England vs Nepal Possible Playing XI and Head to Head – 5th Match, Group C

The stage is set for an exciting David vs Goliath encounter as England face Nepal in the 5th Match of Group C at Mumbai’s legendary Wankhede Stadium. With England already announcing their playing XI led by Harry Brook, this T20 World Cup 2026 clash promises to be a fascinating contest between the defending champions and the spirited underdogs. The match kicks off at 2:30 PM IST today with Nepal looking to create history against one of cricket’s powerhouses.

Match Info – England vs Nepal

This day-night encounter at one of India’s most iconic venues will test Nepal’s mettle against England’s star-studded lineup. The Wankhede pitch typically favors batters with its true bounce, making it a perfect setting for England’s aggressive approach.

England Confirmed Playing XI

England have officially announced their starting eleven, showcasing an aggressive batting lineup backed by quality bowling:

1. Phil Salt (WK) – Explosive opener in red-hot form
2. Jos Buttler (WK) – Former captain, power-hitter extraordinaire
3. Jacob Bethell – Young batting allrounder
4. Tom Banton – Aggressive middle-order batter
5. Harry Brook (C) – Captain leading from the front
6. Sam Curran – Left-handed allrounder, death-over specialist
7. Will Jacks – Batting allrounder with off-spin ability
8. Liam Dawson – Left-arm spinner providing control
9. Jofra Archer – Express pace bowler back to full fitness
10. Adil Rashid – Veteran leg-spinner and wicket-taker
11. Luke Wood – Left-arm pacer adding variety

This lineup demonstrates England’s intent to dominate with both bat and ball, featuring depth till number eight.

Nepal Possible Playing XI

While Nepal hasn’t officially confirmed their lineup, here’s the expected eleven based on recent form and squad composition:

1. Kushal Bhurtel – Opening batter
2. Aasif Sheikh (WK) – Wicketkeeper-batter, key player
3. Rohit Paudel (C) – Captain and middle-order anchor
4. Dipendra Singh Airee – Explosive allrounder
5. Kushal Malla – Talented middle-order batter
6. Sompal Kami – Pace-bowling allrounder
7. Gulshan Jha – Seam bowler
8. Karan KC – Experienced pace spearhead
9. Sandeep Lamichhane – Star leg-spinner
10. Lalit Rajbanshi – Left-arm orthodox spinner
11. Abinash Bohara – Pace bowler

Nepal’s strength lies in their spin duo of Sandeep Lamichhane and Lalit Rajbanshi, who will be crucial on Wankhede’s potentially slow surface.

Head-to-Head – England vs Nepal (T20Is)

This marks the first-ever T20I encounter between England and Nepal, making it a historic occasion for both nations. Nepal will be eager to announce themselves on cricket’s biggest stage, while England look to start their tournament campaign with a commanding victory.

Despite no previous T20I meetings, England’s experience and depth make them overwhelming favorites. However, Nepal’s recent form shows they’re no pushovers and capable of causing upsets.

Recent Form Analysis

England Last 5 T20Is

• W vs Australia (Won by 28 runs)
• W vs West Indies (Won by 7 wickets)
• W vs Pakistan (Won by 23 runs)
• NR vs India (No Result – Rain)
• W vs South Africa (Won by 5 wickets)

Form Rating: 4/4 completed matches won – Exceptional form

Nepal Last 5 T20Is

• W vs UAE (Won by 6 wickets)
• W vs Oman (Won by 5 runs)
• W vs Netherlands (Won by 4 wickets)
• W vs PNG (Won by 42 runs)
• W vs Namibia (Won by 7 wickets)

Form Rating: 5/5 wins – Perfect record heading into the World Cup

Both teams arrive in outstanding form, with Nepal particularly impressive with five consecutive victories. Their confidence will be sky-high despite facing cricket’s elite.

Points Table – Group C

This being the opening match for both teams in Group C, the winner takes early control of the group standings. England will aim for a big victory to boost their net run rate, crucial for the points table calculations in tight group stages.

Key Players to Watch

England’s Match-Winners

Phil Salt (394 runs in 9 matches, Average 56.29, SR 173.56) The opener has been in blistering form, capable of taking any bowling attack apart in the powerplay.

