ENG vs NEP Dream11 Prediction Today Match for ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Group C Match 5 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Get expert captain picks, playing XI, pitch report & winning fantasy team.
Introduction
Two-time T20 World Cup champions England kickstart their campaign against spirited associate nation Nepal in what promises to be a fascinating Group C encounter at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. While England enter as overwhelming favorites coming off a clinical 3-0 T20I series whitewash against Sri Lanka, Nepal have shown promising form in their warm-up victories over UAE (7 wickets) and Canada (6 wickets). This maiden T20I meeting between the nations offers fantasy cricket enthusiasts an intriguing opportunity to capitalize on England’s powerhouse batting against Nepal’s spirited bowling attack led by the legendary Sandeep Lamichhane.
For Dream11 players, this fixture presents a balanced mix of safe premium picks from England and high-ceiling differential options from Nepal’s in-form players like Aasif Sheikh and Dipendra Singh Airee, who have been in exceptional touch during the warm-up matches.
Match Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | England vs Nepal, 5th Match, Group C |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, February 08, 2026 |
| Time | 3:00 PM IST (09:30 GMT) |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India |
| Format | T20 International (20 overs per side) |
| Toss | To be updated |
| Broadcast | Star Sports Network (India), Sky Sports (UK) |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar app and website |
| Umpires | Alex Wharf, Langton Rusere |
| Match Referee | Ranjan Madugalle |
Pitch Report: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Pitch Nature & Characteristics
| Factor | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Surface Type | Batting-friendly with red soil composition |
| Pace & Bounce | Good pace and bounce early on, true bounce throughout |
| Spin Assistance | Moderate grip in middle overs; spinners need variations |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 175-190 in T20Is |
| Average 2nd Innings Score | 165-180 in T20Is |
| Boundaries | Short square boundaries (60-65m), longer straight (75-80m) |
| Toss Factor | Moderate advantage – teams may prefer chasing due to dew |
| Powerplay Impact | High – pacers get early movement with new ball |
| Death Overs | Batting becomes easier; dew aids stroke-making |
Fantasy Impact Analysis
The Wankhede pitch has historically been a batter’s paradise with true bounce allowing strokeplay to flourish. However, in the opening T20 World Cup match between India and USA at this venue, the surface showed some two-paced bounce with spongy behavior.
Key Fantasy Considerations:
- Batters: Premium picks essential – expect high scores from top-order players
- Bowlers: New ball specialists and death-over specialists hold maximum value
- All-rounders: Power-hitters who can bowl 2-3 overs are gold
- Spinners: Economical spinners who can bowl through middle overs crucial
- Wicket-keepers: Attacking keepers opening the batting preferred
With this being an afternoon game (3 PM start), the first innings may see some dryness bringing spinners into play. Evening dew will make the surface bind better, significantly aiding the chasing side. The tactical substitutions rule could see teams using specialist death bowlers strategically.
Weather Update: Mumbai
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 30-33°C (86-91°F) |
| Humidity | 65-70% |
| Rain Probability | 0% – Clear skies expected |
| Wind Speed | 13-15 km/h (gentle breeze) |
| Dew Factor | High – Expected in evening session |
| Match Impact | Full 40-over match guaranteed |
Weather Impact on Fantasy: Clear conditions ensure uninterrupted play. The dew factor will be crucial – the team batting second will enjoy easier strokeplay. Consider loading your team with players from the chasing side once toss is confirmed.
