The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai hosts an enticing clash between two spirited Associate nations as Nepal takes on World Cup debutants Italy in the seventeenth match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Nepal arrives with their confidence sky-high after pushing England to the absolute limit in a breathtaking 4-run defeat, proving they belong on the big stage. Italy, meanwhile, experienced a harsh introduction to World Cup cricket with a heavy loss to Scotland. This match represents a crucial opportunity for Nepal to convert their momentum into points, while Italy will be desperate to showcase their true potential. With Nepal’s passionate fanbase and proven match-winners against Italy’s blend of experience and fight, this promises to be a compelling contest in the heart of Mumbai.
Nepal vs Italy Win Probability
RCBW vs DCW Batting Tips
NEP vs ITA, Group C T20 World Cup 2026 17th Match Details
| Match | ICC T20 World Cup 2026, 17th Match, Group C |
| Date | Thursday, February 12, 2026 |
| Time | 03:00 PM (IST) |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Live Streaming (TV) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | JioHotstar |
NEP vs ITA Team Form – Who Will Win Today’s Match?
Nepal
Nepal’s form is promising (L, W, L, W, W), highlighted by their near-upset of England. Their key strength is a balanced and fearless unit. The batting has power with Kushal Bhurtel and the leadership of Rohit Paudel, backed by the explosive Dipendra Singh Airee (44 off 29 last game). The bowling features the world-class spin of Sandeep Lamichhane and disciplined options. The psychological edge is immense after their last performance; they carry the belief they can beat any team on their day.
Italy
Italy’s form is mixed (L, W, W, L, L), with a heavy defeat in their World Cup opener. Their strength lies in a squad rich in professional experience from county cricket and leagues. Players like JJ Smuts, Wayne Madsen, and the Manenti brothers have the skill to perform. Their realistic objective is to put the Scotland loss behind them, post a competitive total, and challenge Nepal with their all-round skills. The key challenge is gelling as a unit on the big stage and containing Nepal’s in-form batters.
NEP vs ITA Probable Playing XI
Nepal Probable XI-
Kushal Bhurtel, Aarif Sheikh, Rohit Paudel (C), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aasif Sheikh (WK), Lokesh Bam, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, Sandeep Lamichhane, Sher Malla.
Italy Probable XI-
Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti, Wayne Madsen, Grant Stewart, Gian-Piero Meade, Crishan Kalugamage, Thomas Draca, Ali Hasan.
NEP vs ITA Head-to-Head Record
This is the first-ever T20 International meeting between Nepal and Italy.
NEP vs ITA Pitch Report
The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is a world-famous batting paradise. The pitch offers true bounce and pace, short boundaries, and a lightning-fast outfield, facilitating high scores. A par score is typically 180-200, with 220+ achievable. Pacers may get some early assistance, but spinners come into play as the ball gets older. The surface generally remains good for batting throughout.
NEP vs ITA Weather Report
Conditions in Mumbai will be perfect for cricket: warm with clear skies, temperatures around 27-29°C, low humidity in the evening, and no chance of rain. This guarantees an uninterrupted, full 40-over contest ideal for batting.
NEP vs ITA Toss Prediction
The captain winning the toss will likely choose to bowl first. This aligns with the strong chasing trend at the Wankhede in domestic T20s (68 wins for chasing side in 125 games). Knowing the target on a flat batting track is a significant advantage, though the pitch is expected to remain consistent.
NEP vs ITA Match Prediction
Nepal’s confidence, momentum, and proven ability to compete under pressure give them a decisive edge over an Italian side still finding its feet in its debut World Cup. While Italy has individuals capable of match-winning performances, Nepal appears more cohesive as a unit and carries the emotional drive from their last performance. Expect a competitive match where Nepal’s all-round strength and tournament experience should see them through to a vital victory.
NEP vs ITA Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeeper: Aasif Sheikh, Gian-Piero Meade
- Batters: Kushal Bhurtel, Rohit Paudel, Wayne Madsen
- All-rounders: Dipendra Singh Airee, JJ Smuts, Ben Manenti
- Bowlers: Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, Crishan Kalugamage
Captain (C) Pick- Dipendra Singh Airee, Rohit Paudel.
Vice-Captain (VC) Pick- Sandeep Lamichhane, JJ Smuts
