Nepal is one of the best teams in the Asian qualifiers, and Italy is one of the best teams in the European qualifiers. However, Nepal lost a memorable win against England in the opener by just 4 runs. On the other hand, Italy suffered a disastrous defeat to Scotland in their World Cup debut.

A showdown between the weaker teams in Group C, Nepal will face Italy in the second match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Nepal’s match against Italy marks a clear chance for both sides to get back to winning ways after losing their first match of the ICC T20 World Cup.

The following article provides a detailed preview of the ICC T20 World Cup clash between two weak teams, Nepal and Italy. This article provides a clear look at their likely starting XI, pitch report and weather conditions, as well as head-to-head records and key battles in the competition.

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NEP vs ITA T20 World Cup match preview:

Competition date: Nepal vs Italy match will be played on Thursday, February 12.

Place: The match will be held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

time: The match is expected to start at 3:00 pm IST.

NEP vs ITA squad

Nepal team: Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Gulshan Jha, Lalit Rajbanshi, Aasif Sheikh, Sundeep Jora, Aarif Sheikh, Basir Ahamad, Sompal Kami, Sher Malla and Lokesh Bam.

Italian team: Wayne Madsen (c), Marcus Campiano, Gian Piero Mead, Zain Ali, Ali Hassan, Kreshen Saeed Naqvi, Benjamin Mantanti, Jasrit Singh, JJ Smuts, Justice Karagamachi, Harry Manzani, Anthony Mosca, Justice.

Possible lineups for NEP and ITA:

Nepal team lineup: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Gulshan Jha, Lokesh Bam, Karan KC, Sher Malla, Nandan Yadav and Sandeep Lamichane.

Italy eleven: Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts (center), Marcus Campopiano, Harry Manetti, Ben Manetti, Gian-Pierro Meade (WK), Grant Stewart, Thomas Draka, Ali Hassan and Krishan Kalugamachi.

NEP vs ITA T20 World Cup key match

JJ Smuts vs. Callan KC

The most experienced player in the Italian team is a former South Africa national team all-rounder who was later selected to play for Italy. They also once included former Australia opener Joe Burns. Smut is crucial for bats. 3. Karan KC, the real wicket-taker of Nepal, should be the bowler to keep an eye on this huge wicket.

Harry Manetti VS Sandeep Ramichaan

Harry Manenti is one of the Manenti cricketers from Italy. The last time they were both selected as star players of the BBL season, Manetti was Italy’s most dangerous batsman, especially in the chase. Sandeep Maichhane has a wealth of experience and spin is a clear weakness for the Italian maestro.

Asif Shaikh vs Grant Stewart

Nepal opener Asif Shaikh has been consistent in scoring runs for his country, which has enabled them to achieve today’s results, so if Nepal gets a chance to bat first at the Wankhede Stadium, a lot will depend on him this time around. Italy’s emerging bowling star Stewart impressed against Scotland and will play a key role in the opener against Nepal.

Deependra Singh Ally vs Krishan Kalugamachi

Dipendra Singh Airee, an all-rounder known for Nepal’s record, is another important member of the batting order. He is one of those players who can get over the fence with ease and should be treated with caution. Leg-spinner Kalugamachi knows the conditions in the subcontinent very well and, therefore, may trick him into taking shots and trap him deep in the field.

NEP vs ITA T20 World Cup main players:

Main players of Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lokesh Bam and Sandeep Lamichane.

Italy’s main players: Justin Mosca, JJ Smuts, Wayne Madsen, Harry Manetti and Krishan Kalugamachi

NEP vs ITA T20 World Cup Match – Free Live Streaming and Telecast Details

Indian TV broadcast: The seventh World Cup match, including Nepal’s match against Italy, will be telecast live across India on Star Sports Network.

Live online streaming in India: Fans from all over the world can watch the match live through the JioHotstar app. Active subscription required.

NEP vs ITA T20 World Cup Match Weather and Pitch Report – Wankhede

NEP vs ITA: Weather Forecast for Mumbai

The cricket match shifted back to Mumbai. The temperature in Mumbai starts to rise during this time, and European players will feel their skin burning. The sun was shining with no clouds around the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai as there was no chance of rain.

NEP and ITA: Wankhede Stadium pitch report

Either of these two teams are highly dependent on their bowling unit; especially for Italy who have now parted ways with their captain, bowling is crucial. The Wankhede is a batting track that provides considerable assistance to the batsmen and due to this, bowlers often refer to this place as a nightmare stadium.

NEP and ITA head-to-head record

Nepal is a weak team in Asia, while Italy will enter the main stage of the World Cup for the first time in 2026. Therefore, the two teams have never faced each other in any format of competition and have not faced each other in the T20 World Cup.

NEP vs ITA T20 World Cup Match- Conclusion

Nepal are yet to win a match in this World Cup and the match against Italy could be one of their best chances of victory. The upcoming matches will be difficult as they will face West Indies and Scotland. Italy, on the other hand, will be looking to make a major impact for the first time in the main event of the multi-nation tournament.

Also read: Michael Leask gives off Virat Kohli to Harry Manenti during Scotland vs Italy T20 World Cup match