Last 5 Matches – England
| Match | Opposition | Result | Margin | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sri Lanka (3rd T20I) | Won | 12 runs | Pallekele |
| 2 | Sri Lanka (2nd T20I) | Won | 6 wickets (DLS) | Pallekele |
| 3 | Sri Lanka (1st T20I) | Won | 11 runs (DLS) | Pallekele |
| 4 | New Zealand (5th T20I) | Lost | 4 wickets | Auckland |
| 5 | New Zealand (4th T20I) | Won | 8 wickets | Wellington |
Recent Form: W-W-W-L-W (80% win rate)
Key Stats from Last 5 Matches:
- Average score batting first: 128 (vs SL – low-scoring series)
- Average score chasing: 168
- Phil Salt: 253 runs in 7 T20Is at SR 152.40
- Sam Curran: Hat-trick vs SL, 58 runs (highest T20I score)
- Jacob Bethell: 4/11 (career-best figures)
- Adil Rashid: 13 wickets in 8 matches, economy 6.91
Last 5 Matches – Nepal
| Match | Opposition | Result | Margin | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canada (Warm-up) | Won | 6 wickets | Chennai |
| 2 | UAE (Warm-up) | Won | 7 wickets | Chennai |
| 3 | West Indies (T20I) | Lost | 5 wickets | Trinidad |
| 4 | West Indies (T20I) | Won | 5 runs | Trinidad |
| 5 | West Indies (T20I) | Lost | 8 wickets | Trinidad |
Recent Form: W-W-L-W-L (60% win rate)
Key Stats from Last 5 Matches:
- Average score in warm-ups: 162/4 and 148/3
- Aasif Sheikh: 280 runs in 9 T20Is at SR 135.92, 58* (29) vs Canada
- Kushal Bhurtel: 258 runs in 10 T20Is at SR 114.66
- Dipendra Singh Airee: 50* (31) vs UAE, 61* (37) partnership
- Sandeep Lamichhane: 13 wickets in 7 T20Is
- Aarif Sheikh: 61* (37) vs UAE
Head-to-Head (H2H) Record
| Format | Matches | ENG Won | NEP Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Overall T20 | 1 (Sixes) | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Historical Context
This will be the first-ever T20 International between England and Nepal. The two nations have never faced each other in any official T20I format, making this a historic encounter at the T20 World Cup 2026.
However, they did meet once in the Hong Kong International Sixes tournament (November 2024) where Nepal defeated England by 6 runs in a six-a-side format – though this has no bearing on T20I statistics.
Key H2H Insights for Fantasy:
- No historical data makes this a tactical selection challenge
- England’s experience against quality spin (vs SL) vs Nepal’s spin strength (Lamichhane)
- Nepal’s giant-killing mentality (nearly beat SA in 2024 WC) vs England’s tournament experience
- Fresh matchup means no psychological advantage for either side
Wankhede Stadium Records (T20I)
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Total T20Is Played | 9 matches |
| Batting First Wins | 4 (44.4%) |
| Chasing Wins | 5 (55.6%) |
| Highest Team Total | 247/9 – India vs England (2025) |
| Lowest Team Total | 97 – England vs India (2025) |
| Average 1st Innings | 178 |
| Average 2nd Innings | 165 |
| Highest Individual | 135 – Abhishek Sharma (IND vs ENG, 2025) |
| Best Bowling | 5/18 – Mohammed Shami (vs NZ, 2023) |
| Powerplay Avg Score | 52/1 (in 6 overs) |
| Death Overs Avg | 68/3 (overs 16-20) |
Ground Stats Insights for Fantasy
- Chasing Advantage: 55.6% success rate when chasing
- Boundary Clearing Ability: 142 sixes in 9 T20Is (15.7 per match)
- Spin Impact: 45% of wickets fall to spinners at this venue
- Dew Factor: 7 out of 9 matches affected by evening dew
- England at Wankhede: Played 1 T20I, lost by 150 runs (2025)
- Nepal at Wankhede: Never played here before
Team News & Injury Updates
England – Injury/Team News
| Player | Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Phil Salt | FIT | Recovered from back spasm, will open |
| Ben Duckett | DOUBTFUL | Bruised finger, likely to miss out |
| Jofra Archer | FIT | Rested in 3rd T20I vs SL, fresh for WC |
| Luke Wood | AVAILABLE | Played 3rd T20I, backup pacer option |
Expected Changes: Phil Salt returns to open with Jos Buttler. Tom Banton likely to bat at No.4. No other injury concerns.
Nepal – Injury/Team News
| Player | Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| All Players | FIT | Full-strength squad available |
| Sandeep Lamichhane | FIT | Star spinner ready after warm-up performances |
Expected Changes: Nepal likely to field their strongest XI with no injury concerns. The same team that won both warm-up matches expected to start.
