Cricket history is set to unfold in Mumbai as England face Nepal for the very first time in T20 international cricket, launching their Group C campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. With a packed Wankhede Stadium expected and global audiences tuning in, the match carries both the excitement of a tournament opener for England and the intrigue of an emerging Nepal side eager to test itself against a former world champion.

Match Details

• Match: England vs Nepal, Group C
• Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
• Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• Start Time: 3:00 PM IST (Local Time)

Fans in Nepal can follow the action live on Kantipur TV HD, while viewers in India can watch the broadcast on the Star Sports Network, with live streaming available via JioHotstar.

Weather and Pitch Report

Conditions in Mumbai are expected to be bright and hot, with temperatures hovering around 33°C and no rain forecast — ideal for an uninterrupted contest.

The Wankhede surface traditionally favors batters, offering true bounce and quick outfield conditions that reward aggressive stroke play. Fast bowlers may find early movement with the new ball, but once batters settle, high scores are firmly on the cards.

Stakes in Group C

This fixture is more than just an opening game — it could set the tone for the entire group. England enter the tournament as one of the favourites, aiming to add a third T20 World Cup title to their previous triumphs in 2010 and 2022. A strong start would immediately reinforce their credentials.

Nepal, meanwhile, arrive with growing confidence and momentum. Often labelled a rising force in associate cricket, they have shown steady improvement in recent years and will view this global stage as the perfect opportunity to challenge a full-member heavyweight.

Adding extra intrigue, the two teams have never previously met in a T20 international, guaranteeing a fresh tactical battle with no historical blueprint.

England Confirm Playing XI

England have named their lineup ahead of the clash, confirming that opener Phil Salt is fit to play after recovering from a back spasm.

England XI: Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (capt.), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood.

The selection suggests a balanced approach, combining explosive batting options with a varied bowling attack suited to Mumbai’s conditions.

Tournament Context

Group C features a compelling mix of established contenders and ambitious challengers, including West Indies, Scotland, Italy, England, and Nepal. With only a limited number of qualification spots available for the next phase, early victories can prove decisive — making opening matches particularly valuable.

For England, the objective is clarity and control from ball one. For Nepal, it is opportunity — the chance to disrupt expectations and announce themselves on one of cricket’s biggest stages.

Either way, when the first ball is delivered at Wankhede, the tournament journey begins in earnest.