Nepal’s strongest playing 11 for T20 World Cup 2026

Nepal are drawn in Group C alongside Scotland, Italy, England and the West Indies in T20 World Cup 2026

Nepal enter the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, as one of the emerging Associate nations with growing ambition. Having qualified through the Asia-EAP Regional Final in October 2025, this marks their third T20 World Cup appearance (after 2014 and 2024) and second consecutive.

Nepal’s qualification highlights their steady rise in the shortest format, driven by effective domestic talent development and impressive performances under pressure. Drawn into Group C, Nepal face a formidable challenge alongside England, West Indies, Scotland, and Italy. Their high-pressure campaign begins on February 8 against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The group stage will test Nepal’s ability to upset established sides, especially in spin-friendly subcontinental conditions that could suit their strengths. As the tournament is getting closer, without any further ado, let’s take a look at Nepal’s strongest playing 11 for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Nepal’s strongest playing 11 for T20 World Cup 2026

1. Kushal Bhurtel

An explosive opener, Kushal Bhurtel sets the tone with his fearless strokeplay and high strike rate in powerplays. A consistent performer in T20Is, Bhurtel’s ability to dominate new-ball bowlers and provide quick starts makes him a vital asset at the top, especially in high-scoring chases or setting targets.

2. Aasif Sheikh (wk)

Aasif Sheikh, Nepal’s reliable wicketkeeper-batter, anchors the top order with calm technique and solid defense. As the primary gloveman, he offers stability after the aggressive openers, while his consistent run-scoring in qualifiers and domestic cricket will give him confidence.

3. Rohit Paudel (c)

The captain and middle-order mainstay Rohit Paudel brings composure and tactical acumen to the side. A versatile batter who can accelerate or rebuild innings, Paudel’s leadership has been key to Nepal’s recent growth, making him the glue in the batting unit during pressure situations.

4. Dipendra Singh Airee

The vice-captain and premier all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee, provides explosive middle-order hitting and handy off-spin. With a high strike rate and proven finishing ability, Airee’s dual skills offer balance, allowing Nepal flexibility in batting depth and bowling options.

5. Gulshan Jha

Gulshan Jha is a promising young all-rounder who contributes with aggressive batting and useful left-arm pace. Jha’s ability to clear boundaries in the middle overs and chip in with wickets adds valuable lower-middle-order firepower and seam variety to the attack.

6. Sundeep Jora

Sundeep Jora is a hard-hitting finisher who thrives in death overs with powerful six-hitting and quick scoring. Jora’s aggressive style suits T20 cricket, providing late-innings momentum and making him a dangerous prospect against tiring bowlers.

7. Aarif Sheikh

A steady middle-order batter and part-time medium-pacer, Aarif offers stability and experience. His composed approach helps in rebuilding after early losses, while his all-round contributions provide extra depth in tight games.

8. Sompal Kami

Sompal Kami will lead the pace attack with swing and variations. Kami’s ability to take early wickets and bowl tight in the middle overs, combined with lower-order hitting, makes him a crucial component of Nepal’s bowling strategy.

9. Karan KC

Karan KC is an experienced and reliable fast-medium bowler who generates bounce and seam movement. KC’s consistency in death bowling and occasional handy cameos with the bat add reliability to the pace unit, especially in seaming or slower conditions.

10. Lalit Rajbanshi

The left-arm orthodox spinner provides control and variety in the middle overs. Lalit Rajbanshi’s economical spells and wicket-taking ability against right-handers complement the attack, making him essential in spin-friendly venues.

11. Sandeep Lamichhane

Nepal’s star legspinner and biggest match-winner, Sandeep Lamichhane’s googly variations and flight deceive batters consistently. As the bowling spearhead, his wicket-taking prowess in the middle and death overs can turn games single-handedly.

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