Cricket fever is peaking in Nepal! Today, Nepal faces Italy in Match 17 of Group C at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The game kicks off at 3:15 PM NPT (3:00 PM IST) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Both teams are yet to record a win, making this clash crucial for Super 8 hopes. Fans across Kathmandu are gearing up with live screenings, social media predictions, and high expectations.
Nepal comes in as the strong favorite after a narrow 4-run loss to England, showing resilience and fighting spirit. Italy, on the other hand, is reeling from a heavy defeat to Scotland and the loss of captain Wayne Madsen due to a shoulder injury. This first-ever T20I meeting adds an unpredictable edge, but Nepal’s recent ICC ODI victories over Italy give them confidence.
In this article, we break down standings, predicted XIs, key players, pitch insights, strategies, and predictions, plus a live watch section to catch the action in real-time.
Group C Standings & Context
Group C features powerhouses England, Scotland, and the West Indies, alongside Nepal and Italy. After opening matches, the standings are:
| Team | Played | Won | Lost | NRR | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies | 2 | 2 | 0 | +1.625 | 4 |
| Scotland | 2 | 1 | 1 | +0.950 | 2 |
| England | 2 | 1 | 1 | -0.650 | 2 |
| Nepal | 1 | 0 | 1 | -0.200 | 0 |
| Italy | 1 | 0 | 1 | -3.650 | 0 |
Nepal narrowly lost to England (chasing 185, fell short by 4 runs), while Italy lost by 73 runs to Scotland.
Key Insight: A Nepal win today boosts net run rate (NRR) and keeps momentum alive ahead of their clash with West Indies. Italy must pull off an upset to stay in contention.
Predicted Playing XIs
Nepal (Batting First Probable):
- Openers: Aasif Sheikh (wk), Kushal Bhurtel
- Middle Order: Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Lokesh Bam, Gulsan Jha
- Bowlers/All-rounders: Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Nandan Yadav, Sher Malla
Italy (Batting First Probable):
- Openers: Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca
- Middle Order: JJ Smuts, Marcus Campopiano, Harry Manenti (c), Ben Manenti, Gian-Piero Meade (wk)
- Bowlers: Thomas Draca, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan
Nepal boasts a balanced team with strong spin options and all-round depth, while Italy is adjusting to Madsen’s absence.
Quick Bullet Recap:
- Nepal’s edge: Spin depth, top-order firepower, recent ODI wins vs Italy.
- Italy’s challenge: New captain, early wickets required, depends on Kalugamage & Mosca brothers.
Key Players to Watch in Nepal vs Italy
Nepal:
- Kushal Bhurtel – Explosive opener; 302 runs in 2025 T20Is at SR 129.61.
- Dipendra Singh Airee – Versatile all-rounder; key against spin-weak Italy.
- Sandeep Lamichhane – Star spinner; thrives under big-match pressure.
Italy:
- Crishan Kalugamage – Lead bowler; crucial for early breakthroughs.
- Marcus Campopiano – Stabilizes innings in the captain’s absence.
- Ben Manenti – Provides spin support and all-around flexibility.
Fans on X are tipping Paudel or Bhurtel to top score, while Kalugamage could surprise early with wickets.
Pitch & Conditions Insights at Wankhede Stadium
Wankhede Stadium is traditionally high-scoring, but recent matches have seen slow starts aiding spin. Afternoon starts with slightly minimized dew, but chasing teams historically win ~55% of the last 15 T20Is here.
Weather: Clear skies, 28–30°C, perfect cricketing conditions.
Nepal Strategy: Utilize spin and a deep batting line-up for a strong margin.
Italy Strategy: Early breakthroughs and disciplined bowling, especially Kalugamage.
Watch Nepal vs Italy Live Using ICC TV
Catch the match live:
- TV Broadcast: ICC Official Broadcasters (Sony Sports / local partners)
- Online Streaming: Watch Nepal vs Italy Live – ICC streaming link
- Nepal Viewing Spots: Tudikhel, Basantapur Durbar Square, local cafés
Mid-match highlights and X updates keep fans connected to every wicket, six, and catch!
Predictions & Expert Insights
- Win Probability: Nepal 71–73%, Italy 27–29%
- Nepal’s momentum, depth, and recent series wins (2–1 over West Indies, 2025) favor them.
- Italy’s inexperience, injury woes, and lack of captaincy experience make them underdogs.
Tip for Nepal: Leverage top-order partnerships and spin attack.
Tip for Italy: Take early wickets and control scoring in the middle overs.
Fans Buzz
Cricket fever is high across Nepal!
- Live screenings at Tudikhel and Basantapur.
- Social media chatter predicts Nepal by 5+ wickets or 20+ runs.
- Enthusiastic locals are sharing predictions, memes, and live reactions on X.
Quick Summary / Key Takeaways
- Nepal vs Italy: First-ever T20I clash; Nepal favored.
- Key Players: Bhurtel, Paudel, Lamichhane (Nepal); Kalugamage, Campopiano (Italy).
- Pitch: Slightly slow, spin-friendly, dew minimal.
- Standings: Nepal needs to win to improve NRR; Italy must win to stay alive.
- Fan Hype: Live screenings.
- Watch: TV, streaming, and local events for comprehensive coverage.
Conclusion
Today’s Nepal vs Italy match is crucial for Nepal’s tournament run. With spin-friendly conditions, strong batting depth, and fan support, Nepal is poised for a landmark victory. Italy faces an uphill battle, but could create moments of excitement with early breakthroughs.
For Nepal, this is more than a game it’s a chance to prove they belong in the Super 8 stage. Fans, get ready for an afternoon of thrilling cricket!
Also Read: Nepal Drawn in Group C for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