Probable Playing XI
England Probable XI
| Position | Player | Role | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philip Salt | WK-Batter | 253 runs in 7 T20Is, SR 152.40 |
| 2 | Jos Buttler (C/WK) | Batter | 250 runs in 10 T20Is, SR 177.30 |
| 3 | Jacob Bethell | All-rounder | 4/11 vs SL, useful left-arm spin |
| 4 | Tom Banton | Batter | 54* vs SL (2nd T20I), finishing role |
| 5 | Harry Brook (C) | Batter | 136 (66) in recent ODI vs SL |
| 6 | Sam Curran | All-rounder | Hat-trick vs SL, 58 runs |
| 7 | Will Jacks | All-rounder | 3/14 vs SL, 168 SR in T20Is |
| 8 | Liam Dawson | Spin all-rounder | 14 runs, economical left-arm spin |
| 9 | Jofra Archer | Fast bowler | Express pace, death-over specialist |
| 10 | Adil Rashid | Leg-spinner | 13 wickets in 8 T20Is, economy 6.91 |
| 11 | Luke Wood / Jamie Overton | Fast bowler | Left-arm seam option |
Nepal Probable XI
| Position | Player | Role | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kushal Bhurtel | Batter | 258 runs in 10 T20Is, SR 114.66 |
| 2 | Aasif Sheikh (WK) | WK-Batter | 280 runs in 9 T20Is, 58* vs Canada |
| 3 | Rohit Paudel (C) | Batter | Captain, middle-order anchor |
| 4 | Dipendra Singh Airee | All-rounder | 50* vs UAE, 61* partnership |
| 5 | Aarif Sheikh | All-rounder | 61* (37) vs UAE in warm-up |
| 6 | Sompal Kami | Fast-bowling all-rounder | Experienced campaigner |
| 7 | Sundeep Jora | All-rounder | 44 (30) vs Canada |
| 8 | Karan KC | Fast bowler | 2/26 vs UAE, new-ball operator |
| 9 | Gulshan Jha | Fast bowler | 31* (25) vs Canada, handy lower-order hitter |
| 10 | Sandeep Lamichhane | Leg-spinner | 13 wickets in 7 T20Is, 2/14 vs Canada |
| 11 | Nandan Yadav / Lalit Rajbanshi | Bowler | Backup spinner/seamer |
Dream11 Prediction – Small League (Safe Team)
Small League Strategy
Focus on high-ownership, consistent performers with proven track records. This team prioritizes safety over risk, maximizing points from England’s star-studded lineup while including Nepal’s key performers who have shown form in warm-ups.
Best Dream11 Team for Small Leagues
Wicket-Keepers (2):
- Jos Buttler – Premium pick, consistent run-scorer, SR 177.30
- Aasif Sheikh – In-form Nepal keeper, 58* off 29 vs Canada
Batters (3):
- Phil Salt – England’s attacking opener, 253 runs in 7 T20Is
- Harry Brook (C) – Captain pick, in sublime form (136 off 66 in ODI)
- Kushal Bhurtel – Nepal’s top run-getter, opening slot
All-Rounders (3):
- Sam Curran (VC) – Vice-captain, match-winner with bat and ball
- Dipendra Singh Airee – 50* vs UAE, key Nepal all-rounder
- Will Jacks – 3/14 vs SL, explosive batter
Bowlers (3):
- Adil Rashid – Premium spinner, 13 wickets in 8 matches
- Sandeep Lamichhane – Nepal’s trump card, 2/14 vs Canada
- Jofra Archer – Express pace, wicket-taking ability
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks (Small League)
Captain: Harry Brook (C)
Reasoning: Brook’s recent form has been exceptional. His 136 off 66 balls in the ODI series against Sri Lanka showcased his power-hitting prowess. On the batting-friendly Wankhede pitch, he can deliver a match-winning performance.
Vice-Captain: Sam Curran (VC)
Reasoning: Curran’s dual impact makes him invaluable. Fresh off a hat-trick and a career-best 58 against Sri Lanka, he offers points through both batting and bowling. His ability to bowl in powerplay and death overs adds flexibility.
