West Indies vs Nepal T20I Series 2025 – Match Preview: 1st T20I (27 September 2025)

Date: Saturday, 27 September 2025
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Start Time: 15:30 GMT / 20:30 IST / 18:30 Local
Format: T20I
Series: 3-match T20I series (Part of 2026 ICC T20 World Cup preparation)

Match Overview

The West Indies and Nepal are set to meet for the first time in T20I cricket in the opening match of a three-match series at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This encounter marks a new chapter in the cricketing journey for both teams, with the Windies fielding a slightly weakened squad and Nepal aiming to make a strong statement on the international stage.

The series, hosted in the UAE, serves as key preparation for both teams ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. With no previous T20I meetings between the sides, the match promises to be a fresh contest of skill, strategy, and opportunity.

Team Insights

West Indies (WI)

• Captain: Akeal Hosein
• Key Players: Jason Holder (all-rounder), Kyle Mayers (batsman), Fabian Allen (bowler), Akeal Hosein (captain), Ramon Simmonds (fast bowler)
• Strengths: West Indies possess a well-rounded squad with experienced all-rounders. Jason Holder is in fine form, averaging 31.34 with the bat and 22.7 with the ball. The middle order is expected to provide crucial runs, and the bowling attack, led by Holder and Ramon Simmonds, is potent.
• Weaknesses: The West Indies have been inconsistent in recent matches, winning only 2 out of their last 12 games. The lack of a strong top-order and the absence of key players like Shai Hope could be exploited.

Nepal (NEP)

• Captain: Rohit Kumar Paudel
• Key Players: Kushal Bhurtel (batsman-bowler), Sandeep Lamichhane (bowler), Karan KC (bowler), Aasif Sheikh (wicket-keeper-batsman)
• Strengths: Nepal’s batting relies heavily on the top-order, with Bhurtel and Sheikh providing the firepower. Lamichhane has been a revelation in T20s, with 225 wickets in his career at a strike rate of 152.44. The spin department is particularly strong and could be a key asset in the UAE conditions.
• Weaknesses: The middle order has lacked consistency, and the team has struggled to chase effectively in the last few games. However, with the right momentum, Nepal can put up a formidable challenge.

Head-to-Head

• Matches Played: 0
• WI Wins: 0
• NEP Wins: 0
• No Result: 0

This is the first-ever T20I meeting between the two teams. While the West Indies have the reputation and experience, Nepal will be eager to capitalize on a potentially weakened Windies side.

Venue – Sharjah Cricket Stadium

• Average 1st Innings Score (2022–2025): 172.8
• Win Percentage Batting First: 46.2%
• Win Percentage Batting Second: 53.8%
• Economy Rates: Spin (6.89), Pace (8.38)

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is a balanced venue with a slight bias towards chasing teams. Spinners have found success in the middle and death overs, while pacers often struggle to break through in the early stages.

Key Player Battles

• Jason Holder (WI) vs Karan KC (NEP)
• Kyle Mayers (WI) vs Sompal Kami (NEP)
• Akeal Hosein (WI) vs Sandeep Lamichhane (NEP)

Match Predictions

Summary

While the West Indies are the stronger side on paper and fielding a squad with world-class talent like Jason Holder, Nepal's spin-heavy attack and explosive batting could make for a tightly contested match. The toss could be a deciding factor, and if Nepal wins it, they may look to chase and exploit the conditions.

The match is expected to be a thrilling start to the series, with both teams eager to make their mark in this historic T20I encounter.

Final Prediction: West Indies by 6-8 runs
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