West Indies vs Nepal – 1st T20I Match Preview – 27 September 2025

Date: Saturday, 27 September 2025
Time: 16:00 GMT | 08:30 PM IST | 07:00 PM Local
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
Series: 3-match T20I series
Match: 1st T20I

Match Overview

The 1st T20I of the 2025 West Indies vs Nepal series kicks off at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday, 27 September 2025. This encounter marks the beginning of a three-match T20I series that serves as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.

While the West Indies arrive with a storied T20I legacy, they are fielding a slightly weakened squad, giving Nepal an opportunity to make a strong statement. This is the first-ever meeting between these two sides in international cricket, adding an intriguing novelty to the contest.

Team Analysis

Nepal – The Rising Force

Nepal have been in fine form this year, winning four of their eight T20I matches. Their balanced squad features experienced performers like Kushal Bhurtel, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Karan KC. Lamichhane, with over 200 T20I wickets in his career, is a standout bowler, while Bhurtel is a dangerous all-rounder.

Nepal's batting has been slightly inconsistent, with Bhurtel being the mainstay at the top. However, with the likes of Dipendra Singh Airee and Gulsan Jha in the middle, the team has the firepower to chase down even challenging totals.

Captain Rohit Kumar Paudel is expected to lead from the front, both with the bat and as a strategic tactician.

West Indies – A Rebuilding Phase

The West Indies, under captain Akeal Hosein, are in a transitional phase. They have struggled in the T20I format this year, winning just two out of twelve matches. However, with players like Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, and Ramon Simmonds in their ranks, the team still has the ability to post competitive totals and defend them with flair.

Holder, in particular, will be a key asset for the Windies. His all-round contribution with both bat and ball makes him a match-winner in any format. The inclusion of experienced pacers like Obed McCoy and Shamar Springer adds depth to the bowling attack.

However, the absence of key players like Shai Hope and a slightly weakened squad give Nepal a chance to capitalize.

Key Players to Watch

Nepal:

• Kushal Bhurtel – All-rounder with explosive batting and handy medium-pace bowling.
• Sandeep Lamichhane – T20I legend and wicket-taking machine.
• Karan KC – Spin wizard with strike-rate potential.
• Dipendra Singh Airee – Power-hitter with a high strike rate.
• Rohit Kumar Paudel (c) – Steadying presence and captaincy.

West Indies:

• Jason Holder – All-rounder with match-winning potential in both departments.
• Akeal Hosein (c) – Captain and wicket-taking left-arm spinner.
• Ramon Simmonds – Left-arm pacer with decent economy.
• Fabian Allen – Workhorse all-rounder.
• Keacy Carty – Agile middle-order batter and useful bowler.

Venue Insights – Sharjah Cricket Stadium

• Average 1st Innings Score (2025): 172.8
• Win Percentage (Batting Second): 53.8%
• Spin Bowling Economy: 6.89
• Pace Bowling Economy: 8.38

The Sharjah pitch tends to assist spinners in the middle overs, making it a bowler-friendly venue. However, the high scoring averages suggest that teams can post big totals if they get off to a good start.

Head-to-Head Record

• Nepal vs West Indies: First-ever encounter in T20I cricket.

Match Prediction

• Toss Prediction: Nepal is expected to win the toss and opt to bat first.
• Winning Team Prediction: West Indies – Despite being a weakened squad, their depth and experience could tilt the match in their favor.
• Top Batter: Rohit Kumar Paudel (Nepal) or Amir Jangoo (West Indies)
• Top Bowler: Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal) or Jason Holder (West Indies)
• Most Sixes: Dipendra Singh Airee (Nepal) or Jason Holder (West Indies)
• Player of the Match: Jason Holder (West Indies)

Final Verdict

This is a fascinating clash between a rising Nepal and a rebuilding West Indies. While Nepal will look to capitalize on the West Indies' weakened squad, the Windies have too much experience and firepower to be underestimated. The Sharjah pitch could play a pivotal role in the outcome, especially in the middle overs.

Expected Result:
West Indies to win by a narrow margin, with Jason Holder playing a pivotal role in the victory.

Fantasy XI Pick (Dream11)

Rohit Kumar Paudel (c), Kushal Bhurtel, Dipendra Singh Airee, Jason Holder (vc), Akeal Hosein, Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, Ramon Simmonds, Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, Fabian Allen

Conclusion

The 1st T20I between West Indies and Nepal promises to be an exciting start to the series. With both teams looking to make a statement, this match could set the tone for the remainder of the series. Cricket fans can look forward to a competitive, high-stakes encounter at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
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