Mumbai: West Indies maintained their impressive momentum at the T20 World Cup 2026, securing a commanding 9-wicket triumph over Nepal at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, February 15, to confirm their place in the Super 8 stage. The victory simultaneously ended Nepal’s tournament journey, as the Rhinos failed to replicate the early promise displayed in their clash against England when facing the two-time world champions.
Jason Holder spearheaded the bowling attack with a stellar four-wicket haul, conceding just 27 runs, while receiving excellent support from his teammates. Nepal’s batting lineup crumbled under the disciplined assault from the West Indies pace attack during the initial phase of their innings, requiring Dipendra Singh Airee’s fighting 58 to help them reach a competitive score. Approaching the chase with measured caution, West Indies knew a victory would guarantee their Super 8 qualification. Despite losing Brandon King during the powerplay, an unbroken partnership between Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer comfortably steered them to the target.
Hope finished undefeated on 61 while Hetmyer contributed 46 as West Indies completed the comprehensive win in Mumbai, a venue where they maintain an unblemished T20 World Cup record.
Did The Rhinos Get Distracted?
During the tournament’s opening phase, Nepal emerged as the feel-good underdog story that captured hearts worldwide. Former cricketers lavished praise following their performance against England, with many tipping them as potential dark horses in the group.
Such acclaim can prove distracting, which appeared evident as Italy thoroughly outplayed them. Nepal’s coach Stuart Law delivered an Alex Ferguson-style hairdryer treatment following the Azzurri setback, demanding improved application against West Indies.
Notably, Nepal had recently defeated the Windies in a T20I series before the ICC tournament, though that was against a second-string Caribbean outfit. However, the match’s tone was established from the opening over.
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Akeal Hosein removed Khushal Bhurtel before Matthew Forde, replacing the injured Romario Shepherd, delivered a fiery spell. Forde dismissed Rohit Paudel with an exceptional delivery and finished with remarkable figures of one run for 10 in his four-over allocation.
Holder struck twice within his opening two overs, leaving Nepal tottering at 23 for four after 6.3 overs. Airee, among the Rhinos’ most reliable international batters, maintained composure while keeping the scoreboard ticking through singles, twos and occasional boundaries.
Lokesh Bam, who starred against England, struggled for rhythm against the West Indies pace battery, which continued the destruction initiated by the spinners in the England encounter.
Nepal’s primary problem was Airee’s lack of support from partners, eventually receiving assistance from Sompal Kami. The pair accelerated during the innings’ closing stages, with Sompal remaining unbeaten on 26 from 15 deliveries.
Airee reached a well-earned half-century, claiming the record for the highest individual score by a Nepal batsman in T20 World Cup history. However, on a Wankhede surface appearing conducive to batting, 133 seemed insufficient.
West Indies Show Their Mettle
West Indies carry fond T20 World Cup memories in India, having claimed the 2016 title in spectacular style. This campaign has been about demonstrating their capabilities extend beyond power-hitting, showcasing a well-balanced squad.
During the run-chase, Hope and King showed no urgency to rush proceedings. Their approach was calculated and risk-averse, capitalizing on scoring opportunities by dispatching loose deliveries to the boundary.
Promoting Hetmyer to number three appears another tactical masterstroke. Traditionally utilized as a finisher, he now occupies the position vacated by Nicholas Pooran, recording scores of 75, 48 not out, 64, 23 and 46 not out across his last five innings. West Indies required someone to counter-attack following King’s dismissal, with Hetmyer obliging by targeting Nepal’s spin bowlers.
This allowed Hope to pace his innings while Hetmyer assumed responsibility for releasing pressure through aggressive strokeplay whenever required.
The partnership plundered 68 runs between overs seven and 13, with Hope reaching his fifty via a maximum before dispatching another from Lamichhane to level scores and clinch victory. West Indies face Italy in their final group fixture at Kolkata on Thursday, February 19.
Brief scores: West Indies (134/1 in 15.2 ov) beat Nepal (133/8 in 20 ov) by 9 wickets in Mumbai in a Group C match.
