West Indies vs Nepal Highlights, T20 World Cup 2026: West Indies thrash Nepal by nine wickets

That's a wrap from Mumbai - So a very comfortable win for West Indies at the Wankhede, and a lot to work on for Nepal. But the day has just begun as we move down south in Chennai for the second game of the day. The USA go up against Namibia in a Group A clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Our buildup has already begun for that match, and the toss is just a few minutes away as well. You can switch the tabs and get all the updates from that game. But from here, we sign off. Take care, cheers!

The victorious captain of West Indies - Shai Hope says it is very pleasing to have qualified for the next round, and with one hurdle crossed, it is on to the next. He adds that he is glad the boys consistently put the ball in the right areas and is very happy with the bowlers’ effort. Hope mentions there was a bit of moisture in the surface, which they felt they could exploit. He jokes about their struggles with winning tosses and smiles, saying it was nice to finally win one. Personally, he is pleased to have contributed, especially at crunch time in this tournament, which is when you really want to fire. He emphasises the importance of continuing their brand of cricket and focusing on the finer details, hoping they can carry this momentum all the way through to the back end of the competition. Speaking about Matthew Forde, Hope says he has been hitting his areas consistently and while he does not have express pace, Forde gets just enough movement and makes the most of whatever assistance is on offer.

The captain of Nepal - Rohit Paudel reflects on the defeat. Mentions that batting first in the morning was a big challenge and praises the bowlers of West Indies. He notes that the bowlers made good use of the conditions and admits that the batting unit struggled again, highlighting the need to improve. Paudel points out that the team is lacking substantial partnerships, often managing stands of 20 or 30 without converting starts into big scores. Commenting on Airee’s half-century, Paudel praises the way he paced his innings. Details that he bided his time on a difficult wicket before accelerating towards the end, setting an example for the team to follow.

... Time to hear from the captains ...

Lots to think about moving forward - The difference between the two teams was obvious in every department. Nepal have displayed promise with the bat and ball throughout the tournament, but their fielding still needs sharpness. They will be looking ahead to their final game against Scotland, hoping to finish with an improved performance in all domains.

A perfect base - West Indies weren't chasing a mountain of a target. They just needed a stable start, which they got through King and Hope. King could not quite turn his start into something bigger, but Shimron Hetmyer walked in and picked up the thread with Hope to keep the chase on cruise control. The pair added 91 runs together, pretty much sealing the chase with much fuss, with Hope finishing strong with a statement half century, staying unbeaten on 61 off 44 balls.

Turbulence throughout - Nepal’s innings never really got clearance for takeoff, stalling at 46/5 around the 11th over. It took Deependra Singh Airee playing the role of a crisis pilot, breaking them out of trouble alongside Sompal Kami with a 54-run stand, to avoid a complete nosedive. Airee’s composed 58 and Sompal’s handy 26 dragged them past 130, though it still felt a few stops short of a competitive total. West Indies executed their plans with the ball with near-perfection. They struck the right notes from the outset, never letting Nepal settle into any rhythm and picking wickets at regular intervals. The effort was led brilliantly by Jason Holder, whose 4 for 27 kept Nepal constantly on the back foot.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Jason Holder gets the award for his inspiring bowling spell of 4/27. He says that with it being a day game, the conditions were different, with the ball doing a lot more, and it was difficult to hit through the line. Praises Matthew Forde for his outstanding new-ball spell that helped in setting the tone. Shares that he has been working on bowling yorkers from round the wicket and feels that it is important to be unpredictable in this format. Speaking about his role in the team, Holder says one of his key responsibilities is to support the players as much as possible, especially under pressure. He adds that the bowlers have been very receptive and mentions that the head coach, Daren Sammy, has discussed plans in detail, which has aided their preparation. Holder also emphasises the importance of listening to teammates and understanding what they observe in the middle, rather than simply instructing them.

