The cricket world is buzzing with excitement as Nepal vs West Indies 1st T20 kicks off in Sharjah. This is not just another fixture — it’s a historic encounter where Nepal finally takes on a Full Member nation in a full bilateral T20I series.
Venue – Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Date – Sep 27, 2025
Time – 8:30 PM 03:00 PM GMT / 07:00 PM LOCAL
For Nepal, the stakes are high, the motivation is sky-high, and the UAE conditions might just tilt the contest in their favour. On the other hand, the West Indies, led by Akeal Hosein, bring a squad full of raw talent eager to make their mark.
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Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | West Indies vs Nepal in UAE, 2025 |
| Match | 1st T20I |
| Venue | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah |
| Start Time (IST) | 8:30 PM |
| Start Time (Local/GMT) | 07:00 PM LOCAL / 03:00 PM GMT |
Live scores available on Live Scores
Probable Playing XI
This series brings a developing West Indies unit against a settled Nepal side.
| West Indies (WI) | Nepal (NEP) |
|---|---|
| 1. Kyle Mayers | 1. Kushal Bhurtel |
| 2. Jewel Andrew (wk) | 2. Aasif Sheikh (wk) |
| 3. Ackeem Auguste | 3. Rohit Paudel (c) |
| 4. Keacy Carty | 4. Aarif Sheikh |
| 5. Jason Holder | 5. Dipendra Singh Airee |
| 6. Fabian Allen | 6. Kushal Malla |
| 7. Amir Jangoo | 7. Gulshan Jha |
| 8. Akeal Hosein (c) | 8. Sompal Kami |
| 9. Shamar Springer/Karima Gore | 9. Karan KC |
| 10. Obed McCoy | 10. Sandeep Lamichhane |
| 11. Ramon Simmonds/Jediah Blades | 11. Lalit Rajbanshi |
Key Player Battles
| Duel | Significance |
|---|---|
| Kyle Mayers vs Karan KC | Mayers’ explosive batting against Karan KC’s swing in the Powerplay could set the early tone. |
| Jason Holder vs Dipendra Airee | A clash of two all-rounders in the middle overs, crucial for momentum. |
| Rohit Paudel vs Akeal Hosein | Nepal’s anchor vs Windies’ captain — a test of spin mastery. |
| Kushal Bhurtel vs Obed McCoy | Bhurtel’s aggressive finishing vs McCoy’s death bowling variations. |
| Fabian Allen vs Sandeep Lamichhane | A finisher who loves sixes vs a leggie who thrives in Sharjah. |
Players to Watch
- Jason Holder (WI): Brings experience, balance, and death bowling power.
- Sandeep Lamichhane (NEP): The superstar spinner could dominate in Sharjah.
- Kushal Bhurtel (NEP): A fearless opener who can dictate terms early.
- Akeal Hosein (WI): Captain and key bowler, dangerous in spin-friendly UAE.
Why This Series Matters for Nepal
- Global Exposure: Their first bilateral T20I series vs a Test-playing nation.
- T20 World Cup Prep: Perfect warm-up for upcoming qualifiers.
- Player Development: Youngsters gain priceless experience against pros.
Related read: Nepal vs West Indies head-to-head record
Expert Opinions
“Nepal are underdogs, but Sharjah levels things up. If they bat first, they can genuinely challenge the Windies.”
“This is not just a game; it’s Nepal’s chance to show the cricketing world that Associate nations are ready to compete with the best.”
“West Indies are favourites, but don’t underestimate Nepal’s passion and Sandeep’s spin. It could get very close.”
The Nepal vs West Indies 1st T20 is not just a landmark for Nepal; it also carries significance for West Indies cricket. For the Windies, this series is a chance to test their bench strength and give young, emerging players exposure on the international stage. With senior stars rested or unavailable, the team will look to see who can handle pressure situations and step up when it matters most. A strong performance here could shape selections for bigger tournaments later in the year, making this match an important experiment for the West Indies management.
On the other hand, the Nepal vs West Indies 1st T20 represents a historic opportunity for Nepal to showcase its talent to the world. The Nepali players are highly motivated, and facing a Full Member team in a full bilateral T20I gives them a platform to prove their skills. Fans and cricket pundits alike will watch closely, analyzing how Nepal’s key players like Sandeep Lamichhane and Kushal Bhurtel adapt to the high-pressure environment.
Winning or performing well in the Nepal vs West Indies 1st T20 could have long-term implications for Nepal cricket, opening doors for more fixtures against top-tier nations and helping them gain global recognition. This match truly has the potential to be a career-defining moment for several Nepali cricketers.
Pitch & Weather Report
| Category | Report |
|---|---|
| Pitch | Slow & low, spin-friendly. Totals of 150-160 defendable. |
| Weather | Hot & dry, mid-30s Celsius early evening, dipping to 20s later. No rain. |
Conclusion
The Nepal vs West Indies 1st T20 is more than just a cricket match — it’s history in the making. West Indies bring the flair and pedigree, but Nepal carries the hunger, conditions advantage, and a golden opportunity to upset the odds.
Fans can expect a battle of fearless batting, crafty spin, and a contest that will echo far beyond Sharjah.
FAQs
Why is Nepal vs West Indies 1st T20 historic?
It’s Nepal’s first full bilateral series against a Full Member team.
Who is leading the West Indies in this series?
Akeal Hosein is the captain of the young Windies side.
Which Nepali player can make the biggest impact?
Sandeep Lamichhane, with his world-class spin on Sharjah’s turning tracks.
What time does the match start in India?
The match starts at 8:30 PM IST.
What’s the pitch expected to play like?
Slow, low, and spin-friendly — ideal for Nepal’s bowling attack.