Dream11 Prediction – Grand League (Differential Team)
Grand League Strategy
To win Grand Leagues, you need differential picks with high ceiling potential. This team balances low-ownership England players with in-form Nepal performers who can deliver explosive performances. Risky but potentially high-rewarding selections.
Best Dream11 Team for Grand Leagues
Wicket-Keepers (1):
- Aasif Sheikh – High strike rate, low ownership, in red-hot form
Batters (4):
- Phil Salt – Must-have opener
- Tom Banton – Differential pick, 54* in last match, low ownership
- Rohit Paudel – Nepal captain, middle-order stability
- Jacob Bethell – Left-hander, useful bowling option
All-Rounders (3):
- Dipendra Singh Airee (C) – Risky captain, 50* and 61* in warm-ups
- Aarif Sheikh – Explosive hitter, 61* off 37 vs UAE
- Will Jacks – All-round impact, 3/14 bowling figures
Bowlers (3):
- Sandeep Lamichhane (VC) – Differential vice-captain, leg-spin magic
- Jofra Archer – Wicket-taking machine
- Karan KC – New-ball wickets, low ownership
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks (Grand League)
Captain: Dipendra Singh Airee (C)
Reasoning: Ultra-differential pick with explosive potential. Scored 50* off 31 balls vs UAE and was part of an unbeaten 103-run partnership. His all-round skills and current form make him a high-ceiling option with minimal ownership.
Vice-Captain: Sandeep Lamichhane (VC)
Reasoning: The legendary leg-spinner can single-handedly change the game on a turning Wankhede pitch. With 13 wickets in 7 T20Is and recent figures of 2/14 and 2/24 in warm-ups, he’s a match-winner against England’s inexperienced players against quality spin.
Player Categories for Dream11 Selection
Safe Picks (High Floor, Must-Haves)
| Player | Role | Why Pick? |
|---|---|---|
| Phil Salt | Batter | 253 runs in 7 T20Is, SR 152.40, consistent opener |
| Jos Buttler | WK-Batter | 250 runs, SR 177.30, experienced campaigner |
| Harry Brook | Batter | In sublime form, 136 off 66 in recent ODI |
| Adil Rashid | Bowler | 13 wickets in 8 T20Is, economy 6.91, proven match-winner |
| Jofra Archer | Bowler | Express pace, death-over specialist, wicket-taker |
Risky Picks (High Ceiling, Low Ownership)
| Player | Role | Why Pick? |
|---|---|---|
| Aasif Sheikh | WK-Batter | 58* off 29 vs Canada, in red-hot form |
| Dipendra Singh Airee | All-rounder | 50* vs UAE, explosive middle-order hitter |
| Aarif Sheikh | All-rounder | 61* off 37 vs UAE, low ownership differential |
| Sandeep Lamichhane | Bowler | 13 wickets in 7 T20Is, can exploit conditions |
| Tom Banton | Batter | 54* in last match, finishing specialist |
Must-Have Players (Core of Every Team)
| Player | Team | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Phil Salt | England | Attacking opener on batting paradise |
| Harry Brook | England | Captain material, in peak form |
| Sam Curran | England | All-round impact, hat-trick in last series |
| Adil Rashid | England | Premium spinner, proven wicket-taker |
| Sandeep Lamichhane | Nepal | Leg-spin wizard, can trouble English batters |
| Aasif Sheikh | Nepal | In-form keeper-batter, must-have differential |
Budget Picks (Value for Money)
| Player | Expected Price | Why Pick? |
|---|---|---|
| Karan KC | 8.0-8.5 Cr | New-ball wickets, economical |
| Sundeep Jora | 8.0 Cr | 44 off 30 vs Canada, all-rounder |
| Luke Wood | 8.0 Cr | Left-arm seamer, powerplay wickets |
| Kushal Bhurtel | 8.5 Cr | 258 runs in 10 T20Is, opener |
| Jacob Bethell | 8.5 Cr | 4/11 in last match, all-rounder value |
Key Player Analysis
Top Batsmen to Watch
England:
- Phil Salt – England’s most in-form T20I batter with 253 runs in just 7 matches at a strike rate of 152.40. His four T20I centuries include one off just 39 balls. On Wankhede’s true bounce, expect fireworks in the powerplay.
