Scotland vs Nepal T20 World Cup 2026 preview – this clash might be a dead rubber on paper, but for fans of associate nations cricket, it’s loaded with emotion. On February 17, 2026, at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium, two determined sides – Scotland and Nepal – meet in the 33rd Match of Group C in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Both teams are already eliminated from Super Eights contention, yet the battle for pride, a maiden WC win for Nepal, and a positive send-off makes this one unmissable.
As a Nepal supporter, that heartbreaking 4-run loss to England still hurts – but imagine the roar if Sandeep Lamichhane turns it around tonight! Scottish fans, your Bravehearts stunned Italy with a 200+ total; now, can they sign off strong in front of a passionate Mumbai crowd?
This SCO vs NEP match guide dives deep into everything you need: venue insights, pitch behavior, team news, key players, head-to-head drama, and a realistic prediction. Let’s celebrate the underdog spirit that makes associate cricket so special.
Match Details: All You Need to Know for SCO vs NEP T20 World Cup 2026
Scotland vs Nepal T20 World Cup 2026 preview kicks off with these key facts:
- Date: February 17, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM IST (Local Mumbai time) / 1:30 PM GMT
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
- Series: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Group C, 33rd Match
- Toss Prediction: Around 6:30 PM IST – expect captains to bowl first if dew is prominent in the evening humidity.
- Broadcast in India: TV – Star Sports Network; Streaming – JioHotstar (JioCinema + Hotstar)
- Global Viewing: Check ICC.tv or local broadcasters like Willow (US), Sky (UK)
This evening fixture under lights could see dew play a role, tilting advantage toward the chasing side – though recent Wankhede games show mixed results.
Quick Facts Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Match Number | 33rd, Group C |
| Venue Capacity | 33,000 |
| Expected Crowd | High – Nepal fans have dominated stands |
| Series Stakes | Pride only; both eliminated |
Wankhede Stadium Guide: The Iconic Stage for Scotland vs Nepal T20 World Cup 2026 Preview
Wankhede Stadium has been the heartbeat of Mumbai cricket for decades – home to Mumbai Indians in IPL and now hosting multiple T20 World Cup 2026 clashes. With short boundaries and sea breeze influence, it’s usually a batter’s paradise, but this tournament’s red-soil pitch has surprised many.
Wankhede Stadium Pitch Report 2026 (T20 World Cup Context)
In the 2026 WC so far (5+ matches at venue):
- Average 1st innings score: Around 138-160 (lower than IPL highs due to grip and turn)
- Wins batting first: 3
- Wins chasing: 2 (often when targets were below-par, e.g., Nepal’s low totals)
- Highest turn: 2.2 degrees average – highest among WC venues
- Spinner-friendly: Grip and slow bounce reward accurate operators
The pitch offers early bounce for pacers, then turns grippy for spinners. Batters need patience to settle before exploding. Nepal’s three prior games here give them venue familiarity – but their batting collapsed against Italy and West Indies.
Wankhede Key Stats Table (T20 WC 2026 at Venue)
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 5+ |
| Avg 1st Innings Score | ~150-160 |
| Batting First Wins | 3 |
| Chasing Wins | 2 |
| Highest Team Total (WC) | ~200+ (Scotland vs Italy elsewhere, but similar potential) |
| Avg Turn | 2.2 degrees |
Crowd factor? Nepal supporters have turned Wankhede into a home-like atmosphere – expect noise levels to rival Kathmandu valleys!
Pitch Report and Weather Forecast: Decoding Wankhede for SCO vs NEP Match Guide
Surface Analysis and Dew Factor
The Wankhede track in 2026 WC has been slower and more bowler-friendly than its reputation. Pacers get swing early, but spinners dominate later with grip. Dew (high humidity ~68%) makes the ball slippery in the second innings, reducing spinner effectiveness – favoring chases.
Weather on February 17, 2026
- Temperature: 29-33°C day, dropping to 23-25°C evening
- Humidity: ~68% (dew likely)
- Rain Probability: 0%
- Winds: 14-30 km/h
No interruptions expected – full match on cards.
