Nepal vs Italy Dream11 Prediction: T20 World Cup 2026 Match 17 Tips, Pitch & XI
Best NEP vs ITA Dream11 prediction for T20 World Cup 2026. Expert pitch report, injury updates (Madsen ruled out), and top fantasy picks for the clash in Mumbai.
Introduction
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 moves to the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for a high-stakes Group C encounter between Nepal and Italy. Nepal arrives with high morale despite a heartbreaking 4-run loss to England at this very venue. Meanwhile, Italy is reeling from a heavy 73-run defeat against Scotland and a major injury blow to their captain. With both teams hunting for their first points, expect a fierce battle on a surface built for big hitters.
Data Suite: Match Info & Stats
Match Info
| Feature | Details |
| Match | Nepal vs Italy, 17th Match, Group C |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Date & Time | February 12, 2026 |
| Broadcast | Star Sports Network, JioHotstar |
Pitch Report
The Wankhede pitch is a traditional batter’s paradise with a red soil base that offers true bounce and pace.
- Average Score: Recent matches have averaged near 199.
- Boundaries: Small boundaries make it easy for stroke players.
- Fantasy Impact: While batters dominate, spinners have surprisingly taken more wickets (31) than pacers (26) in the last five games here.
Weather Update
- Temp: 30°C–32°C (Warm and sunny).
- Rain %: 0% (Clear skies).
- Impact: As an afternoon match, no dew factor is expected in the first innings, though it may cool down for the chase.
Last 5 Matches (Recent Form)
| Team | Form (Most Recent First) |
| Nepal | L, W, W, W, W |
| Italy | L, W, W, W, L |
Head-to-Head (H2H)
This is the first-ever T20I meeting between Nepal and Italy.
Ground Stats (T20Is at Wankhede)
- Total Matches: 11.
- Batting 1st Wins: 6 | Chasing Wins: 5.
- Highest Total: 247/9 (India vs England, 2025).
Team News & Injury Updates
- Nepal: The squad is fully fit and likely to remain unchanged following their strong showing against England.
- Italy: Major Blow. Captain Wayne Madsen is ruled out of this game (and potentially the tournament) after dislocating his shoulder against Scotland. Harry Manenti is set to lead the side in his absence.
Probable Playing XI
Nepal XI
Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Lokesh Bam, Gulsan Jha, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Sandeep Lamichhane, Sher Malla.
Italy XI
Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts, Marcus Campopiano, Harry Manenti (c), Ben Manenti, Grant Stewart, Gian Meade (wk), Crishan Kalugamage, Thomas Draca, Ali Hasan.
Dream11 Prediction Section
Small League Combination
- Wicket-Keeper: Aasif Sheikh.
- Batters: Rohit Paudel, Kushal Bhurtel, Marcus Campopiano.
- All-Rounders: Dipendra Singh Airee (Must-have), Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti, JJ Smuts.
- Bowlers: Sandeep Lamichhane, Arshdeep Singh, Ruben Trumpelmann.
Expert’s Verdict (C/VC): > * Captain: Dipendra Singh Airee – Averaging 161 fantasy points, he is in the form of his life with both bat and ball.
- Vice-Captain: Sandeep Lamichhane – Leg-spin will be lethal on a Wankhede track where spinners are currently outperforming pacers.
Grand League (Risky Picks)
- Lokesh Bam: Low selection percentage but explosive; perfect for the Wankhede deck.
- Ben Manenti: Scored a fighting fifty in the last game and bowls crucial overs.
Match Prediction
- Win Probability: Nepal (75%), Italy (25%).
- Neutral Prediction: Nepal’s familiarity with Wankhede and Italy’s loss of their captain gives the Asian side a significant edge. Expect a high-scoring victory for Nepal.
Final Dream11 Team (Balanced)
- WK: Aasif Sheikh
- BAT: Rohit Paudel, Kushal Bhurtel, Harry Manenti
- AR: Dipendra Singh Airee (C), Ben Manenti (VC), JJ Smuts, Gulshan Jha
- BOWL: Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, Ali Hasan
FAQs
- Who will win NEP vs ITA? Nepal starts as strong favorites due to form and local conditions.
- Is Wayne Madsen playing? No, he is out with a dislocated shoulder.
- What is the best C/VC? Dipendra Singh Airee and Sandeep Lamichhane or Ben Manenti.
- Will dew be a factor? Unlikely, as it is a 3:00 PM afternoon start.
- Is Sandeep Lamichhane a good pick? Yes, spinners have been highly effective at Wankhede recently.
- What is a winning total? Anything above 185–190 will be hard to chase.
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