WI vs NEP Match Preview – In what promises to be a fascinating contest, the power-hitting prowess of the West Indies will be pitted against the spirited and rapidly improving Nepal side in the first T20I of their bilateral series. The match is scheduled to be held at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday, September 27th, 2025. This series presents a golden opportunity for Nepal to test their skills against a top-tier cricketing nation, while the West Indies will be looking to assert their dominance in a format they have historically excelled in.
The Akeal Hosein-led West Indies squad features a blend of experienced campaigners and exciting young talent. While some of their marquee T20 stars are absent, the presence of players like Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, and Fabian Allen ensures they possess significant firepower. On the other hand, Nepal, under the captaincy of Rohit Kumar Paudel, will be relying on their core group of players who have been instrumental in their recent successes. The likes of Sandeep Lamichhane, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Kushal Bhurtel will be key to their chances of pulling off an upset.
WI vs NEP 1st T20 Match Details
WI vs NEP Head to Head
This will be the first-ever T20 International encounter between the West Indies and Nepal, making this a historic occasion for both nations. This lack of previous history adds an element of unpredictability to the contest, with both teams venturing into unknown territory.
WI vs NEP 1st T20 Pitch Report
The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is renowned for its batting-friendly wickets and short boundaries, which traditionally make for high-scoring encounters. The pitch is expected to be flat and hard, offering true bounce, which will allow batsmen to play their shots with confidence. Bowlers, especially the spinners, might come into play as the game progresses and the pitch slows down slightly. Dew could also be a significant factor in the second innings, making it difficult for the bowlers to grip the ball. The team winning the toss will likely opt to bowl first and chase down the target under the lights.
WI vs NEP 1st T20 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 be in the low to mid-30s (in Celsius) at the start of the match. There is no forecast for rain, so a full, uninterrupted match is expected. The high humidity levels and the potential for dew will be a challenge for the players.
WI vs NEP 1st T20 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 for 1st T20I
West Indies: Kyle Mayers, Keacy Carty, Ackeem Auguste, Jewel Andrew (wk), Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Shamar Springer, Akeal Hosein (c), Obed McCoy, Karima Gore, Ramon Simmonds
Nepal: 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 will undoubtedly start as the favorites, given their vast experience and the explosive nature of their players who are well-suited to the T20 format. The power-hitting of Kyle Mayers and the all-round capabilities of Jason Holder and Fabian Allen give them a significant edge. Their bowling attack, led by captain Akeal Hosein, also possesses the variety to trouble the Nepali batsmen.
However, Nepal is a team that has consistently punched above its weight. They have a well-balanced side with a good mix of aggressive batsmen and skillful bowlers. The leg-spin of Sandeep Lamichhane will be a major threat, and if their top order, featuring Kushal Bhurtel and Rohit Paudel, can provide a solid start, they have the potential to post a competitive total.
While an upset cannot be ruled out, especially given Nepal’s fighting spirit, the sheer power and T20 pedigree of the West Indies should see them through in this series opener. Expect a high-scoring and entertaining match, with the Caribbean side likely coming out on top.
Prediction: West Indies to win.
