ICC Men’s Т20 World Cup 2026, Match 5: England vs Nepal
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ICC Men’s Т20 World Cup 2026, Match 5: England vs Nepal
Brace yourselves for a high-octane "David vs. Goliath" encounter as England launches its quest for a third title against the ever-spirited Nepal in Match 5 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
Taking place at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 8, this fixture marks a historic moment for Nepali cricket. England, now under the fresh leadership of Harry Brook, is looking to unleash a new era of "T20 Bazball," while Nepal aims to leverage their massive fan support and recent giant-killing form to create the ultimate World Cup upset.
Head-to-Head: A Historic First
This is a landmark occasion as England and Nepal have never faced each other in a senior T20 International.
Feb 8, 2026: This World Cup opener serves as the inaugural T20I meeting between these two nations.
Team Form & Recent Results
England (W-W-W-W-L) The "Brook Era" has started with a bang. England arrives in Mumbai following a dominant 3-0 clean sweep against Sri Lanka in January, proving they have mastered subcontinental conditions.
Series: Defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 (Jan 2026).
Previous: Defeated New Zealand 1-0 (Oct 2025).
Series: Defeated Ireland 2-0 (Sept 2025).
Warm-up: England's recent form suggests they are peaking at exactly the right time.
Nepal (W-L-W-W-L) Nepal is the most "match-ready" Associate side, having played extensive cricket across Asia in late 2025. They recently proved their mettle with a massive warm-up victory over Canada.
Warm-up: Lost to Oman by 4 wickets (Feb 5, 2026 - Last-over thriller).
Qualifiers: Defeated UAE and Qatar to win the Asia-EAP Regional Final.
Series: Defeated West Indies by 90 runs in a shock 2025 upset.
Players in Focus
Harry Brook (England): The new captain and middle-order powerhouse. Since taking over the reins from Jos Buttler, Brook has been in devastating form, leading England to three consecutive series wins.
Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal): The global superstar. With his extensive experience in the IPL and other leagues, Sandeep is Nepal's primary weapon to dismantle the English "Bazballers" on a dry Wankhede track.
Phil Salt (England): Currently one of the world's most elite openers. Having smashed over 700 T20I runs in the last year at a strike rate of 168, his battle with Nepal's new-ball bowlers will be electric.
Dipendra Singh Airee (Nepal): The "Tiger" of Nepal. Known for hitting six sixes in an over, his finishing ability and high-velocity fielding make him the X-factor for the Rhinos.