Favorable Conditions Table
| Factor | Impact on Match |
|---|---|
| Early Pace/Bounce | Helps seamers like Karan KC / Brad Wheal |
| Mid-Late Spin | Suits Mark Watt, Michael Leask, Lamichhane |
| Dew in 2nd Innings | Chasing easier; bowl first preferred |
| Overall Balance | Spinner edge, but batters can score if set |
Scotland’s spinners (11 wickets at ~24.63 avg in India leg) could thrive.
Team News and Squad Analysis: Scotland and Nepal Gear Up for T20 World Cup 2026 Clash
Nepal Cricket Team Form
Winless in WC (LLL), but showed fight vs England. Batting collapses hurt; Lamichhane’s tournament (1 wicket, econ 9.4) disappointing.
Probable XI – Nepal
- Kushal Bhurtel
- Aasif Sheikh (wk)
- Rohit Paudel (c)
- Dipendra Singh Airee
- Aarif Sheikh / Basir Ahamad
- Lokesh Bam / Sundeep Jora
- Gulsan Jha
- Sompal Kami / Sher Malla
- Karan KC
- Nandan Yadav
- Sandeep Lamichhane
May rotate for bench experience.
Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
Strong spinners; adapted well despite late entry. Safyaan Sharif out (groin), Jack Jarvis in.
Probable XI – Scotland
- George Munsey
- Michael Jones
- Brandon McMullen
- Richie Berrington (c)
- Tom Bruce
- Michael Leask
- Matthew Cross (wk)
- Mark Watt
- Oliver Davidson
- Brad Wheal / Chris Greaves
- Brad Currie
Likely unchanged from England game.
Rohit Paudel pushes for more Full Member exposure; Berrington nears 3,000 T20 runs.
Players to Watch: Stars Shining in Scotland vs Nepal T20 World Cup 2026 Preview
Sandeep Lamichhane Scotland Head to Head
Lamichhane’s tri-series magic (4/11, winning run) vs Scotland contrasts his WC struggles. Needs bounce-back.
Recent Stats Table – Key Batters
| Player | Team | Matches | Runs | Avg | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kushal Bhurtel | NEP | 10 | 281 | 28.1 | 119.06 |
| Dipendra Singh Airee | NEP | 9 | 235 | 29.38 | 124.33 |
| George Munsey | SCO | 10 | 331 | 33.1 | 143.91 |
| Richie Berrington | SCO | 8 | 211 | 30.14 | 133.54 |
Recent Stats Table – Key Bowlers
| Player | Team | Matches | Wkts | Econ | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandeep Lamichhane | NEP | 9 | 13 | 6.41 | 15.61 |
| Nandan Yadav | NEP | 9 | 9 | 7.33 | 16 |
| Michael Leask | SCO | 9 | 15 | 6.45 | 11.6 |
| Chris Greaves | SCO | 5 | 9 | 7.17 | 12 |
Watch Mark Watt redeem after England hammering; Dipendra Airee’s all-round threat.
Head to Head Stats: Scotland vs Nepal Rivalry in T20Is
Only 3 T20Is – close rivalry from 2025 tri-series.
Head to Head Table
| Date | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| 20-Jun-2025 | Scotland | 34 runs |
| 17-Jun-2025 | Nepal | 2 wickets (1 ball left) |
Lamichhane starred in Nepal’s thriller.
Recent Performances: Dissecting Nepal Cricket Team Form and Scotland’s Rollercoaster
Nepal’s What-If Campaign
Near-miss vs England; crushed by Italy/WI. Form: LLLWW
Scotland’s Adaptable Edge
Italy thrashing high point; spinners excel. Form: LWLLL
Group C Points Table (Latest)
| Rank | Team | M | W | L | PTS | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Indies | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | +1.820 |
| 2 | England | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 | +0.201 |
| 3 | Scotland | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | +0.359 |
| 4 | Italy | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -0.588 |
| 5 | Nepal | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | -1.942 |
ICC Official Site.
Winning Prediction and Tactical Insights: Who Edges the SCO vs NEP T20 World Cup 2026 Preview?
