T20 World Cup: 3 Nepal batters to watch out for

Nepal qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in emphatic fashion, finishing unbeaten in the Asia-EAP Regional Qualifier. They defeated Japan and Kuwait in the group stage before topping the Super Six standings. The team will be led by 23-year-old Rohit Paudel, with Dipendra Singh Airee serving as vice-captain, as Nepal prepare for their third appearance at an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

With conditions in the subcontinent expected to favour batting, Nepal’s hopes of making an impact will largely rest on the form of their batters. 

Here are three Nepalese batters to watch closely during the T20 World Cup 2026:

Rohit Paudel

Rohit Paudel has emerged as the face of Nepal cricket during a period of unprecedented growth in the post-COVID era. A composed top-order batter and a calm leader, Paudel became the second-youngest captain in ODI history before later taking charge of the T20I side. Under his leadership, Nepal qualified for their first T20 World Cup since 2014.

Paudel provides stability and allows stroke-makers around him to play freely while anchoring at the top of the order. He remains one of Nepal’s most consistent run-scorers across formats. In 76 T20Is, Paudel has amassed 1,637 runs, including eight half-centuries.

Aasif Sheikh

Wicketkeeper-batter Aasif Sheikh is another dependable presence in Nepal’s top order. He is known for his ability to pace an innings and has featured in 68 T20Is and scored 1639 runs, including 10 fifties.

 His consistency at the international level has made him one of Nepal’s most reliable batters. While a significant portion of his runs have come against associate nations, Sheikh has repeatedly delivered when the stakes were high, often anchoring the innings and guiding Nepal to competitive totals.

Dipendra Singh Airee

Dipendra Singh Airee is Nepal’s most explosive batting talent and a genuine match-winner in the middle order. He rose to global attention after smashing the fastest fifty in T20I history, off just nine balls, and becoming only the third batter to hit six sixes in an over in a T20I.

Airee is the first Nepalese player to cross 1,000 T20I runs and the only one to complete the rare double of 1,000-plus runs and 50-plus wickets in the format. His power-hitting ability makes him Nepal’s biggest X-factor heading into the tournament.

T20 World Cup: Nepal Full Squad

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

T20 World Cup 2026: Nepal Fixtures 

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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