West Indies cruised to a nine-wicket victory over Nepal, sealing their Super Eights berth and ending Nepal out of T20 World Cup 2026.
Nepal crashed out of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday after a nine-wicket defeat to West Indies in their Group C match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. West Indies chased down 134 in 15.2 overs, becoming the first team to reach the Super Eights while Nepal were eliminated from contention.
This result underscores the gap between associate nations like Nepal and established teams in South Asia’s cricket landscape, where emerging sides struggle for consistent breakthroughs in global tournaments.
Nepal vs West Indies T20 World Cup 2026: Match Recap
West Indies captain Shai Hope won the toss and chose to field first on a surface offering early assistance to seamers. Nepal posted 133-8 in 20 overs, thanks to a fighting half-century from Dipendra Singh Airee.
Nepal’s innings started poorly. Kushal Bhurtel fell for 1 in the first over, bowled by Akeal Hosein. Captain Rohit Paudel managed 5 before being trapped lbw by Matthew Forde in the third over. Aasif Sheikh scored 11 but edged Jason Holder to slip in the fourth over. Aarif Sheikh added 2 before Holder struck again, leaving Nepal at 23-4 after 6.3 overs.
Lokesh Bam contributed 13, but Shamar Joseph dismissed him caught behind in the 11th over, making it 46-5. Gulsan Jha scored 11 before Roston Chase bowled him in the 15th over. Airee and Sompal Kami then steadied with a 54-run seventh-wicket stand. Airee reached 58 off 47 balls, with 3 fours and 3 sixes, before Holder dismissed him in the 20th over. Karan KC fell for 1 on the last ball, also to Holder. Sompal Kami remained not out on 26 from 15 balls, including 4 fours.
Holder led the bowling with 4-27 from 4 overs, earning Player of the Match. Forde took 1-10 from 4 overs, including a maiden. Joseph claimed 1-38, Hosein 1-30, and Chase 1-10. Gudakesh Motie went wicketless for 17 runs.
In response, West Indies reached 134-1 with 28 balls to spare. Brandon King scored 22 off 17 balls with 4 fours before Nandan Yadav dismissed him caught in the sixth over. Hope and Shimron Hetmyer then added an unbroken 91-run partnership. Hope finished unbeaten on 61 from 44 balls, hitting 5 fours and 3 sixes. Hetmyer made 46 not out from 32 balls, with 4 fours and 2 sixes.
Nepal’s bowlers struggled. Yadav took the only wicket for 24 runs from 3 overs. Sandeep Lamichhane conceded 38 from 3 overs without success. Dipendra Singh Airee bowled 3.2 overs for 19 runs. Sompal Kami gave away 23 from 2 overs, Karan KC 12 from 2, and Kushal Bhurtel 18 from 2.
The powerplay saw Nepal at 22-3, while West Indies reached 44-1. Nepal managed 50 in 11.2 overs, but West Indies crossed 50 in 6.3 overs and 100 in 12 overs. Airee’s 50 came off 44 balls, Hope’s off 38.
Nepal Out of T20 World Cup Super Eights: Batting Woes Exposed
Nepal’s third loss in Group C confirmed their exit. They failed to build partnerships, often stuck at 20-30 run stands without big scores. Captain Rohit Paudel admitted post-match: “Batting first in the morning was a big challenge and praises the bowlers of West Indies. He notes that the bowlers made good use of the conditions and admits that the batting unit struggled again, highlighting the need to improve. Paudel points out that the team is lacking substantial partnerships, often managing stands of 20 or 30 without converting starts into big scores.”
Paudel praised Airee: “Commenting on Airee’s half-century, Paudel praises the way he paced his innings. Details that he bided his time on a difficult wicket before accelerating towards the end, setting an example for the team to follow.”
West Indies extended their unbeaten streak to three wins. Hope said: “It is very pleasing to have qualified for the next round, and with one hurdle crossed, it is on to the next. … glad the boys consistently put the ball in the right areas and is very happy with the bowlers’ effort. … there was a bit of moisture in the surface, which they felt they could exploit.”
Holder reflected: “With it being a day game, the conditions were different, with the ball doing a lot more, and it was difficult to hit through the line. Praises Matthew Forde for his outstanding new-ball spell that helped in setting the tone. Shares that he has been working on bowling yorkers from round the wicket and feels that it is important to be unpredictable in this format.”
Background: Nepal’s Campaign in T20 World Cup 2026
Nepal entered as an associate nation, aiming to upset full members. Their batting inconsistencies persisted, evident in early collapses. The West Indies beat Nepal T20 World Cup match highlighted Nepal’s reliance on Airee and lower-order resistance.
West Indies, two-time champions, showed form with disciplined bowling and aggressive batting. Their qualification boosts Group C dynamics, with six points atop the table.
West Indies Beat Nepal T20 World Cup: Implications for South Asia
In a region where India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka dominate, Nepal’s progress inspires fans. Their elimination from T20 World Cup Super Eights raises questions on associate development. South Asian cricket boards may push for more exposure matches.
West Indies’ success adds intrigue, given historical rivalries with South Asian teams.
What’s Next
Nepal face one more group match against Scotland on the 17th of April, seeking a consolation win. West Indies advance to Super Eights, facing tougher opposition.
With Nepal out of T20 World Cup 2026, focus shifts to rebuilding for future events.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 16th, 2026
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