WI vs NEP Match Preview – In a landmark moment for Nepalese cricket, the Rhinos are set to take on the West Indies in the first of a three-match T20 International series at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday, September 27th. This series marks Nepal’s first-ever bilateral T20I contest against a Full Member nation, promising a fascinating encounter between the raw, burgeoning talent of the Himalayan nation and the T20 powerhouse of the Caribbean.
While the West Indies, even with a squad featuring several new faces, will start as firm favorites, Nepal has consistently shown that they can punch above their weight. Led by the capable Rohit Kumar Paudel, the young Nepali side will be eager to make a statement and test their skills against some of the best in the business. The Akeal Hosein-captained West Indies, on the other hand, will look to assert their dominance and provide valuable international exposure to their emerging players.
WI vs NEP Match Details
WI vs NEP Head to Head
This will be the first-ever T20 International meeting between West Indies and Nepal, making this a truly historic occasion. Their only previous encounter in a major cricketing event was during the 2023 ICC World Cup Qualifiers (an ODI), which West Indies won comfortably.
WI vs NEP Pitch Report: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The pitch at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium is renowned for its batting-friendly nature. The short boundaries make it a haven for power-hitters, and another high-scoring affair can be expected. While the surface offers true bounce, it has historically tended to slow down as the game progresses, bringing the spinners into play. Spin bowlers often find success here, with the ball gripping the surface. Teams winning the toss often prefer to chase, as the dew factor can make gripping the ball difficult for the bowling side in the second innings. A par score at this venue would be in the region of 170-180.
WI vs NEP Weather Report
The weather in Sharjah on Saturday evening is expected to be hot and humid, typical for this time of year in the UAE. The temperature will likely hover around the low 30s in degrees Celsius during the match. There is no threat of rain, so a full, uninterrupted match is on the cards. The humidity and dew could play a significant role, especially in the latter half of the game.
WI vs NEP Squads
West Indies (WI) Squad: Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Karima Gore, Amir Jangoo(WK), Akeal Hosein(C), Obed McCoy, Keacy Carty, Kyle Mayers, Ramon Simmonds, Ackeem Auguste, Shamar Springer, Navin Bidaisee, Zishan Motara, Jediah Blades, Jewel Andrew(WK)
Nepal (NEP) Squad: Dipendra Singh-Airee, Arif Sheikh, Rohit Kumar Paudel(C), KC Karan, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Malla, Lokesh Bam(WK), Kushal Bhurtel, Sompal Kami, Shahab Alam, Lalit Rajbanshi, Asif-Sheikh(WK), Gulsan Jha, Nandan Yadav
WI vs NEP Probable Playing11
West Indies (WI): Kyle Mayers, Keacy Carty, Ackeem Auguste, Jewel Andrew (WK), Shamar Springer, Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Akeal Hosein (C), Obed McCoy, Ramon Simmonds, Karima Gore.
Nepal (NEP): Kushal Bhurtel, Asif-Sheikh (WK), Rohit Kumar Paudel (C), Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh-Airee, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, KC Karan, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Shahab Alam.
WI vs NEP Match Prediction
The West Indies, with their rich T20 pedigree and a lineup boasting explosive players like Kyle Mayers and the seasoned all-rounder Jason Holder, hold a clear advantage. Their players are well-accustomed to the demands of T20 cricket, having featured prominently in franchise leagues around the world. The spin duo of captain Akeal Hosein and Fabian Allen could be particularly effective on the Sharjah surface.
Nepal’s chances will hinge on their collective performance. The opening pair of Kushal Bhurtel and Asif Sheikh will need to provide a solid start, while the middle order, marshaled by skipper Rohit Kumar Paudel, will have to contend with a potent West Indian bowling attack. Nepal’s biggest strength lies in their spin department, with the world-renowned Sandeep Lamichhane leading the charge. If their spinners can exploit the conditions and their batters can post a competitive total, they could certainly challenge the Caribbean side.
However, the power and experience of the West Indies are likely to be too much for the spirited Nepalese outfit in this historic encounter.
Prediction: West Indies to win.