Scotland hold the edge (60-40) – superior spin attack suits turning Wankhede; better recent form and adaptation. Nepal’s venue knowledge and fan support could inspire upset, but batting issues persist.
Tactics: Bowl first if dew heavy; spinners key. Scotland’s Leask/Watt vs Nepal’s fragile top order.
Key Matchups Table
| Matchup | Advantage |
|---|---|
| SCO Spinners vs NEP Batters | Scotland |
| Lamichhane vs SCO Middle Order | Nepal (if he clicks) |
| Munsey/Berrington vs NEP Pace | Scotland |
Scotland to win – ending campaign positively.
Final Thoughts: Pride on the Line in Scotland vs Nepal T20 World Cup 2026
This Scotland vs Nepal T20 World Cup 2026 preview isn’t about qualification – it’s about legacy. Nepal’s passionate fans deserve a win to fuel their push for more big games; Scotland’s resilience shows associate cricket belongs.
Win or lose, both teams inspire. Share your predictions – who takes the pride? #SCOvsNEP
FAQs: Scotland vs Nepal T20 World Cup 2026
1. What is the Scotland vs Nepal T20 World Cup 2026 preview for the 33rd Match? This dead-rubber Group C clash on February 17, 2026, at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, is all about pride after both teams’ elimination. Scotland hold a slight edge due to their spin strength on a turning track, while Nepal seek a maiden WC win with passionate fan support.
2. When and where is the SCO vs NEP match guide for ICC T20 World Cup 2026? The match is scheduled for February 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM IST (1:30 PM GMT) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. It’s a night game under lights, with dew likely influencing the toss decision to bowl first.
3. What does the Wankhede Stadium pitch report 2026 say for Scotland vs Nepal? The pitch has been slower and spinner-friendly in the 2026 WC (average 2.2 degrees turn, highest among venues), with an average first-innings score around 150-160. Early pace help fades to grip for spinners; chasing has succeeded in recent low-target games due to dew.
4. Who are the key players in the Scotland vs Nepal T20 World Cup 2026 preview? Watch Sandeep Lamichhane (NEP) for a potential bounce-back against Scotland (strong H2H record), Mark Watt (SCO) for spin redemption, Kushal Bhurtel and George Munsey for explosive batting, and all-rounders like Dipendra Singh Airee and Michael Leask.
5. What is the Sandeep Lamichhane Scotland head to head record? In their limited T20I meetings (from a 2025 tri-series), Lamichhane starred with 4/11 and a winning run in Nepal’s 2-wicket thriller. Scotland won the other by 34 runs, but his WC form has been poor (1 wicket at high economy).
6. What is the head-to-head record between Scotland and Nepal in T20Is? They’ve played only three T20Is, with one win each in the 2025 tri-series (Scotland by 34 runs, Nepal by 2 wickets). Familiarity from that series adds intrigue to this dead rubber.
7. What is the Nepal cricket team form leading into SCO vs NEP? Nepal are winless in the WC (LLL), including a heartbreaking 4-run loss to England and heavy defeats to Italy and West Indies. Their recent form is LLLWW, with batting collapses and bowling struggles.
8. Who has the edge in the Scotland T20 World Cup 2026 squad analysis for this match? Scotland’s spinners (11 wickets at ~24.63 average in India) suit the turning Wankhede conditions. With one win (vs Italy) and better adaptation despite late entry, they edge Nepal (60-40 prediction) despite venue familiarity for the opponents.
9. What are the ICC T20 World Cup Group C standings before Scotland vs Nepal? West Indies and England have qualified (top spots), while Scotland (1 win, +0.359 NRR) and Nepal (0 wins, -1.942 NRR) are eliminated. Italy also out, making this a pure pride contest.
10. Who will win the Scotland vs Nepal T20 World Cup 2026 match at Wankhede? Scotland are favorites (60-40) thanks to their confident spin attack and form. Nepal could upset with fan energy and Lamichhane’s potential revival, but batting inconsistencies tilt it toward the Scots for a positive campaign finish.