Nepal vs England: Nepal Begin T20 World Cup 2026 Campaign Against Strong England

Nepal will play their first match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 against one of the strongest teams in the tournament, England, on Sunday. The match will be played at the famous Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and will begin at 3:15 PM (Nepal Time).

The tournament started on Saturday, and the very first day showed that associate nations are ready to challenge big teams. The Netherlands gave Pakistan a tough fight, Scotland pushed West Indies, and the USA performed strongly against India. Now, Nepal will also aim to create something “special” against England.

Match Details

Match: Nepal vs England (Group C)
Date: Sunday, 25 Magh
Time: 3:15 PM (Nepal Time)
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Weather: Clear, low chance of rain

Nepal Looking for a Big Upset

England are currently ranked 3rd in the ICC T20 rankings, making them a major favorite. However, England have often lost surprising matches in World Cups against unexpected teams.

Nepal’s fast bowler Sompal Kami had already said before the tournament that Nepal could cause an upset against England.

“England lose to a surprising team in almost every World Cup. This time, it could be Nepal,” Sompal said.

Nepal will enter the match with the hope of becoming that surprise team.

Nepal’s Goal: Reach Super 8

This is Nepal’s third T20 World Cup appearance. In their previous two World Cups, Nepal failed to qualify beyond the group stage. This time, the team is aiming to reach the Super 8 stage.

To achieve that, Nepal must win at least two out of their four group matches. If Nepal manage to defeat England in the opening match, it will boost their confidence for the rest of the tournament.

Head-to-Head Record

Nepal and England have never played a T20 International match before. This will be their first-ever meeting in international cricket.

England come into the World Cup after winning a T20I series against Sri Lanka. Nepal have also shown good form in warm-up matches, defeating the MCA President’s XI in Mumbai and winning warm-up games against Canada and UAE.

Nepal will be searching for their first World Cup win in 12 years, while England will aim to maintain their dominance.

Team Combination and Possible Playing XI

Nepal have tested different team combinations in practice and warm-up matches. Batsman Dipendra Singh Airee has been promoted up the batting order, and Aarif Sheikh has also been given more opportunities.

Nepal’s opening pair is expected to be Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh. Captain Rohit Paudel is likely to bat at number three, followed by vice-captain Dipendra and Aarif.

Since Wankhede Stadium generally supports fast bowlers, Nepal may play three pace bowlers: Karan KC, Sompal Kami, and Nandan Yadav. Spinner Sandeep Lamichhane is expected to lead the spin department, while mystery spinner Sher Malla could also get a chance.

Nepal Probable XI:

Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Rohit Paudel (C), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Gulshan Jha, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, Sandeep Lamichhane, Sher Malla

England Playing XI (Announced)

England have already announced their playing XI for the match, and they are fielding a strong squad against Nepal.

England Playing XI:

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (C), Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Luke Wood

Key Players to Watch

Nepal:

• Kushal Bhurtel will be Nepal’s most important batsman. His performance in the powerplay could decide Nepal’s total.
• Dipendra Singh Airee is expected to contribute with both bat and ball.
• If selected, Sher Malla will be a key mystery spin option.

Wankhede has short square boundaries, and Bhurtel is known for his strong cross-batted shots, making him a major threat.

England:

• Openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler are world-class power hitters.
• Captain Harry Brook will be important in the middle order.
• Bowler Jofra Archer and spinner Adil Rashid will be England’s main bowling threats.

What the Players Said

Nepal captain Rohit Paudel admitted that England are a tough team but said Nepal will give their best performance. He also mentioned that Nepal have prepared well to reach the Super 8 stage.

England all-rounder Will Jacks said England will not take Nepal lightly and that the match is as important as any other game in the tournament.