West Indies have defeated Nepal by nine wickets and with more than four overs to spare. They never looked uncomfortable during the chase. With this win, West Indies have qualified for the Super 8s and Nepal's journey in this T20 WC comes to an end. However, both sides still have one more group game left.
That's it from our live coverage of this game. This is Mohammad Anab signing off on behalf of my colleagues Manan Mehta, Deepak Prakash, Aman and Bishal Mandal. Cheers.
Shai Hope (West Indies Captain): "(On qualifying for Super 8) That’s very pleasing. This is what we set out to do from the time we got here, and that’s one step, one hurdle that we’ve crossed. Now on to the next phase.
(On West Indies bowling) Well, firstly, I’m glad I actually got an opportunity to decide what I wanted to do first. But yeah, the guys put the ball in the right areas. It’s something that Matthew Forde’s been doing very well, especially at the start of the innings, putting them under pressure for the entire time. It was difficult work for them in the powerplay, and then throughout the innings, it was just about trying to limit the flow of runs and keep picking up wickets. We didn’t pick up as many wickets as we wanted in the back end, but I’m very happy with the bowlers today.
Like I said, because the surface had a bit of moisture in it, and I just felt as though we could exploit it a bit better rather than bowling second. But yeah, it’s just something that I’ve been struggling with over the last couple of series—I didn’t win a toss. I don’t think I won a toss in the last six months. Who knows? But yeah, it’s just nice to get out there and actually decide what I want to do this time.
(Runs with the bat) Yes, again, good to contribute. I wouldn’t say I was running out of form, but it’s nice to contribute to wins. It’s crunch time now—back into the group stages and then into the Super 8s. That’s when you really want to be firing as a batter. So I’m happy to get some runs on the board.
(On the last group game) Just about continuing the brand of cricket we want to play, ensuring that we hit our straps, focusing on the little details that we tend to neglect every now and again, and just continuing the way we’ve been playing. We’ve been playing really good cricket over the last couple of games and series. It’s just about bringing it together, and hopefully we can carry it all the way through to the back end of the tournament.
(On Matthew Forde) Yeah, you must give him credit. Credit is always due when it’s earned. He’s been hitting his areas, making it very difficult for batters at the top of the innings. He’s not express pace, but he makes it very difficult for them. He moves the ball just enough, and that’s what you need—especially in this phase of the game when it doesn’t really swing as much. He really exploits as much of that movement as he possibly can. Happy to see him going well, and it’s great to see the bowlers firing along with the batters. Complete cricket from us this time around."
Rohit Paudel (Nepal Captain): "(Where did it go wrong?) Yeah, it was challenging early against the West Indies bowlers. Especially the way Jason and Forde bowled in the powerplay. They were using the conditions very well. Though as a batting unit we need to step up.
(Lack of partnerships) We are missing out on the batting partnerships. People are getting 20s and 30s but not moving forward. We are not converting it into big ones. As a batting unit we need to step up.
(A word on Dipendra Airee) Airee took his time. He played very well. He played his shots later on. Initially the wicket was tricky, and he found a way to survive. When he got his opportunity, he cashed in. We need to learn that from him.
(Ignoring outside noise) Keeping outside noise away from us is very important. If we keep listening to that it will be difficult to perform. Especially when we lose it is important to keep the dressing room positive."
Jason Holder (POTM): "(Difference from the England game) Yeah, this was a different game. Day game. I think the ball was doing a bit and the surface had something in it. It was difficult to hit through the line. Our bowlers bowled some tight lines upfront and kept them in check. Credit not only to me but to Forde as well. I think he bowled superbly well.
(New things in his bowling) Yeah, I have been practicing the change in angles and the yorkers. I'm pretty happy that I can execute them comfortably in the match. My main aim is just not to be predictable.
(Role as a senior) I think I have a key role, especially when we are under pressure. All I try to do is share information with others. I have played enough cricket that I can give a few suggestions to the others. I think what helps is that everyone is very receptive. We spoke together as a team about a lot of things at length and that has helped us out. I give my suggestions but also listen to everyone. It is important to sometimes listen to everyone and not just talk."
Player of the Match: Jason Holder
Most Player of the Match Awards for West Indies in T20Is:
10 – Chris Gayle
8 – Evin Lewis
6 – Marlon Samuels
5 – Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran, Darren Sammy, Jason Holder*
Highest 2nd Wicket Partnerships for West Indies in T20 WCs:
95 – Shivnarine Chanderpaul & Dwayne Smith vs Bangladesh, Johannesburg, 2007 91* – Shimron Hetmyer & Shai Hope vs Nepal, Mumbai (Wankhede), 2026, (Today)*
80 – Johnson Charles & Nicholas Pooran vs Afghanistan, Gros Islet, 2024
63* – Shai Hope & Nicholas Pooran vs United States, Bridgetown, 2024
55 – Chris Gayle & Marlon Samuels vs England, Mumbai (Wankhede), 2016
Biggest Win for West Indies in T20 WCs (By Ball Remainings):
55 vs USA, Bridgetown, 2024
28 vs Nepal, Mumbai (Wankhede), 2026, (Today)*
25 vs Australia, The Oval, 2009
2:02 PM IST, Local Time: West Indies win the game comprehensively by nine wickets and with more than four overs to spare. They have become the first team to qualify for the Super 8s in this T20 WC and have eliminated Nepal from this multi-nation tournament. The Caribbean side has taken its revenge for last year's series loss against the Himalayan nation.
West Indies elected to field first and dominated Nepal by picking up wickets at regular intervals. Apart from Dipendra Singh Airee's 58 (47), no other Nepal batter managed to impress and the side managed only 133/8 in their 20 overs.
Seamer Jason Holder picked up four wickets and was brilliant. However, a special mention should go to new-ball bowler Matthew Forde (1/10), who made a return to the playing XI in this match. The pacer bowled very well with the new ball and set the tone for the West Indies.
In reply, West Indies never looked uncomfortable in their chase. The openers Brandon King and Shai Hope added 43 runs for the first wicket before King departed for 22.
However, this dismissal never derailed West Indies' innings. Skipper Hope and Shimron Hetmyer hammered Nepal bowlers and notched up a 91-run unbeaten stand for the second wicket.
Hope brought his 11th T20I half-century and his first of this T20 WC. Hope stayed unbeaten at 61(44) before hitting the winning runs. Hetmyer remained unbeaten at 46 off 32 balls.
This was the joint-biggest wins (by wickets) for West Indies in T20 WCs.
Nepal have been eliminated from the T20 WC 2026 while West Indies have advanced to the Super 8s. Both teams still have one more group game left. Nepal will play their final game against Scotland, while the Men in Maroon will play their last group stage game against Italy.