- Harry Brook – The captain is in sublime touch, smashing 136 off 66 balls in the recent ODI against Sri Lanka. His ability to accelerate from ball one makes him a prime captain choice for Dream11.
- Jos Buttler – The veteran wicket-keeper brings vast experience and a strike rate of 177.30. Despite recent captaincy pressure, his class remains undisputed.
Nepal:
- Aasif Sheikh – The 25-year-old keeper-batter has been in sensational form, scoring 280 runs in 9 T20Is with a recent 58* off 29 balls against Canada. His aggressive approach suits the Wankhede pitch perfectly.
- Kushal Bhurtel – Nepal’s leading run-scorer with 258 runs in 10 T20Is. The opener’s experience in big matches will be crucial for Nepal’s chances.
Top Bowlers to Watch
England:
- Adil Rashid – At 38, the leg-spinner is in one of the most consistent phases of his career with 13 wickets in 8 T20Is at an economy of 6.91. His googly and flipper can deceive any batter.
- Jofra Archer – Fresh from rest, the express pacer brings raw pace and wicket-taking ability. His variations at the death make him a premium bowling pick.
- Sam Curran – Coming off a hat-trick against Sri Lanka, the left-arm seamer is a dual threat. His ability to bowl in powerplay and death overs adds immense value.
Nepal:
- Sandeep Lamichhane – The 23-year-old leg-spinner is Nepal’s trump card with 13 wickets in just 7 T20Is. His recent figures of 2/14 vs Canada and 2/24 vs UAE showcase his wicket-taking prowess.
- Karan KC – The right-arm medium pacer leads Nepal’s bowling attack. His 2/26 against UAE in the warm-up and new-ball expertise make him valuable for powerplay wickets.
Top All-Rounders to Watch
England:
- Sam Curran – The ultimate all-rounder impact player. His career-best 58 with the bat and match-winning hat-trick against Sri Lanka demonstrate his dual value.
- Will Jacks – Impressive figures of 3/14 in the last match combined with a T20I strike rate of 168 make him a balanced all-round option.
Nepal:
- Dipendra Singh Airee – In scintillating form with 50* off 31 balls against UAE. His medium pace adds bowling value, making him a high-ceiling pick.
- Aarif Sheikh – Smashed an unbeaten 61 off 37 balls vs UAE with eight fours and two sixes. His power-hitting and part-time bowling offer flexibility.
Match Prediction & Win Probability
Statistical Win Probability
England Win Probability: 80%
Nepal Win Probability: 20%
Strength Comparison
| Factor | England | Nepal |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Depth | 9/10 (World-class) | 6/10 (Improving) |
| Bowling Attack | 8/10 (Balanced) | 7/10 (Spin-heavy) |
| Fielding | 9/10 (Athletic) | 7/10 (Solid) |
| Experience | 10/10 (2 WC titles) | 5/10 (Associate) |
| Recent Form | 8/10 (3-0 vs SL) | 7/10 (2 warm-up wins) |
| Pitch Advantage | 8/10 (Suits power) | 6/10 (Spin strength) |
| Home Conditions | 6/10 (Playing in India) | 5/10 (Subcontinent) |
Match Prediction
England are the clear favorites to win this encounter. Their batting firepower featuring Salt, Buttler, Brook, and Curran on a batting-friendly Wankhede pitch is formidable. The recent 3-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka showcases their excellent form and team unity under Harry Brook’s captaincy.
However, Nepal should not be underestimated. They nearly defeated South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup (lost by 1 run) and recently beat West Indies 2-1 in a T20I series. Their spin attack led by Sandeep Lamichhane can trouble England’s middle order, particularly if the pitch offers turn in the afternoon session.
Key Match-Ups:
- Phil Salt vs Sandeep Lamichhane (England’s attacking opener vs Nepal’s star spinner)
- Harry Brook vs Karan KC (England captain vs Nepal’s new-ball operator)
- Adil Rashid vs Nepal’s middle order (Experience vs enthusiasm)
Expected Score:
- Team batting first: 175-185
- Team chasing: 165-180
- Winning margin: 20-30 runs or 3-4 wickets
Verdict: England should comfortably win, but Nepal have the tools to make it competitive if their spinners can exploit afternoon conditions and their batters adapt quickly to Wankhede’s pace and bounce.
