In a one-sided encounter at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 15, 2026, West Indies cruised to a comprehensive 9-wicket victory over Nepal in Match 25 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. This result not only propelled the Caribbean side into the Super 8 stage but also marked the end of Nepal’s campaign, making them the first team eliminated from the tournament. Chasing a modest target of 134, West Indies reached the mark with 28 balls to spare, showcasing their batting prowess and bowling discipline.
Match Overview
Nepal, batting first after losing the toss, struggled early against a potent West Indies attack. They managed to post 133/8 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to a fighting half-century from Dipendra Singh Airee and a quick cameo from Sompal Kami. However, Jason Holder’s stellar bowling performance dismantled their innings, earning him the Player of the Match award.
In response, West Indies openers set a solid foundation, with Shai Hope anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 61. Shimron Hetmyer provided the fireworks with a brisk 46 not out, ensuring a smooth chase that highlighted the gulf in class between the two sides.
Key Moments from the Highlights
The official ICC highlights in Nepali commentary captured the essence of the game, though fans noted some editing issues, such as abrupt cuts from key phases of the innings. Nepal’s powerplay was disastrous, losing three wickets for just 22 runs, putting them on the back foot early. Airee’s resilient 58 off 47 balls, including crucial boundaries, helped stabilize the middle order, while Kami’s 26 off 15 balls added late impetus with a 50-run partnership in just 24 balls.
West Indies’ chase was clinical. Johnson Charles provided a quick start with 22 off 17 before being dismissed, but Hope and Hetmyer’s unbeaten stand of over 100 runs sealed the deal. Notable moments included Hope’s elegant drives and Hetmyer’s powerful pulls, as seen in the video’s fast-paced montage of boundaries.
Player Performances
Nepal Batting
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dipendra Singh Airee | 58 | 47 | 4 | 1 | 123.40 |
| Sompal Kami | 26 | 15 | 2 | 2 | 173.33 |
| Others (combined) | 44 | 58 | – | – | – |
West Indies Bowling
Jason Holder led the charge with figures of 4/27 in 4 overs, picking up crucial wickets at regular intervals. Akeal Hosein supported with 2/12, while Matthew Forde was economical, conceding just 8 runs in 3 overs for 1 wicket.
West Indies Batting
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shai Hope (not out) | 61 | 44 | 5 | 3 | 138.63 |
| Shimron Hetmyer (not out) | 46 | 32 | 4 | 2 | 143.75 |
| Johnson Charles | 22 | 17 | 3 | 0 | 129.41 |
Implications for the Tournament
With this win, West Indies secured their third victory in Group C, confirming their advancement to the Super 8s and boosting their net run rate. Nepal, on the other hand, suffered their third defeat, ending their hopes of progressing further. Once considered a rising associate nation, Nepal’s performance in this World Cup has been disappointing, highlighting areas for improvement in batting depth and handling pressure against top teams.
This match underscores West Indies’ resurgence in T20 cricket, blending experience with youthful energy. Fans can catch the full Nepali highlights on the ICC’s YouTube channel for a closer look at the action. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on West Indies’ Super 8 campaign.
Video Source: YouTube