Jos Buttler (250 runs in 10 matches, Average 27.78, SR 177.3) Despite modest averages, Buttler’s strike rate shows his explosive capability when he gets going.

Adil Rashid (15 wickets in 8 matches, Economy 7.93) The leg-spinner’s experience will be vital in controlling Nepal’s aggressive batters during middle overs.

Jofra Archer His express pace and yorker accuracy make him England’s most dangerous weapon, especially in death overs.

Nepal’s Key Players

Aasif Sheikh (280 runs in 9 matches, Average 35, SR 135.92) Nepal’s wicketkeeper-batter is their most consistent performer with the bat.

Kushal Bhurtel (258 runs in 10 matches) The opener’s ability to score quickly will be crucial in setting or chasing totals.

Sandeep Lamichhane (13 wickets in 7 matches, Economy 5.32) Nepal’s star spinner boasts exceptional economy rates and wicket-taking ability. His battle with England’s batters will be fascinating.

Lalit Rajbanshi (8 wickets in 7 matches, Economy 5.20) The left-arm spinner’s tight bowling could frustrate England’s aggressive approach.

Venue Analysis – Wankhede Stadium

Stadium Characteristics:

• Capacity: 33,000 spectators
• Pitch Type: Batting-friendly with true bounce
• Average T20 Score: 170-180
• Boundary Size: Short square boundaries (60-65m)
• Winning Pattern: 52% batting first, 48% chasing

The Wankhede pitch traditionally favors batting, especially under lights. The short boundaries make it a high-scoring venue where even mishits can clear the ropes. England’s power-hitting lineup is perfectly suited to these conditions.

Match Officials:

• Umpires: Leslie Reifer, Rod Tucker
• TV Umpire: Paul Reiffel
• Match Referee: Andy Pycroft

England vs Nepal – Match Preview

This historic first meeting carries different stakes for both teams. England, as defending champions, need to stamp their authority early with a convincing performance. Nepal, competing in their first-ever T20 World Cup, will look to showcase their improvement and potentially cause a massive upset.

England’s Strengths:

• Explosive batting depth till number 8
• World-class pace attack led by Jofra Archer
• Experience in pressure situations
• Adil Rashid’s wicket-taking ability in middle overs

Nepal’s Strengths:

• Perfect recent form with 5 consecutive wins
• Quality spin duo (Lamichhane and Rajbanshi)
• Nothing-to-lose mentality as underdogs
• Passionate support from cricket fans worldwide

Tactical Battle:

• Nepal’s spinners vs England’s aggressive batting
• Jofra Archer’s pace vs Nepal’s top order
• Powerplay overs will be crucial for both teams
• Death overs execution could decide the match

The competing teams represent contrasting cricket cultures, making this encounter special beyond just the result.

Match Prediction

Predicted Winner: England (85% chance)

England’s superior firepower, experience, and balanced squad make them overwhelming favorites. However, cricket’s unpredictability means Nepal shouldn’t be completely written off. If Sandeep Lamichhane produces magic and Nepal’s batters fire collectively, they could make this competitive.

Predicted Score: England 185-190, Nepal 140-150

Key to Victory:

• For England: Early wickets through pace, aggressive batting in powerplay
• For Nepal: Lamichhane’s spell in middle overs, disciplined death bowling

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does England vs Nepal match start? The match starts at 2:30 PM IST on February 08, 2026, at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.

Is this the first T20I match between England and Nepal? Yes, this is the historic first-ever T20I meeting between England and Nepal at any level.

Who is captaining England and Nepal in this match? Harry Brook leads England while Rohit Paudel captains Nepal in this Group C encounter.

What is the venue for England vs Nepal match? The match is being played at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, known for its batting-friendly conditions.

Who are the key players to watch in England vs Nepal? Phil Salt, Jofra Archer, and Adil Rashid for England; Sandeep Lamichhane, Aasif Sheikh for Nepal.

Has England announced their playing XI? Yes, England have confirmed their starting eleven with Harry Brook as captain and Phil Salt opening with Jos Buttler.