The Men in Maroon rally up - A clinical and resounding win for West Indies, which makes them the first team to advance to the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, 2026. With this, they also maintain their spotless record at the Wankhede Stadium in the history of the T20 World Cups. Nepal, meanwhile, have plenty of lessons to chew on. They gave England a scare, but two lacklustre outings since then have seen them bow out of the tournament earlier than they would have hoped.

Dipendra Singh Airee to Shai Hope, West Indies are through to the Super 8 stage! Airee fires in a full ball, attacking the front pad, Shai brings his bat out in front and drives it to long on for a single. A comprehensive win for the Windies. They complete the chase of 134 with 28 balls to spare and 9 wickets in hand to clinch their third win in a row.

Dipendra Singh Airee to Shai Hope, Very full, near the tramline on off. Hope reaches out and digs it out back to the bowler.

Sandeep Lamichhane to Shai Hope, Shorter and angled in at the hips, Shai presses back and tucks it behind square on the leg side. Scores are level with this single.

Sandeep Lamichhane to Shai Hope, Drags the length back a touch, on off, Shai leans on and drives it between cover and long off for a couple of runs. 2 more needed for West Indies.

Sandeep Lamichhane to Shai Hope, SIX! Straight as an arrow! Sandeep Lamichhane tosses it up but ends up serving a bit too full, on off. Hope clears the front leg, collapses the back knee to get under the ball and pumps it towards the sight screen for a biggie.

Sandeep Lamichhane to Shimron Hetmyer, Pushed outside off, on a length, Shimron Hetmyer reaches for it and slashes it to deep point for a single.

Sandeep Lamichhane to Shai Hope, A googly on a good length, at the pads. Shai Hope tucks it to the right of the bowler. Sandeep dives, but the ball evades him and rolls through mid on for a single.

Sandeep Lamichhane to Shai Hope, SIX! FIFTY FOR SHAI HOPE! From just 38 balls, and without much fuss. A true captain's knock from the West Indian skipper. Right into the slot, on middle and leg. Shai Hope clears the front leg out of his way and launches it over Gulshan Jha at long on for a six to get to his milestone. 10th T20I fifty for Shai, and his second in T20 World Cups.

DRINKS BREAK! Just the last rites left to be written in this contest. It has been a steady chase from West Indies. Their skipper, Shai Hope, spending crucial time at the crease is invaluable as they stand on the brink of sealing a Super 8 spot. After showing plenty of promise in their campaign opener against England, it has all petered out for Nepal since. They simply haven't managed to pose any real threat with the ball while defending a below-par total.

Dipendra Singh Airee to Shai Hope, Fractionally full, outside off, Shai Hope runs it down to long off for a single.

Dipendra Singh Airee to Shai Hope, Too full, outside off, carved away to cover.

Dipendra Singh Airee to Shimron Hetmyer, Quick and flat on the stumps, Shimron Hetmyer works it down to long on for a single.

Dipendra Singh Airee to Shimron Hetmyer, Quicker at 104.4 kph, full and on middle, Shimron Hetmyer blocks it watchfully.

Dipendra Singh Airee to Shai Hope, Full toss on off, driven away to long off for a single.

Dipendra Singh Airee to Shimron Hetmyer, Fuller and around off, Hetmyer doesn't get under it properly and heaves it off the toe end to long on for a run.

Kushal Bhurtel to Shai Hope, Length ball, on the pads, Hope nudges it to square leg.

A quick concussion check for Aasif Sheikh. He is ready to resume.

Kushal Bhurtel to Shai Hope, Wide outside off, and it dips below the bat of the batter, on a fuller length. Shai Hope goes for an expansive drive, but the ball catches the inside edge and bounces on the turf before catching the keeper, Aasif Sheikh on his helmet.

Kushal Bhurtel to Shai Hope, SIX! That has gone many a mile! Drops it short and on the stumps. Shai Hope is quick to rock back and pumps it with the pull shot behind deep square leg for a massive six.

