Nepal is batting first against the West Indies at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on February 15, 2026. West Indies captain Shai Hope won the toss and elected to field in the morning match starting at 11:45 AM NPT.
This is a must-win match for Nepal after losses to England and Italy. West Indies need a victory to confirm Super 8 qualification.
West Indies Win Toss and Bowl First
Shai Hope won the toss and chose to bowl first at Wankhede Stadium. The decision exploits early morning swing conditions for pace bowlers. Nepal captain Rohit Paudel leads the batting effort. The pitch offers early assistance before becoming batting-friendly.
Clear weather and temperatures around 28-30°C ensure uninterrupted play.
Nepal’s Do-or-Die Situation
Nepal sits on 0 points after losses to England and Italy. Today’s match is effectively a knockout game for their tournament hopes. West Indies have 2 wins and 4 points with a strong net run rate of +1.625. Victory today confirms their Super 8 qualification regardless of other results.
This creates a massive pressure contrast between the teams.
First T20 World Cup Meeting
Nepal and the West Indies meet for the first time in a World Cup. Nepal leads the overall T20I head-to-head 2-1 from a 2025 UAE series.
However, those victories came against a West Indies second-string squad. Today’s match features full-strength opposition with experienced internationals.
Nepal’s Playing XI
Openers: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk)
Middle Order: Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Lokesh Bam
All-rounders: Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC
Bowlers: Nandan Yadav, Sandeep Lamichhane
Sandeep Lamichhane leads the bowling attack. His leg-spin could prove crucial on a pitch expected to turn later.
West Indies’ Strong Lineup
Openers: Brandon King, Shai Hope (c & wk)
Middle Order: Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell
All-rounder: Jason Holder
Bowlers: Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph
The explosive middle order featuring Hetmyer, Rutherford, and Powell provides batting depth. Motie and Hosein offer quality spin options.
Watch live Nepal vs West Indies
Nepal vs West IndiesKey Battles
Kushal Bhurtel faces raw pace from Shamar Joseph in the opening overs. Nepal’s aggressive opener must negotiate early swing.
Rohit Paudel’s duel with left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie could decide the middle overs. The captain must anchor Nepal’s innings.
Sandeep Lamichhane versus West Indies’ power hitters represents the crucial contest. Wickets in the middle overs can restrict the chase.
What Nepal Needs
Nepal must post 160-plus runs on Wankhede’s batting-friendly pitch. Disciplined bowling and sharp fielding become essential if defending a total.
All eleven players must contribute to upset the favorites. Sandeep Lamichhane’s wicket-taking ability holds the key with the ball.
Live Now
Nepal’s innings is underway at Wankhede Stadium. Early overs will determine if openers can provide a strong foundation against the West Indies’ pace attack.
Follow live ball-by-ball updates as Nepal fight to keep their T20 World Cup hopes alive.
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