MUMBAI, 12 February 2026 – The Wankhede Stadium plays host to a historic Group C encounter today as Nepal faces tournament debutants Italy in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Both sides are searching for their first points of the campaign in what has been dubbed a “generational” clash between two of the cricket world’s most beloved associate nations.
Match Overview
Nepal enters this fixture following a heartbreakingly close four-run defeat against England earlier this week. Despite the loss, the Rhinos proved their mettle by nearly chasing down 185, eventually finishing on 180/6. Dipendra Singh Airee and the Nepalese top order have shown formidable form, making them the heavy favourites for today’s contest.
Italy, making their first-ever appearance in a T20 World Cup, is looking to bounce back from a 73-run loss in their opening match. While the Italians managed only 134 runs while chasing a target of 208 in their previous outing, the squad is eager to prove that cricket can thrive in a nation traditionally dominated by football.
Head-to-Head and Match Details
This match marks the first time Nepal and Italy have met in an official T20 International. While Nepal has a wealth of experience in ICC events, Italy is still finding its feet on the global stage.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Nepal vs Italy, Match 17 (Group C) |
| Date | 12 February 2026 |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| T20I Head-to-Head | 0 Matches (First Meeting) |
| Start Time | 15:00 Local (IST) | 09:30 GMT |
Key Storylines
- Nepal’s Quest for History: Nepal is aiming to secure its first T20 World Cup victory in 12 years. Their performance against England has given fans immense hope that this “Golden Generation” can progress deep into the tournament.
- The Debutants’ Challenge: Italy enters the match as the underdog. Public sentiment suggests a growing belief in the Italian system, but they face a steep learning curve against a battle-hardened Nepalese side.
- Conditions: The Wankhede pitch is known for being a batter’s paradise with short boundaries. AI predictions and local insights suggest a high-scoring affair, with the team bowling first potentially holding a slight tactical advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Nepal ever played Italy in a T20 World Cup before?
No. This is the first-ever T20 International meeting between the two nations. Italy is making its tournament debut in the 2026 edition.
Where is the Nepal vs Italy match being played?
The match is being held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India.
What was Nepal’s result in their last match?
Nepal narrowly lost to England by four runs on 8 February 2026, despite a valiant effort that saw them reach 180/6 in pursuit of 185.
Who are the favourites to win today?
Nepal is considered the heavy favourite with a predicted win probability of approximately 73%, based on recent form and their competitive performance against major cricketing nations.