Nepal’s dream of playing at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium came true. But in their third T20 World Cup journey in India, Nepal managed only two points and were eliminated at the group stage. In Group C, Nepal finished last among the five teams, winning only their final match against Scotland and losing the other three.
In terms of results, the Nepali team’s performance was not satisfactory. But looking at all four matches of the tournament, especially Nepal’s performances against England and Scotland, the tournament was still fruitful for Nepal.
This time, Nepal gained more mileage and attention than in the previous two T20 World Cups in 2014 and 2024. Nepal’s players showcased their natural talent and ability at the heart of world cricket at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Moreover, thousands of Nepalis went to the stadium to support their team. During Nepal’s matches, the stadium felt like Nepal’s home ground. It was a crucial stage for an associate nation like Nepal to demonstrate its talent.
During the tournament, many international cricketers and fans from around the world praised Nepal. That, in itself, was a victory for Nepal this year. International players commented on Nepal’s narrow four-run loss in the first game, which was heartbreaking. Nepal came close to winning but could not cross the finish line in the end. Players such as all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee, who scored two half-centuries in the tournament, also demonstrated their ability and talent.
After Nepal won the final match against Scotland by seven wickets, captain Rohit Paudel said it had taken 12 years to win a World Cup game. “As a team, we didn’t win any games at the last World Cup. This is very important. It was our last league game,” he said. Nepal last won T20 World Cup matches in 2014, against Hong Kong by 80 runs and Afghanistan by nine runs.
Summing up the tournament, Captain Paudel said Nepal needs to play more matches against strong sides before the next World Cup. “We need to play at least two good series against the same Test-playing countries. Then we can see where we stand. Playing against the best players, you can grow your ability. A strong domestic structure is required, and we will build on that,” he said.
The ICC T20 World Cup was co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Nepal played all four matches in Mumbai at Wankhede Stadium. On 8 February, Nepal lost to England by four runs; on 12 February, Nepal lost to Italy by 10 wickets; on 15 February, the West Indies beat Nepal by nine wickets; and on 17 February, Nepal beat Scotland by seven wickets.
Secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal Paras Khadka, who led Nepal on its first T20 World Cup journey in 2014, also concluded Nepal’s World Cup campaign this year on a high note. “A dream, a reality, and a prospect that has unprecedented significance as we move forward to another new chapter of our cricketing history. To everyone who is part of this story, we keep rising, we keep marching,” he posted on social media.
