Predicting NEP’s Playing XI for the 1st T20I against WI in Nepal vs West Indies T20I Series 2025

Nepal is set to face the West Indies in their first-ever T20I in 2025. After narrowly losing to Pakistan Shaheens by 1 run in the Top End T20, the Nepal team has some confidence and wisdom, with some nice batting in the middle, all-rounders, and almost defensive bowling. Their first match will be at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Nepal needs to bring its best XI to take on the Caribbean giant.

Openers

Kushal Bhurtel will probably be opening once again. While he only scored 4 runs vs Pakistan Shaheens, he is Nepal’s most aggressive powerplay batter and can clear the infield early in an innings. Against the West Indies fast bowlers, it will be imperative to be able to come against the pace. 

Wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh will join him, having had a modest series against PNG, and managed only 27 off 30 balls in the last match; he played an important role in helping to stabilize the innings after Bhurtel’s early fall. He must continue to exhibit that calm presence at the wickets and not allow Nepal to fall victim to cheap wickets. 

Middle Order 

Rohit Paudel, the skipper, spearheaded Nepal’s batting. His knock of 52 off 44 balls against a strong Pakistan Shaheens bowling and batting lineup reaffirmed Paudel’s steadiness and composure under pressure. 

Lokesh Bam is another guy to consider. Although his knock of 10 off 7 balls was short, his intent was there with a strike rate of above 140. He is capable of coming in and accelerating rapidly, which will really be important in Sharjah, where scoring often goes down in the middle overs. 

All-Rounders

Dipendra Singh Airee is the ultimate all-rounder. It was his batting that was crucial for Nepal (41 runs off 21 balls at almost a 200 strike rate) towards the end of the match and nearly brought Nepal home. He also took 2 wickets with the ball. That just indicates, when the big-match pressure is on, he can do (both) with bat and ball. 

Kushal Malla offers even more prospects. He has huge hitting capabilities; he only scored 2 runs last match, but his left-arm spin bowling could be useful under the dry conditions in Sharjah. If he gets their ball to spin on the surface, it can be a game-changer.

Bowlers

Sompal Kami remains Nepal’s strike weapon. His 3/30 against the Shaheens proved his ability to perform under pressure. With plenty of experience in diverse conditions, he will be essential to breaking partnerships and splitting the death overs.

In support of him is Guy Nandan Yadav, who provided 2/32 with precision and discipline. His ability to keep standing down while collecting wickets in key middle overs is a huge asset. Along with spin combo Sandeep Lamichhane, Nepal’s bowling attack has the weapons to scare a mighty West Indies team.

With Paluel’s reliability, Airee’s all-around quality, and Kami’s experience, Nepal has legitimate match-winners. The battle in Sharjah should be an exciting battlefield where Nepal will strive to show they belong on the big stage.

FAQs

1: Who are Nepal’s expected openers in the 1st T20I against the West Indies?

Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh are expected to open for Nepal.

2: Who will lead Nepal’s middle order in the match?

Captain Rohit Paudel and Lokesh Bam are the key middle-order batters.

3: Which Nepalese all-rounders could impact the game?

Dipendra Singh Airee and Kushal Malla are the main all-rounders to watch.

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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