WI vs NEP, 2025: West Indies vs Nepal, 2nd T20I Match Preview

Published - 28 Sept 2025, 23:15 IST | Updated - 28 Sept 2025, 23:42 IST

The second T20I of the series between West Indies (WI) and Nepal (NEP) will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah on Monday, September 29. The opening encounter ended in a historic win for the Rohit Paudel-led team.

Nepal created history in the first T20I, as they clinched their maiden win over a Full Member nation. The underdogs stunned the two-time world champions with a clinical all-round display to secure a 19-run victory and go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

Opting to field, the West Indies picked two wickets, but skipper Rohit Paudel (38) and Kushal Malla (30) stabilized the innings with a 58-run stand. Cameos from Gulsan Jha and Dipendra Singh Airee lifted Nepal to 148/8. Jason Holder (4/20) and debutant Navin Bidaisee (3/29) were the pick of the bowlers for the Windies.

Chasing 149, the Caribbean team never really got going. Their top and middle order collapsed, with Bhurtel and Paudel picking wickets at crucial moments. Despite a late fightback from Fabian Allen (19) and captain Akeal Hosein (18), West Indies fell short at 129/9.

The pitch at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium has traditionally favoured batters, with conditions generally improving as the game progresses. The smaller boundary dimensions mean that batters can clear the rope with relatively fewer efforts and timing. However, the surface has often shown signs of being a double-sided support, which could bring spinners into play during the middle overs and make scoring a challenge.

Kyle Mayers, Ackeem Auguste, Keacy Carty, Amir Jangoo(w), Jewel Andrew, Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Akeal Hosein(c), Navin Bidaisee, Obed McCoy, Ramon Simmonds

Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh(w), Rohit Paudel(c), Sundeep Jora, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Malla, Karan KC, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, Lalit Rajbanshi