In Group C encounter of the ICC Males’s T20 World Cup 2026, the West Indies face off in opposition to Nepal on the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Match 25 of the event carries vital weight for each side: a win for the West Indies nearly ensures them a spot within the Tremendous 8, whereas for Nepal, it’s a determined battle for survival after a crushing defeat to Italy.
With the humidity of Mumbai hanging over the pitch and the morning moisture promising early motion, West Indies captain Shai Hope received the toss and elected to bowl. Nonetheless, the most important speaking level of the morning wasn’t simply the toss, however the absence of a key participant who has been a match-winner for the Caribbean aspect all through this marketing campaign.
Right here’s why Romario Shepherd is lacking in the present day’s motion
Followers had been shocked to see Romario Shepherd‘s title lacking from the crew sheet in the present day. Shepherd has been in blistering type, even claiming a sensational hat-trick earlier within the event in opposition to Scotland. In the course of the toss, Hope clarified that the all-rounder is sidelined as a consequence of a slight niggle.
“Shepherd’s been struggling a bit bit. We simply need to make sure that precautionary measures are being put in place. It’s vital for us to make sure we cowl all our bases and hit all our straps as we glance towards the later phases of the event,” Hope defined in the course of the toss.
Given the gruelling schedule of the 2026 T20 World Cup, the West Indies administration has opted for a security first strategy. Resting Shepherd in the present day permits him time to get better absolutely for the Tremendous 8 fixtures, guaranteeing their main death-overs specialist and lower-order power-hitter isn’t risked in opposition to a struggling Nepal aspect. In his absence, the younger and versatile Matthew Forde has been drafted into the XI, offering Hope with the same tempo choice and helpful lower-order batting.
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WI vs NEP: Enjoying XI of each the groups
Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Lokesh Bam, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Sandeep Lamichhane
West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph
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