Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 promises an exciting battle between two rising Associate nations hungry for their first points in Group C. This historic first-ever T20I clash between Nepal and Italy takes place on February 12, 2026, at the legendary Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Nepal arrives with massive momentum after nearly pulling off one of the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history against England. They fell short by just 4 runs in a nail-biting chase, but skipper Rohit Paudel’s men showed they belong on the big stage. The Nepali fans erupted in joy and pride during that game, and the digital spike for Nepal on ICC platforms last week proves the nation’s growing love for cricket.
Italy, making their debut at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, suffered a tough 73-run loss to Scotland in their opener. To add to their woes, captain Wayne Madsen dislocated his shoulder early and is ruled out. Under new leader Harry Manenti, Italy must regroup quickly on a surface that has surprised many with its sluggish behavior.
This Group C encounter is crucial. Both teams sit at the bottom with zero points after one loss each—Nepal with NRR -0.200 and Italy at -3.650. A win here keeps slim Super 8 hopes alive before tougher tests against West Indies and others. Nepal holds the edge with venue familiarity (all their games in Mumbai so far), superior spin attack, and recent form. Italy brings grit, all-rounders like the Manenti brothers, and nothing to lose.
The afternoon timing (3:00 PM IST) minimizes dew, making it a fair contest. Nepal’s passionate supporters will fill the stands, creating an electric atmosphere for this Associate showdown. This match highlights the beauty of global cricket—minnows dreaming big on cricket’s grandest stage.
In this ultimate preview guide for Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026, we dive deep into match details, venue insights, pitch analysis, team breakdowns, key players, form, tactics, and a bold prediction. Let’s explore why Nepal looks set to shine!
Match Details and How to Watch Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026
Catch every moment of Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 live!
Match Details
- Match: Nepal vs Italy, 17th Match, Group C
- Series: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
- Date: February 12, 2026 (Thursday)
- Time: 3:00 PM IST (Local), 9:30 AM GMT
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
- Toss Time: Around 2:30 PM IST
- Format: T20 International
- Umpires: To be confirmed
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match Number | 17 |
| Group | C (England, West Indies, Scotland, Nepal, Italy) |
| Start Time (IST) | 3:00 PM |
| Venue Capacity | 33,000 |
| Ends | Garware Pavilion End, Tata End |
How to Watch – Live Streaming and TV Broadcast
Fans in India can tune in seamlessly.
- TV Broadcast (India): Star Sports Network (Star Sports 1, Star Sports Select, etc.)
- Live Streaming (India): JioHotstar (JioCinema app/website – free with Jio subscription in many cases)
- Nepal Viewers: Likely available on local broadcasters or ICC.tv; check Hotstar equivalents or regional partners. Nepal’s massive fanbase often streams via JioHotstar.
- Italy Viewers: Possible on Sky Sports or local sports channels; ICC partners may offer streaming. Check ICC.tv for global access.
- Global Options: Willow TV (USA/Canada), Sky Sports (UK), SuperSport (Africa), Prime Video/Disney+ in select regions.
- Free Options: Limited; JioCinema offers free access for many matches in India.
Don’t miss this Nepal vs Italy match preview turning into live action—set your reminders for an afternoon thriller!
Wankhede Stadium Venue Guide: Iconic Home for Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026
Wankhede Stadium stands as one of cricket’s most famous venues, hosting this key Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 clash.
History and Highlights
- Capacity: 33,000
- Hosts: Mumbai Indians (IPL), Mumbai cricket
- Famous Moments: Iconic 2011 World Cup final (India’s win), high-scoring IPL thrillers.
- Ends: Garware Pavilion End and Tata End offer great views.
Key T20I Records at Wankhede
| Category | Record/Stat |
|---|---|
| Total T20Is Played | Around 11–15 (including ongoing WC) |
| Highest Team Total | 196/3 or higher in past (WI vs ENG) |
| Average 1st Innings Score | ~170–185 (recent WC lower: 161, 184) |
| Matches Won Batting First | Majority in WC 2026 so far |
| Matches Won Chasing | Balanced historically |
| Highest Successful Chase | High in past, but recent defenses strong |
Recent T20 World Cup 2026 Matches at Wankhede
- India vs USA: Sluggish pitch; India survived scare despite complaints about tacky surface.
- Nepal vs England: England posted 184, defended narrowly (Nepal 180/9). Spin gripped, pace variations key.
The venue, usually a batting paradise with short boundaries, has been slower in 2026 WC—assisting spinners and making big totals hard. Nepal’s experience here gives them a clear advantage in this Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 encounter.
For more stats ESPNcricinfo.
Pitch Report, Conditions, and Toss Impact for Nepal vs Italy
Pitch Report – What to Expect
Wankhede’s pitch in T20 World Cup 2026 has surprised everyone. Unlike traditional flat tracks, it’s held up, offered grip for spinners, and seen scores of 161 and 184 defended. Batters struggle for timing early; spinners thrive in middle overs.
Compare to classic Wankhede: High-scoring (180+ averages), but 2026 surfaces slower, lower bounce in patches. Nepal’s spinners like Sandeep Lamichhane will love it.
Dew Factor and Weather Forecast
- Afternoon start (3 PM IST): Minimal dew expected.
- Temperature: 32–35°C high, ~24°C low
- Humidity: 50–60%
- Rain Chance: Negligible—full match likely
- Conditions: Sunny/partly cloudy, warm and dry.
Toss Prediction and Strategic Impact
Bat first likely preferred—set total before pitch slows. Historical data shows batting first edges in recent games. Nepal’s familiarity boosts them if they win toss.
This spin-friendly surface favors Nepal heavily in Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026.
