The T20 World Cup 2026 heated up at Wankhede as Nepal clawed their way to 133/8, handing West Indies a tricky 134-run chase in Group C. West Indies won the toss and bowled, but Nepal’s resilience shone through despite a shaky start.
Kushal Bhurtel’s early exit at 2 runs set off alarms, followed by a procession of wickets: Asif Sheikh 11, Rohit Paudel 5, Arif Sheikh 2, Lokesh Bam 13, Gulshan Jha 11. By the 15th over, Nepal were reeling at 73/6.
Deependra Singh Airee then took charge, crafting a masterful 58 from 47 deliveries with 3 fours and 3 sixes. His 54-run alliance with an unbeaten Sompal Kami (26 off 15, 4×4) propelled the score, especially with 41 runs in the last three overs.
Jason Holder dominated bowling duties, snaring 4/27. Forde (1/10), Joseph (1/38), Hosein (1/30), and Chase (1/10) chipped in. Nepal, buoyed by their England scalp but scarred by Italy’s dominance, stakes everything on this game. Defeat means World Cup exit.
As West Indies embark on the chase, the pressure mounts. Wankhede’s lively surface favors pace, but Nepal’s fighting spirit could yet deliver a shock.