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The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will enter an interesting phase when it is played against Nepal in Mumbai. On paper, it may look like a contest between two-time champions and a rising associate nation. But the World Cup has a way of challenging assumptions, and that is what makes this encounter so intriguing.
West Indies have started their Group C campaign with authority. Two wins from two matches, wins over Scotland and England, and a brand of cricket that mixes flair with calculation. Their batting has been explosive without being careless. Their bowling has found a rhythm that allows captains to sleep a little easier. They sit comfortably at the top of the group, but rest in T20 cricket is always fleeting.
Nepal come with a different story, yet one full of courage. They pushed England to the brink, losing by just four runs to a team that demanded both skill and confidence. Even in defeat, they earned praise. The earlier defeat to Italy had exposed areas that still needed improvement, but it reminded them that margins cannot be forgiven at this level. Nepal may not be able to carry the weight of history in this tournament, yet they have something equally powerful, hunger.
This match is important for both teams. West Indies will be looking to maintain the rhythm and secure a place in the Super Eights. Nepal will see this as an opportunity to declare themselves on the biggest stage. For them, a win here will not be just two points. It will be a statement.
| Format | Matches | WI Won | NEP Won | Tied | NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Note: Nepal and West Indies have faced each other three times in T20I matches before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Nepal has won two of those matches, including a historic 90-run win in September 2025, while West Indies has won once by 10 wickets.
| No. | Nepal Player | Role | West Indies Player | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rohit Paudel (c) | Batting allrounder | Shai Hope (c) | Wicketkeeper batter |
| 2 | Aarif Sheikh | Top-order batter | Johnson Charles | Wicketkeeper batter |
| 3 | Aasif Sheikh | Wicketkeeper batter | Roston Chase | Allrounder |
| 4 | Dipendra Singh Airee | Middle-order batter | Matthew Forde | Bowler |
| 5 | Basir Ahamad | Middle-order batter | Shimron Hetmyer | Middle-order batter |
| 6 | Kushal Bhurtel | Opening batter | Jason Holder | Bowling allrounder |
| 7 | Gulsan Jha | Allrounder | Akeal Hosein | Bowler |
| 8 | Sundeep Jora | Middle-order batter | Shamar Joseph | Bowler |
| 9 | Karan KC | Allrounder | Brandon King | Top-order batter |
| 10 | Sandeep Lamichhane | Bowler | Gudakesh Motie | Bowler |
| 11 | Lokesh Bam | Middle-order batter | Rovman Powell | Middle-order batter |
| 12 | Sher Malla | Bowler | Sherfane Rutherford | Middle-order batter |
| 13 | Lalit Rajbanshi | Bowler | Quentin Sampson | Batter |
| 14 | Sompal Kami | Bowling allrounder | Jayden Seales | Bowler |
| 15 | Nandan Yadav | Bowler | Romario Shepherd | Bowling allrounder |
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| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Stadium | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Pitch Nature | Batting-friendly with good pace and carry |
| Batting Support | Helps stroke play for both openers and middle order |
| New Ball Behaviour | Seamers can get movement early |
| Spin Factor | Spinners can be effective in middle overs |
| Match Pattern | High scores common in T20 matches |
| Average T20 Score Range | 170–190 |
| Toss Strategy | Winning toss may choose to bat first |
| Safe / Defending Score | 180+ often competitive |
West Indies have an explosive batting line-up with players like Shimron Hetmyer and Brandon King who can quickly take the game away from the opposition. They have a diverse bowling line-up, with spin options like Gudakesh Moti and seam power like Jason Holder and Romario Shepherd. They have started the tournament strongly, their confidence boosted by consecutive wins.
Their concern is that if the early momentum is lost, they can sometimes become inconsistent in the middle overs. They must strike a balance between aggression and tactical composure to avoid collapse when wickets fall.
Key players to watch out for are Shimron Hetmyer who is their leading run-scorer and has the ability to increase the pace at will. Brandon King is a top-order batsman with a strong strike rate who gives a quick start. Gudakesh Moti is a spin force who controls the middle overs and takes wickets.
Nepal have a spirited batting display and have the ability to challenge strong teams against England. They have a spin attack led by Sandeep Lamichhane that provides control and wicket-taking in the middle overs. They have an exciting top order like Kushal Bhurtel and Asif Sheikh who can score quickly.
Their concern is inconsistency in big tournaments and lack of deep tournament experience at this level. Their bowling depth could be tested against a big hitting lineup that attacks every bowler.
The key players to watch are Kushal Bhurtel who is an opening batsman who is capable of scoring big. Asif Sheikh is an aggressive top order hitter who sets the tone. Sandeep Lamichhane is their main spin threat and an experienced T20 bowler who should perform here.
With clear skies and good batting conditions expected in Mumbai, winning the toss and batting first could be the best option to set a big target and put pressure on the opposition team to chase in the bright light.
| Team | Winning Chance (%) | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| West Indies | 65% | Form, batting firepower, and strong group performance |
| Nepal | 35% | Potential upset with strong batting and fighting spirit |
Cricbites Prediction: West Indies will win, thanks to their strong start and depth, but if Nepal gets an opening partnership, their resilience and aggressive batting could prove challenging.
The clash between West Indies and Nepal in Group C is set to be an exciting one, with experience and pace aplenty, with the weaker players facing increasing passion and fearless cricket. Expect aggressive batting and strategic spin in the middle overs and a fierce competition for every run.
West Indies will look to continue their unbeaten run and cement their identity with a win in the Super Eights. Nepal will look to cause a major upset in the World Cup and demonstrate their rapid development as a competitive international team capable of beating anyone.
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This preview is based on verified team lists, tournament fixtures, pitch expectations and recent team form. Cricket matches remain unpredictable and performances on the day can be affected by weather and toss decisions and individual excellence.
Shai Hope is the captain of West Indies in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Rohit Paudel is the captain of Nepal in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
West Indies will face Nepal on 15 February 2026. This match is scheduled to start at 11:00 AM IST.
The West Indies vs NEP T20 World Cup 2026 match will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India.
This match is the 25th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
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