WI vs NEP Dream11 Prediction: Expert fantasy tips for Match 25 of T20 World Cup 2026. Pitch report, head-to-head stats, and the best C/VC picks for Wankhede.
Introduction
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 moves to its most high-octane venue, Mumbai, as the West Indies (WI) take on a struggling Nepal (NEP) in Match 25. The West Indies are on a clinical run, having recently dismantled England at this very venue by 30 runs, spearheaded by a blistering 76* from Sherfane Rutherford.
Nepal, conversely, is reeling from a historic 10-wicket thrashing by Italy. While the Rhinos famously stunned the Windies 2-1 in a bilateral series in late 2025, the stakes and conditions at the Wankhede offer a much sterner challenge.
Data Suite: Match & Venue Analytics
Match Info
| Feature | Details |
| Teams | West Indies vs Nepal (Match 25, Group C) |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India |
| Date & Time | February 15, 2026 |
| Format | T20 International (World Cup Group Stage) |
| Broadcast | Star Sports Network, JioHotstar |
Pitch & Weather Report
Pitch Nature: The Wankhede surface remains a flat batting track with a consistent bounce. While morning games (11 AM) can offer some humidity-induced swing for the first 3-4 overs, it remains a “boundary-clearing” ground due to its short dimensions.
- Avg 1st Innings Score: 178 runs.
- Fantasy Impact: Load up on top-order batters and “Death-over specialists” who can use the bounce to their advantage.
Weather Update:
- Temp: 32°C.
- Rain: 0% probability.
- Humidity: 45% (Moderate).
Head-to-Head (T20Is)
- Total Matches: 3 (Sharjah Series, 2025)
- West Indies Won: 1
- Nepal Won: 2
- Top Performer: Aasif Sheikh (68* in historic 2025 win).
Probable Playing XI
West Indies
Shai Hope (C/WK), Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie.
Nepal
Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (WK), Rohit Paudel (C), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Sundeep Jora, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi.
Dream11 Prediction & Strategy
Expert’s Verdict (E-E-A-T Signature)
Captaincy Strategy: At Wankhede, pace on the ball often results in boundaries. Sherfane Rutherford is the gold standard right now; his 76* against England showed his ability to stabilize and then explode. For Vice-Captain, Dipendra Singh Airee is the safest bet as he contributes in all three departments.
Player Categories
- Must-Haves: Sherfane Rutherford, Akeal Hosein, Dipendra Singh Airee.
- Budget Picks: Gudakesh Motie (7.5 Cr), Nandan Yadav (7.0 Cr).
- Risky Differentials: Sandeep Lamichhane (Can be expensive on small grounds but takes wickets).
Key Player Analysis
- Sherfane Rutherford (WI): Boasts an incredible impact rate; he recently struck 7 sixes in a single innings at this venue.
- Akeal Hosein (WI): His Economy Rate in the Powerplay (under 6.5) makes him a fantasy goldmine for “Maiden Over” or “Dot Ball” points.
- Rohit Paudel (NEP): Despite a recent fever, the skipper is expected to play. He is the anchor Nepal needs to avoid another collapse.
Match Prediction
Win Probability: West Indies 80% | Nepal 20%
The West Indies’ Powerplay impact and superior boundary-clearing ability at Wankhede make them heavy favorites. Nepal must rely on Sandeep Lamichhane’s tactical variations to pull off an upset.
Final Balanced Dream11 Team
- WK: Shai Hope
- BAT: Brandon King, Sherfane Rutherford (C), Rohit Paudel
- ALL: Dipendra Singh Airee (VC), Roston Chase, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd
- BOWL: Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Sandeep Lamichhane
FAQs
- Who will win WI vs NEP Match 25? West Indies are favorites due to their familiarity with Wankhede.
- Is Rohit Paudel fit to play? Yes, coach Stuart Law confirmed he is recovering from a fever and should lead.
- What is the best C/VC for Grand League? Try Jason Holder as Captain; his “Death-over” bowling and late hitting are high-ceiling assets.
- How is the Wankhede pitch behaving? It’s high-scoring. Spinners like Motie and Rashid have found some turn, but batters dominate.
- What happened in the last H2H? Nepal beat WI 2-1 in Sharjah (Sept 2025).
- Where can I get live updates? Follow the Battingfirst WhatsApp Channel.
