Canada vs Nepal Live Score, Squads & Details: The Spin Trap in Chennai?

While the world watches the heavyweights, a tactical masterclass is expected today at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. In Match 12 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-ups, the high-flying Nepal takes on a gritty Canada side.

Both teams are unbeaten in their warm-up campaigns so far. Nepal demolished the UAE with a 7-wicket win, while Canada edged out Italy in a thriller. Today isn’t just about practice; it’s about sending a message before the main event begins.

The big question? Can the Canadian batters survive on a Chennai pitch that historically turns square, especially against the wizardry of Sandeep Lamichhane?

Live Match Pulse & Details

• Match: Canada vs. Nepal (Warm-up Match 12)
• Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
• Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Time: 03:00 PM IST (Local)
• Toss Prediction: The captain winning the toss will likely bat first to let their spinners strangle the chase.

Squad Analysis: The “Stats” Behind the Teams

Analyzing the team sheets (and the data from their recent performances), we see two very different philosophies colliding.

Nepal: The “Spin Kings” of the Associates

Nepal enters this match as the fan favorites. Their victory over UAE was clinically orchestrated by their top order and spin department.

Nepal Squad

• Captain: Rohit Paudel
• The X-Factor: Sandeep Lamichhane (Leg-spin). On a Chennai pitch, he is the ultimate weapon.
• Batting Core: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Dipendra Singh Airee.
• All-Rounders: Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami.
• Bowlers: Karan KC, Lalit Rajbanshi, Abinash Bohara.

Stat Check: In their last 5 T20Is in Asia, Nepal’s spinners have taken 62% of the team’s wickets. If the pitch grips today, Canada is in trouble.

Canada: The “New Generation” Powerhouse

Canada has undergone a massive shift. Led by the young and aggressive Dilpreet Bajwa, they have moved away from their traditional conservative approach to a high-risk, high-reward style.

Canada Squad

• Captain: Dilpreet Bajwa
• Star Batter: Nicholas Kirton. The most technically sound player against spin.
• Pace Spearhead: Kaleem Sana. His left-arm pace is vital to getting early breakthroughs against Nepal’s openers.
• Key Players: Harsh Thaker, Navneet Dhaliwal, Saad Bin Zafar, Dilon Heyliger, Shreyas Movva (wk).

Stat Check: Nicholas Kirton averages 38.5 against spin in the middle overs. He is the barrier Nepal must break.

3 Key Battles to Watch

If you are following the live score, these are the individual matchups that will swing the game:

1. Sandeep Lamichhane vs. Nicholas Kirton

• The Contest: The world’s premier associate spinner vs. Canada’s best technician.
• The Data: Kirton likes to sweep, but Lamichhane’s googly is lethal against that shot.

2. Kaleem Sana vs. Kushal Bhurtel

• The Contest: Left-arm pace swing vs. Aggressive opening.
• The Danger: Bhurtel attacks from ball one. Sana’s ability to bring the ball back into the right-hander could lead to a first-over duck or a 20-run over.

3. Dipendra Singh Airee vs. The Death Overs

• The Contest: Nepal’s “Finisher” vs. Canada’s death bowling.
• The Impact: Airee smashed a blistering fifty in the last game. If Canada doesn’t execute their yorkers, the last 4 overs could go for 50+ runs.

Prediction: Who Wins the Warm-Up?

Nepal holds the edge. The venue (Chennai) is practically a home ground for their style of play. Unless Canada’s pacers destroy Nepal’s top order in the first Powerplay, the combination of Lamichhane and Rajbanshi should be too much for the Canadian middle order to handle.

Verdict: Nepal to win, but expect Canada’s Nicholas Kirton to put up a brave fight.