Mumbai-Nepal is set to face a formidable England side in its opening match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday. The match will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The tournament began on Saturday, with three matches already completed. In all three games, associate nations gave tough competition to Test-playing teams—Netherlands against Pakistan, Scotland against West Indies, and the United States against India. Nepal will be aiming to continue that trend when it takes on England.
Despite England being ranked third in the ICC T20I rankings, the Nepali camp remains confident. Pace bowler Sompal Kami had earlier stated that England often suffers surprise defeats in World Cups and that Nepal could be the team to cause an upset this time.
Nepal is participating in the T20 World Cup for the third time. In the previous two editions, the team failed to progress beyond the group stage. This time, Nepal has set a clear target of reaching the Super 8, which would require at least two wins in the group stage. A victory against England would significantly boost Nepal’s chances and morale.
Head-to-Head
Nepal and England have never faced each other in a T20 International or any other format of international cricket. Sunday’s match will mark their first-ever encounter.
Ahead of the World Cup, England won a T20I series against Sri Lanka. Nepal, meanwhile, defeated the MCA President’s XI in a practice match in Mumbai and registered warm-up wins against Canada and the UAE.
Nepal will be seeking its first T20 World Cup victory in 12 years, while England will look to assert its dominance early in the tournament.
Team Combination and Probable XI
Nepal has experimented with several combinations during practice and warm-up matches. Dipendra Singh Airi has been promoted up the batting order, while Arif Sheikh has also been given extended opportunities.
Openers Kushal Bhurtel and Asif Sheikh are likely to start, followed by captain Rohit Poudel at number three. Dipendra Singh Airi and Arif Sheikh are expected to anchor the middle order, with Gulshan Jha providing finishing support.
Given the pace-friendly conditions at Wankhede, Nepal may field three fast bowlers—Karan KC, Sompal Kami, and Nandan Yadav—along with leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane. Mystery spinner Sher Malla could also feature, depending on final conditions. Left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi is unlikely to play due to England’s left-heavy batting lineup.
Nepal probable XI:
Kushal Bhurtel, Asif Sheikh, Rohit Poudel (C), Dipendra Singh Airi, Arif Sheikh, Gulshan Jha, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, Sandeep Lamichhane, Sher Malla
England have already announced their playing XI for the match.
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
Players to Watch
For Nepal, opener Kushal Bhurtel will be crucial, especially during the powerplay. His ability to exploit short square boundaries at Wankhede could shape Nepal’s innings. All-rounder Dipendra Singh Airi is also expected to play a key role with both bat and ball.
For England, openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler will be central to their batting strategy. In the middle order, captain Harry Brook will be a key figure, while Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid will lead the bowling attack.
What They Said
Nepal captain Rohit Poudel said the team is prepared despite the challenge posed by England and is focused on reaching the Super 8 this time.
England all-rounder Will Jacks said Nepal should not be taken lightly and that the match is as important as any other group fixture.
Match Details:
Match: Nepal vs England, Group ‘C’
Date & Time: Magh 25 (Sunday), 3:15 PM
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Weather: Clear, minimal chance of evening dew
