T20 World Cup: Nepal to Bat First After Losing Toss Against West Indies

Nepal will bat first in their third match of the T20 World Cup after losing the toss to West Indies. The Caribbean side won the toss and elected to field, sending Nepal in to open the innings.

Nepal have made one change to their playing 11 for today’s match, bringing in Sompal Kami while Lalit Rajbanshi has been left out. The game is set to begin shortly at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

Looking to move past their earlier ups and downs in the tournament, Nepal will aim to put up a strong performance against West Indies. However, despite a spirited display against England and a surprising defeat to Italy, the team finds itself under natural pressure heading into this crucial encounter.

Nepal have fond memories of facing West Indies. Last September, in Sharjah, UAE, they played a three-match T20 International series against the Caribbean side their first-ever T20 series against a Test-playing nation. In a historic achievement, Nepal won the series 2-1, marking their first series victory over a Test team. From that West Indies squad, only two players Hussain and Jason Holder remain in the current lineup.

While West Indies have introduced several new players since then, Hussain, who previously led the side against Nepal, has stressed the importance of staying alert. He acknowledged Nepal’s passionate fan support and recalled the defeat in Sharjah as motivation to approach this match with caution.

West Indies, two-time T20 World Cup champions, enter the contest in formidable form. Having already defeated strong group opponents England and Scotland, they have firmly established themselves as serious title contenders and will be eager to maintain their momentum.

Nepal Playing 11:
Rohit Paudel (Captain), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aasif Sheikh, Kushal Bhurtel, Aarif Sheikh, Lokesh Bam, Gulshan Jha, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Sompal Kami, and Sandeep Lamichhane.