Nepal Team Preview: Ready to Shine in T20 World Cup 2026
Nepal’s Journey
Nepal qualified unbeaten in Asia-EAP, showing growth. Third WC appearance; aim for first group-stage win since long.
Strengths
- Explosive batting: Dipendra Singh Airee, Lokesh Bam
- World-class spin: Lamichhane (best economy among 130+ wkts bowlers at 6.03)
- Form: LWWWW recently; near-win vs England huge confidence
Probable Playing XI
- Aasif Sheikh (wk)
- Kushal Bhurtel
- Rohit Paudel (c)
- Dipendra Singh Airee
- Aarif Sheikh
- Lokesh Bam
- Gulsan Jha
- Karan KC
- Sandeep Lamichhane
- Nandan Yadav
- Sher Malla
Unchanged likely—spin depth suits pitch. National pride surges with massive support.
Italy Team Preview: Debutants Hungry for Upset
Historic Debut
Italy qualified via Europe Regional; first WC.
Challenges
- Madsen out (shoulder)
- Heavy loss to Scotland
- Coach: “Occasion got big”—need adjustment
Probable XI
- Anthony Mosca
- Justin Mosca
- JJ Smuts
- Marcus Campopiano
- Harry Manenti (c)
- Ben Manenti
- Grant Stewart
- Gian-Piero Meade (wk)
- Thomas Draca
- Crishan Kalugamage
- Ali Hasan
All-rounders key; fight against spin crucial.
Players to Watch in Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026
Nepal Stars
- Sandeep Lamichhane: Elite leggie—deadly on turning tracks.
- Lokesh Bam: Big-hitter; 39* vs England showed power.
- Dipendra Singh Airee: Versatile all-rounder.
- Rohit Paudel: Calm leader.
- Kushal Bhurtel & Aasif Sheikh: Solid openers.
Italy Stars
- Ben Manenti: 52 off 31 vs Scotland; spin fighter.
- Harry Manenti: Captain, all-rounder.
- JJ Smuts: Experience.
- Mosca Brothers: Openers.
Recent stats highlight Nepal’s edge.
Recent Form and Tactical Battle
Recent Form
Nepal: L (Eng) W W W W
Italy: L (Sco) L W L L
Head-to-Head: First meeting.
Tactics: Nepal spin vs Italy all-rounders. Nepal exploits conditions; Italy needs big overs.
Match Prediction and Final Thoughts
Expert Prediction
Nepal heavy favorites (70–75% chance). Spin, form, venue edge key. Comfortable win likely—30+ runs or 5+ wkts.
Why It Matters
Boosts Associate cricket pride. Nepal seeks breakthrough; Italy gains experience.
This Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 clash inspires fans everywhere. Share your thoughts—who wins? Enjoy the action!
FAQs for Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026
- When and where is the Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 match scheduled? The Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026, 17th Match in Group C, is set for February 12, 2026, at 3:00 PM IST (9:30 AM GMT) at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India. This historic first-ever T20I clash between the two Associate nations promises high stakes for Super 8 qualification hopes.
- Who is favored to win the Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 match? Nepal are heavy favorites (70–75% chance) in the Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 encounter. Superior recent form, venue familiarity at Wankhede Stadium, and a world-class spin attack led by Sandeep Lamichhane give Nepal a clear edge over injury-hit Italy.
- What is the pitch report for Nepal vs Italy at Wankhede Stadium T20 World Cup 2026? The Wankhede Stadium pitch in the 2026 T20 World Cup has been slower than usual, offering grip and turn for spinners with scores around 160–185 proving defendable. Nepal vs Italy match preview suggests Nepal’s spin resources will thrive on this sluggish surface.
- How can I watch Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 live streaming and TV broadcast? In India, catch Nepal vs Italy live on Star Sports Network and stream on JioHotstar. Nepali fans can access via regional partners or JioHotstar, while Italian viewers should check ICC.tv or Sky Sports. Global options include Willow TV and Disney+ in select regions.
- What is Nepal’s probable XI for the Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 match? Nepal are likely to field an unchanged XI: Aasif Sheikh (wk), Kushal Bhurtel, Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Lokesh Bam, Gulsan Jha, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Nandan Yadav, Sher Malla. Their spin-heavy attack suits Wankhede conditions perfectly.
- Who are the key players to watch in Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026? For Nepal: Sandeep Lamichhane (elite legspinner), Lokesh Bam (explosive finisher), and Dipendra Singh Airee. For Italy: Ben Manenti (52 vs Scotland), Harry Manenti (new captain), and JJ Smuts. These players could decide this Nepal Italy cricket showdown.
- What is Italy’s probable playing XI against Nepal in T20 World Cup 2026? With Wayne Madsen ruled out, Italy’s probable XI is: Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, JJ Smuts, Marcus Campopiano, Harry Manenti (c), Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Gian-Piero Meade (wk), Thomas Draca, Crishan Kalugamage, Ali Hasan.
- What is the head-to-head record between Nepal and Italy in T20Is? Nepal and Italy have never played each other in T20Is before. This Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 match marks their first official meeting, adding extra excitement to this Associate nations clash.
- What is the weather forecast for Nepal vs Italy match at Wankhede Stadium? Expect warm, dry conditions on February 12, 2026, in Mumbai: 32–35°C, moderate humidity (50–60%), and negligible rain chance. The afternoon start minimizes dew, ensuring a full contest in this Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026 game.
- What is the prediction for Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026? Expert prediction strongly favors Nepal to win comfortably (by 30+ runs or 5+ wickets) in Nepal vs Italy T20 World Cup 2026. Their form, spin dominance, and venue advantage outweigh Italy’s spirited but inexperienced challenge.