Scotland clash with Nepal in Match 33 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in a crucial Group C encounter with Super Eight implications. Scotland enter the game with a slight edge on paper after mixed results, while Nepal seek to end a difficult campaign on a positive note.
Match details
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
Date: Tuesday, 17 February 2026
Time: 19:00 IST | 18:30 PKT | 14:00 GMT
Team overviews
Scotland arrive at this fixture under pressure after a loss to England that dented their Super Eight aspirations, leaving this game all‑important for progression from Group C. Their batting unit possesses depth with experienced performers and aggressive stroke play, while their bowling relies on a balanced mix of seamers and spinners to control scoring. Scotland have shown flashes of form in the tournament and will target a strong performance here to keep their campaign alive.
Nepal head into this match after a series of defeats in the group stage. Their batting has struggled against higher‑quality bowling attacks, and they have lacked consistency at key stages. The bowlers have had moments of success, particularly in the spin department, but Nepal’s overall tournament form means they need to rediscover confidence and execution to challenge Scotland.
Key players
For Scotland, leading run scorers such as George Munsey and Richie Berrington are crucial in providing impetus at the top of the order, while middle order contributors can maintain momentum. Michael Leask’s all‑round skills offer balance, and Mark Watt with Brad Wheal are pivotal in controlling Nepal’s scoring options with the ball.
Nepal will look towards Rohit Paudel to lead from the front with the bat, while Kushal Bhurtel and Dipendra Singh Airee hold the potential to accelerate scoring in the middle overs. Sandeep Lamichhane’s spin will be key in the middle overs to apply pressure and fetch crucial breakthroughs.
Head‑to‑head record
Historically, Scotland and Nepal have competed in limited T20I fixtures. Recent T20I head‑to‑head data suggests competitive encounters, with Scotland enjoying marginal success, although Nepal have also pulled off victories in prior meetings.
Pitch report
The Wankhede surface in Mumbai traditionally favours batting, with smaller boundaries and a relatively flat track encouraging high scoring. Teams batting first often aim for totals above 170, with spinners finding turn as the match progresses, and dew potentially influencing play in the latter stages. Bowlers must maintain disciplined lines and variations to contain aggressive batting.
Probable match scenarios
If Scotland bat first they will aim to post a competitive total by making use of early partnerships and maximizing powerplay runs. Their bowlers can then look to restrict Nepal’s chase with disciplined spells upfront.
If Nepal field first, they will target early wickets to disrupt Scotland’s momentum. A target above 160 would place pressure on Scotland’s chase, but Nepal’s batting must address past inconsistencies to make this scenario viable.
Probable XIs
Scotland: Richie Berrington (c), George Munsey, Michael Jones, Matthew Cross (wk), Michael Leask, Mark Watt, Oliver Davidson, Brad Wheal, Safyaan Sharif, Brandon McMullen, Finlay McCreath
Nepal: Rohit Paudel (c), Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Basir Ahmad, Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Sher Malla, Lokesh Bam
Live streaming and broadcast
In India, official coverage will be on the Star Sports Network with live streaming on JioHotstar. Pakistan viewers can access the telecast through broadcasters carrying the Star Sports feed and digital apps where available. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports will broadcast the match with streaming via Sky Go and similar services. Australia coverage is expected through Prime Video and local partners carrying T20 World Cup coverage. Global audiences can also access official streams via ICC.tv and sanctioned regional streaming platforms.
Match prediction
Scotland start this match as slight favourites given their stronger recent performances and more balanced lineup. Nepal’s tournament form has been inconsistent, particularly with the bat, and Scotland’s batting depth gives them an edge in posting or chasing a challenging total. A close contest is likely, but Scotland’s experience and ability to apply pressure at key phases make them the more probable winners.
