Nepal has been eliminated from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 after losing their third consecutive Group C match, confirming they will not qualify for the Super 8 stage even before their final group fixture against Scotland.
Nepal were defeated by West Indies by nine wickets on Sunday at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Earlier in the tournament, Nepal had suffered a four-run loss to England and a ten-wicket defeat in another group match. With three straight victories, including wins over Scotland and England, West Indies have secured qualification for the Super 8.
West Indies chased down Nepal’s target of 134 runs in just 15.2 overs, losing only one wicket. Captain Shai Hope remained unbeaten on 61 off 44 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes, while Shimron Hetmyer scored an unbeaten 46 from 32 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. Brandon King scored 22 before being dismissed by Nandan Yadav, caught by Kushal Bhurtel.
Deependra Singh Airee’s Half-Century Revives Nepal After Early Collapse
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, West Indies restricted Nepal to 133 for 8 in 20 overs. Nepal’s innings began poorly as Kushal Bhurtel was bowled in the first over after scoring just one run. Captain Rohit Kumar Paudel departed for five runs following an unsuccessful review, and Aasif Sheikh was caught at fine leg after scoring 11.
Nepal were reduced to 22 for 3 in six overs, and wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Arif Sheikh managed only two runs, while Lokesh Bam scored 13 off 15 balls before being caught behind. Gulshan Jha added 11 runs before being bowled.
Deependra Singh Airee steadied the innings with a composed 58 off 47 deliveries, striking three fours and three sixes. His knock marked Nepal’s second half-century in T20 World Cup history and the first in 12 years, following Subash Khakurel’s fifty against Afghanistan in 2014.
Late Partnership and Individual Milestones
A crucial 54-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Deependra and Sompal Kami lifted Nepal’s total. Sompal remained unbeaten on 26 off 15 balls, hitting four boundaries. Nepal scored 16 runs in the 18th over and 18 runs in the 19th to cross the 100-run mark and reach 133.
Karan KC was dismissed for one run on the final ball of the innings. In the bowling department, Jason Holder was the standout performer for West Indies, claiming four wickets for 27 runs in his four overs.
The match also marked a milestone for Sompal Kami, who became the only Nepali player to feature in three T20 World Cups, having represented the country in 2014, 2026, and this edition. Nepal will conclude their Group C campaign against Scotland on Tuesday evening in Mumbai.
