 standings, the winner will advance to face England in the semi-finals, while the loser will exit the tournament. The stage is set in Kolkata at the historic Eden Gardens, where the final match of group 1 will conclude. Consequently, the fixture will label the 4th semi-finalist of the T20 World Cup 2026.
The much-anticipated clash is scheduled for Sunday, March 1, 2026.
The first ball will be bowled at 7:00 PM IST, while the crucial toss is set for 6:30 PM IST. Given the predicted evening dew in Kolkata, the toss could play a decisive role in whether captains choose to chase under the lights.For fans in the Indian subcontinent, the tournament's broadcast rights are held by JioStar, ensuring a wide array of viewing options across both digital and linear platforms.
Live Streaming on Mobile and Web: The match will be streamed live exclusively on the JioHotstar app (formerly Disney+ Hotstar) and its official website. Viewers can enjoy the action in multiple regional languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. Premium features such as 360-degree views, Multi-cam angles (Stump, Hero, and Field views), and a dedicated vertical feed for mobile-first audiences will also be available.
Live Telecast on TV: Cricket enthusiasts can watch the live telecast on the Star Sports Network. The game will be aired across several channels, including:
Star Sports 1 (English), Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, Star Sports 2, and Star Sports 2 HD
The ICC has partnered with several international broadcasters to ensure global coverage of the virtual knockout:
USA & Canada: Live coverage is available on Willow TV (TV) and CricBuzz DTC (Digital).
United Kingdom: Fans can tune in to Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with streaming available via the NOW app.
Australia: The match will be streamed live on Prime Video, featuring an additional Hindi commentary feed.
South Africa: SuperSport will provide comprehensive coverage across its TV and digital platforms.
Eden Gardens is expected to offer a batting-friendly surface with true bounce, favoring power-hitters from both sides. While the outfield is lightning-fast, the dry nature of the track could offer assistance to spinners like Varun Chakaravarthy and Akeal Hosein during the middle overs.
The weather forecast remains favorable for a full 40-over contest. Skies are expected to be "mostly clear" with a temperature of approximately 27°C at the start of play, cooling down to 24°C as the night progresses. Humidity is predicted to rise significantly after 8:00 PM, making the dew factor a critical variable for the side bowling second.