Final Dream11 Team (Balanced Approach)
Recommended Dream11 Team
Formation: 2 WK, 3 BAT, 3 AR, 3 BOWL
| Position | Player | Team | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| WK 1 | Jos Buttler | ENG | Premium keeper-batter |
| WK 2 | Aasif Sheikh | NEP | In-form differential |
| BAT 1 | Phil Salt | ENG | Attacking opener |
| BAT 2 | Harry Brook | ENG | Captain (C) |
| BAT 3 | Kushal Bhurtel | NEP | Nepal’s top scorer |
| AR 1 | Sam Curran | ENG | Vice-Captain (VC) |
| AR 2 | Dipendra Singh Airee | NEP | High-ceiling pick |
| AR 3 | Will Jacks | ENG | All-round value |
| BOWL 1 | Adil Rashid | ENG | Premium spinner |
| BOWL 2 | Sandeep Lamichhane | NEP | Leg-spin magic |
| BOWL 3 | Jofra Archer | ENG | Express pace |
Alternative Captain & Vice-Captain Options
Captain Choices (Priority Order):
- Harry Brook – 35% ownership (RECOMMENDED)
- Phil Salt – 25% ownership
- Sam Curran – 20% ownership
- Dipendra Singh Airee – 5% ownership (DIFFERENTIAL)
Vice-Captain Choices (Priority Order):
- Sam Curran – 30% ownership (RECOMMENDED)
- Phil Salt – 25% ownership
- Adil Rashid – 15% ownership
- Sandeep Lamichhane – 8% ownership (DIFFERENTIAL)
Expert’s Verdict: Captain/Vice-Captain Picks
PREMIUM RECOMMENDATION:
Captain: Harry Brook
The Yorkshire dasher is operating at peak efficiency. His recent ODI carnage (136 off 66 balls vs Sri Lanka) demonstrated his ability to dominate attacks from ball one. At Wankhede – a ground where he scored quickly in the past – Brook’s boundary-clearing ability against Nepal’s relatively inexperienced bowling attack makes him the standout captain choice. Nepal lacks express pace, which suits Brook’s pull and cut shots. His strike rotation against spin and power-hitting against medium pace should yield 60-80+ points.
Vice-Captain: Sam Curran
Curran’s dual impact is unmatched in current form. Fresh from a hat-trick and a career-best 58, he offers points in both departments. His left-arm angle troubles right-handed batters (Nepal has 7-8 right-handers), and his death-over prowess against tail-enders ensures wickets. With the bat, his finishing ability can add 25-35 runs quickly. Total expected output: 70-90 points combining bat, ball, and fielding.
DIFFERENTIAL OPTION:
For Grand Leagues seeking low ownership, Dipendra Singh Airee (C) and Sandeep Lamichhane (VC) provide explosive upside. Airee’s 50* and 61* partnerships in warm-ups show his power, while Lamichhane’s 13 wickets in 7 T20Is against quality opposition makes him a genuine match-winner if the pitch assists spin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who will win the England vs Nepal T20 World Cup match?
England are strong favorites with an 80% win probability. Their superior batting depth, tournament experience, and recent 3-0 series win over Sri Lanka give them a decisive edge. However, Nepal’s spirited performances in warm-ups (wins vs UAE and Canada) and their ability to nearly upset South Africa in the 2024 World Cup means they cannot be taken lightly. If Nepal’s spinners exploit afternoon conditions and their batters adapt to Wankhede’s pace, they could make this competitive.
2. Who are the best Dream11 picks for ENG vs NEP?
Must-have picks:
- Batters: Phil Salt (253 runs in 7 T20Is), Harry Brook (in sublime form)
- All-rounders: Sam Curran (hat-trick + 58 runs vs SL), Dipendra Singh Airee (50* vs UAE)
- Bowlers: Adil Rashid (13 wickets in 8 T20Is), Sandeep Lamichhane (2/14 vs Canada)
- Wicket-keepers: Jos Buttler (SR 177.30), Aasif Sheikh (58* off 29 vs Canada)
Balance your team with 6-7 England players (safe picks) and 4-5 Nepal players (differentials) for optimal results.
