West Indies beat Nepal, become first team into T20 World Cup Super Eights

West Indies Crush Nepal in Dominant Display

In a one-sided encounter at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, West Indies powered their way to a convincing nine-wicket win over Nepal on February 15, becoming the first team to qualify for the Super Eights in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, the Caribbean side's bowlers dismantled Nepal's batting lineup, restricting them to a modest 133 for eight in their 20 overs. Jason Holder led the charge with a stellar four-wicket haul for just 27 runs in his four-over spell, earning him the Player of the Match award. Support came from Akeal Hosein, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, and Roston Chase, each claiming a wicket to keep the pressure relentless on the Nepalese batters.

Nepal's innings got off to a disastrous start, slumping to 22 for three by the end of the powerplay—the lowest score in the first six overs in T20 World Cup history. Despite the early collapse, Dipendra Singh Airee provided some resistance with a gritty half-century, scoring 58 off 47 balls that included three fours and three sixes. Sompal Kami chipped in with a quick 26 off 15 balls, helping Nepal cross the 130-mark. However, it wasn't enough against West Indies' disciplined bowling attack, which never allowed the associate nation to build momentum. Airee's knock was only the second fifty for Nepal in T20 World Cup history, but his efforts couldn't drag his team to a defendable total.

Seamless Chase Seals Super Eights Berth

Chasing 134, West Indies made light work of the target, reaching it in just 15.2 overs with nine wickets intact. Captain Shai Hope anchored the innings with an unbeaten 61 off 44 balls, smashing five fours and three sixes in a display of controlled aggression. Shimron Hetmyer complemented him brilliantly, remaining not out on 46 with four fours and two sixes, as the duo put on a partnership that crushed any hopes Nepal harbored. Brandon King provided a brisk start with 22 off 17 before falling, but the loss barely disrupted the flow. West Indies raced to 44 in the powerplay for one wicket, showcasing their depth and firepower in the shortest format.

This victory marked West Indies' third successive win in Group C, propelling them to the top of the table with six points. The comprehensive nature of the win not only boosted their net run rate but also confirmed their progression to the Super Eights stage ahead of schedule. Nepal, on the other hand, suffered a heartbreaking elimination, becoming the second team knocked out of the tournament after a string of disappointing performances. Their campaign ends on a low note despite flashes of promise from players like Airee.

Jason Holder's spell was game-changing; he dismissed four key batters and kept Nepal under constant pressure, allowing us to dictate terms throughout. It's a massive boost for our Super Eights campaign, said West Indies captain Shai Hope after the match.

Implications for T20 World Cup 2026 Tournament

West Indies' qualification adds intrigue to the Super Eights, where they join India as early entrants, while teams like the USA remain in contention for other spots. The Caribbean outfit's form suggests they could be serious contenders, blending experienced heads like Holder and Hope with explosive talents such as Hetmyer. Nepal's exit highlights the challenges for associate nations in the big leagues, though their spirited fightback in the middle overs showed growing potential. Fans at Wankhede, many waving Nepalese flags, witnessed a masterclass in T20 cricket from the defending champions' style of play.

The match underscored West Indies' all-round strength, from their bowling variety to batting depth. Holder's return to form with the ball was pivotal, while Hope's leadership shone through in the chase. For Nepal, Airee's maturity offered a silver lining amid the defeat, potentially setting the stage for future improvements. As the tournament progresses, West Indies' momentum positions them favorably for deeper runs.

In summary, West Indies' nine-wicket thrashing of Nepal propelled them into the Super Eights, highlighted by Jason Holder's four-wicket haul and Shai Hope's unbeaten half-century, while Nepal bowed out after posting 133 for eight.