West Indies vs Nepal – 2nd T20I Match Preview (29 September 2025)

Match Details

• Date: 29 September 2025
• Time: 15:30 GMT (8:00 PM IST)
• Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
• Series: West Indies vs Nepal – 3-match T20I Series
• Match: 2nd T20I
• Format: T20 International

Series Context

The West Indies and Nepal are engaged in a three-match T20I series in the UAE, serving as key preparatory matches for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. The series, held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, marks an important opportunity for both teams to test their strategies and adapt to subcontinental conditions.

This is the second of the three encounters and follows the opening match on 27 September. The series is part of Cricket West Indies' broader vision to develop new talent, broaden the scope of West Indies cricket, and engage with emerging cricketing nations.

Team Insights

West Indies (WI)

West Indies are led by captain Akeal Hosein, a seasoned all-rounder with a wealth of experience in T20 cricket. The squad includes several established names like Jason Holder, Keacy Carty, and Fabian Allen, alongside a mix of emerging talent such as Jediah Blades and Zishan Motara.

With a blend of pace, spin, and batting depth, the West Indies have the potential to dominate Nepal, especially on the flat UAE tracks. The team's bowling strength, led by the likes of Kyle Mayers and Obed McCoy, could prove crucial in containing the Nepalese batsmen.

• Key Players:
  • Akeal Hosein (Captain & All-rounder)
  • Keacy Carty (Batsman)
  • Fabian Allen (All-rounder)
  • Jason Holder (Batsman & Wicketkeeper)
  • Obed McCoy (Pacer)

Nepal (NEP)

Nepal, under the leadership of Rohit Kumar Paudel, is a team with a solid T20I pedigree and a reputation for competitive performances. The squad includes experienced campaigners like Karan KC, Kushal Bhurtel, and Sandeep Lamichhane, who are known for their consistency and match-winning contributions.

The Nepalese batting line-up is well-balanced and capable of posting big totals, especially with the aggressive strokeplay of players like Dipendra Singh Airee and Kushal Malla. Their spin attack, led by Sandeep Lamichhane, will be a key asset in the middle overs.

• Key Players:
  • Rohit Kumar Paudel (Captain & Batsman)
  • Karan KC (Batsman)
  • Sandeep Lamichhane (Spinner)
  • Kushal Bhurtel (Batsman)
  • Dipendra Singh Airee (Batsman)

Head-to-Head Record

This will be the first-ever meeting between West Indies and Nepal in T20I cricket. With no prior head-to-head record to analyze, the match will largely depend on the form and execution of the players on the day.

Venue Conditions

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium has been a consistent venue for T20 matches and is known for its flat, true pitches that favor aggressive batting. The track usually offers a good balance between bat and bowl, with the spinners gaining some assistance in the middle and death overs.

With the weather in Sharjah being mostly clear and conducive for high-scoring games, this could be a match where the team batting first looks to post a challenging total.

Match Prediction

This second T20I is expected to be a closely contested affair. West Indies, with their experienced squad and strong bowling unit, will be favorites on paper. However, Nepal's ability to adapt to different conditions and their explosive batting could make for an exciting contest.

The toss will play a significant role in determining the outcome, with the team winning the toss likely to choose to bat first and set a competitive target on a pitch that favors scoring.

Prediction: A tight and thrilling encounter with West Indies slightly favored to win, but Nepal's potential to upset the odds makes it a must-watch.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Karan KC (NEP) vs. West Indies' spinners: How the Nepalese star batsman handles the West Indies' spin attack will be crucial.
• Akeal Hosein (WI) vs. Nepal's bowlers: Hosein's all-round contributions could be pivotal for West Indies.
• Sandeep Lamichhane (NEP) vs. West Indies middle order: Lamichhane's ability to break partnerships will be key for Nepal.
• Keacy Carty (WI) vs. Nepal's bowling line-up: Carty's aggressive batting could accelerate the West Indies' innings.

Final Verdict

The second T20I between West Indies and Nepal promises to be an electrifying contest. With both teams having strong squads and a shared goal of securing a win, the match could go either way. Fans can expect a fast-paced, high-scoring game with plenty of action.

Predicted Winner: West Indies
Margin: 7-8 runs
Man of the Match: Akeal Hosein (West Indies)
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