Kushal Bhurtel to Shai Hope, MISFIELD, FOUR! Sums up the match for Nepal. A bit quicker through the air, on a length, Shai Hope clubs it down towards long on. Gulshan Jha gets across to his left, but makes a meal of a straightforward stop as the ball bounces past his right hand for a four.

Kushal Bhurtel to Shimron Hetmyer, Full on leg, on a lower trajectory, Shimron Hetmyer clips it along the ground wide of mid-wicket for a single.

Kushal Bhurtel to Shai Hope, Nicely tossed up, full and on off, Shai Hope gets on the front foot and firms the drive through cover for a single.

Nandan Yadav to Shai Hope, Short, nipping back in, Shai Hope pulls it to deep backward square leg for an easy single. 100 UP FOR WEST INDIES!

Nandan Yadav to Shimron Hetmyer, Stump line on a length, Shimron turns it across to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Nandan Yadav to Shimron Hetmyer, FOUR! Races away! Short and dug into the pitch, coming at chest height of the southpaw. Shimron Hetmyer swivels and pulls it behind square, between deep square leg and short fine leg for a boundary.

Nandan Yadav to Shimron Hetmyer, SIX! STAND AND DELIVER! Nandan bowls a length ball, on off, Shimron Hetmyer plays with a steady head and maintains his shape. Pulls it aerially and parks it into the stands behind deep square leg. The 50-run partnership comes up between Shimron and Hope.

Nandan Yadav to Shimron Hetmyer, Back of a length, outside off, Shimron Hetmyer slaps it to the right of the cover fielder. The man from deep point gets across to his left and mops it up in the outfield. The batters cross each other twice in the meantime.

Nandan Yadav to Shai Hope, Full and at a gentle pace, on off, Shai Hope gets on the front foot and drives it all along the ground to deep point. One taken.

Nandan Yadav is back. 2-0-9-1 so far for Nandan.

Kushal Bhurtel to Shai Hope, Stays a bit low, on a good length, on the leg stump. Hope goes deep in the crease and clips it between mid-wicket and square leg for a run.

Kushal Bhurtel to Shimron Hetmyer, A simple leggie, on a length, on middle. Shimron Hetmyer pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Kushal Bhurtel to Shimron Hetmyer, Another googly, this time a bit flatter, outside off, Shimron Hetmyer hangs back and punches it to cover.

Kushal Bhurtel to Shai Hope, A slower googly, on a length, on leg, Shai Hope tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Kushal Bhurtel to Shimron Hetmyer, A touch short on middle, Shimron Hetmyer hangs back and nudges it behind mid-wicket for a single.

Kushal Bhurtel to Shimron Hetmyer, WIDE! A wayward drag-downer, slanting beyond the tramline, outside off. Shimron ignores.

Kushal Bhurtel to Shai Hope, Pushed full by Kushal, around off, Shai Hope carves it through cover-point for a single.

Dipendra Singh Airee to Shai Hope, Full and drifting in at the pads, driven to long on for a single by Shai.

Dipendra Singh Airee to Shai Hope, FOUR! Smacked! A bit too short from Airee, this sits up to be hit, on middle. Hope moves away from the stumps towards the leg side and slams it back over the bowler's head. The long on fielder stands no chance.

Dipendra Singh Airee to Shimron Hetmyer, Pushes it through, fuller and on middle, Shimron knocks it to long on and gets to the other end.

Dipendra Singh Airee to Shimron Hetmyer, Shorter and on off, this is angled to backward point.

Dipendra Singh Airee to Shimron Hetmyer, Stumping chance missed! Sliding on with the arm, on a nagging length, on middle and leg. Hetmyer clears the front leg and has a heave across the line, but misses as the ball sneaks past the inside edge and goes behind. Aasif Sheikh moves to his right but fails to gather the ball. It pops out of his glove. There was a possibility of a stumping with Hetmyer's back leg being dragged out.