Rohit Paudel-led Nepal team missed out on a historic win over England in the first match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026; However, they looked better than the two-time champions in many ways. Italy, on the other hand, made their World Cup debut after losing to European rivals Scotland.
The NEP vs ITA game will be the second game for both these teams, who are still looking for their first win in this edition of the World Cup. This group already includes teams like England and West Indies and with Scotland brought in as a replacement for Bangladesh, this group looks very competitive by the standard of these two smaller teams.
This article includes match prediction, probable players of both the teams, impact of toss and head-to-head record of the match between Italy and Nepal in ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
NEP vs ITA Match Prediction: Who will win Match 17 of ICC T20 World Cup 2026?
Match Details:
match: Nepal vs Italy
date: 12 February, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM IST
venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
live streaming: jiohotstar
Live broadcast: star sports network
NEP vs ITA Match Prediction, Head-to-Head Record
Two giants from different parts of the world, Nepal from the Asian subcontinent on the one hand and Italy, a Mediterranean country from Europe on the other, have never played against each other in international cricket and will face each other for the first time in this edition of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
NEP vs ITA Pitch Report and Terms
Wankhede Stadium often has the reputation of being one of the best batting tracks in India. Additionally, the ground offers a fast outfield and some reasonable bounce, which allows batsmen to sit comfortably on top of the ball.
NEP vs ITA weather report
Temperatures are expected to be warm; However, humidity is low during this time of year; Therefore, players will not find the conditions bad. The forecast does not predict any rainfall; However, the sun and percentage of cloud cover can also affect the pitch conditions.
NEP vs ITA T20 World Cup Probable XI:
Nepal playing eleven: Kushal Bhurtel, Asif Sheikh, Rohit Paudel (captain), Deependra Singh Airey, Arif Sheikh, Gulshan Jha, Lokesh Bam, Karan KC, Sher Malla, Nandan Yadav and Sandeep Lamichhane.
Italy Playing XI: Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smits (captain), Marcus Campopiano, Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti, Gian-Piero Meade (wk), Grant Stewart, Thomas Dreka, Ali Hasan and Krishan Kalugamage.
toss effect
The toss always has an impact at Wankhede Stadium. Wankhede has always favored chasing, and here the team winning the toss usually opts to field first to get a hold of the pitch before getting into the driving seat in their innings.
form and fitness
Nepal’s players are fit and even Sompal Kami, who missed the last game, is likely to return any time soon. However, Italy are in deep trouble as their captain Wayne Madsen is out with a serious shoulder injury.
NEP vs ITA Score Prediction
Wankhede is a high scoring track; However, it can be predicted that Nepal will score around 160 if they bat first, whereas it could be lower if Italy bats first, and then the score will be around 140.
NEP vs ITA: Performance prediction of players
Major players of Italy: Justin Mosca, JJ Smits, Harry Manenti, and Krishan Kalugamage
Major players of Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel, Asif Shaikh, Deependra Singh Airi, Lokesh Bam and Sandeep Lamichhane.
NEP vs ITA: Best Batsman Prediction
ITA – Justin Mosca, or Harry Manenti
NEP – Kushal Bhurtel or Deependra Singh Airi
NEP vs ITA: Best Bowler Prediction
ITA – Grant Stewart or chrisan kalugamage
NEP – Karan KC or Sandeep Lamichhane.
Conclusion: Who will win NEP vs ITA T20 World Cup match?
Nepal had never played against Italy, nor had the opposition played in the subcontinent, before being defeated by Scotland. In the second game, Italy will give their 100% as Nepal will leave no stone unturned in missing out on another win after a close loss to England. Nepal is favourite.
Also read: Wayne Parnell leaves Jasprit Bumrah aside, names another Indian to win Player of the Tournament