3. Who should be Captain and Vice-Captain in Dream11 for this match?
Captain: Harry Brook is the premium choice due to his exceptional recent form (136 off 66 vs SL) and ability to dominate on batting-friendly pitches like Wankhede. His powerplay impact against Nepal’s medium-pacers makes him ideal.
Vice-Captain: Sam Curran offers the best all-round value with recent hat-trick and 58-run knock. His dual impact ensures points through batting, bowling, and fielding.
Differential Options: For Grand Leagues, consider Dipendra Singh Airee (C) – explosive form in warm-ups, or Sandeep Lamichhane (VC) – leg-spin magic that can trouble England’s middle order.
4. What is the pitch report for Wankhede Stadium?
The Wankhede pitch is batting-friendly with true bounce that favors strokeplay. Average T20I scores are 175-190 in first innings. However, the recent India vs USA match showed some two-paced bounce. Key factors:
- Pace & Bounce: Good early movement for pacers with new ball
- Spin: Moderate assistance in middle overs, especially in afternoon session
- Boundaries: Short square boundaries (60-65m) aid six-hitting
- Dew Factor: High evening dew aids chasing teams significantly
- Toss: Chasing teams have 55.6% win rate at this venue
Fantasy Impact: Load up on top-order batters and death-over specialists. Spinners who can bowl economically in middle overs are valuable.
5. Which team is in better form – England or Nepal?
England are in superior form with a 3-0 T20I series whitewash over Sri Lanka. They’ve won 9 of their last 10 completed T20Is under Harry Brook’s captaincy. Key performers include Phil Salt (253 runs in 7 T20Is), Sam Curran (hat-trick + 58), and Adil Rashid (13 wickets in 8 matches).
Nepal showed promising form in warm-up matches, defeating UAE by 7 wickets and Canada by 6 wickets. Aasif Sheikh (58* off 29), Dipendra Singh Airee (50* off 31), and Aarif Sheikh (61* off 37) have been standout performers. Their confidence is high after beating West Indies 2-1 in a T20I series in 2025.
Verdict: England’s form is more consistent and proven against quality opposition, giving them the edge.
6. What is an alternative Dream11 team for this match?
Alternative Grand League Team (Differential Heavy):
WK: Aasif Sheikh
BAT: Phil Salt, Tom Banton, Rohit Paudel, Jacob Bethell
AR: Dipendra Singh Airee (C), Aarif Sheikh, Will Jacks
BOWL: Sandeep Lamichhane (VC), Jofra Archer, Karan KC
This team maximizes differentials with lower ownership players like Banton, Paudel, Aarif Sheikh, and Karan KC while maintaining England’s core strength. The risky captain-vice captain combo of Airee and Lamichhane offers massive upside if Nepal’s key players fire.
Small League Safe Alternative:
WK: Jos Buttler, Aasif Sheikh
BAT: Phil Salt (C), Harry Brook
AR: Sam Curran (VC), Dipendra Singh Airee, Sompal Kami
BOWL: Adil Rashid, Sandeep Lamichhane, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson
This prioritizes safety with proven performers while including Nepal’s in-form players for balance.
Recommended Reading:
- Pakistan vs Netherlands Dream11 Prediction – T20 World Cup 2026 Opening Match Analysis
- India vs USA Dream11 Prediction – Wankhede Stadium Mumbai Match Preview
- T20 World Cup 2026 Complete Schedule: Everything You Need to Know
Disclaimer
This Dream11 prediction is based on statistical analysis, recent form, pitch conditions, and expert cricket knowledge. Fantasy sports outcomes depend on actual match performance and are subject to change. Please play responsibly and verify all team news before the match deadline. The author and Battingfirst.com are not responsible for any fantasy cricket losses.
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Last Updated: February 08, 2026,
Author: Battingfirst Editorial Team
Category: Dream11 Predictions, T20 World Cup 2026, Fantasy Cricket
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