Realistically, can Nepal Qualify To Super 8 Stage Of T20 World Cup 2026? We dig deep into their preparation, squad, fixtures and opportunity for the T20 World Cup.
Nepal head into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a growing sense of belief rather than just hope. Strong recent results, a settled core, and favourable match-ups in their group mean Nepal Super 8 chances are being discussed seriously for the first time. Nepal squad for T20 World Cup 2026 is a strong one and they have a few things going their way.
A warm-up win to start their preparations has only added to that confidence. While Nepal are not among the tournament favourites, the combination of form, familiarity with conditions, and realistic target matches gives them a genuine path to qualification if things fall into place.
(Updated on February 8, 2026 after England vs Nepal T20 World Cup 2026)
Nepal Points Table Scenario – T20 World Cup 2026 (Group C)
With Nepal likely to begin their campaign with a loss against England, the Group C points table becomes central to understanding how Nepal can qualify for Super 8 stage of T20 World Cup 2026.
Group C Standings (After Nepal vs England)
Group C Points Table – T20 World Cup 2026
| Pos | Team | P | W | L | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WI | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +1.750 |
| 2 | ENG | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +0.200 |
| 3 | ITA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 4 | NEP | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -0.200 |
| 5 | SCO | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | -1.750 |
Table will be updated as more Group C matches are completed.
This Nepal points table scenario at the T20 World Cup makes one thing clear, the remaining three matches now become virtual knockouts.
Nepal T20 World Cup 2026 Fixtures
All Nepal T20 World Cup group matches will be played at the Wankhede Stadium. Nepal T20 World Cup fixtures place them against England, Italy, West Indies and Scotland in Mumbai.
- vs England – February 8, Mumbai – LOST
- vs Italy – February 12, Mumbai
- vs West Indies – February 15, Mumbai
- vs Scotland – February 17, Mumbai
With consistent pitches and short boundaries, Mumbai conditions reduce the gap between teams and increase the possibility of close contests.
Group C Qualification Scenario Explained From Nepal POV
To understand Nepal T20 World Cup 2026 qualification scenarios, we need to break it down simply.
If Nepal Beat Italy, Scotland And West Indies (3 Wins)
- Nepal finish on 6 points
- Qualification almost certain
- Nepal Super 8 chances T20 World Cup become extremely strong regardless of NRR
Given Nepal’s recent 2–1 T20I series win over West Indies, even if that came against a depleted side, this scenario is ambitious but not unrealistic.
Nepal T20 World Cup 2026 Form Guide
- Qualified for the T20 World Cup 2026 by winning all matches at the qualifiers
- Recorded their first-ever T20I series win against a Full Member, beating West Indies 2–1 last year
- Retained a familiar core from the T20 World Cup 2024 squad
- Strong performances across the Nepal Premier League strengthened squad depth
- Warm-up victory suggested good rhythm heading into the group stage
- Nepal qualification chances will depend on 2 specific games mainly
- Won both their warm-up fixtures ahead of the T20 World Cup
- Began group stage against England with a competitive showing despite the result
This Nepal T20 World Cup form guide underlines why the Nepal Super 8 qualification chances are being viewed more seriously than in previous editions.
How Can Nepal Qualify For Super 8 Stage Of T20 World Cup 2026?
Nepal’s qualification path remains challenging but achievable. The group format rewards consistency across four matches, and even if the opening game does not go their way, Nepal still have clear routes to stay alive in the tournament.
Nepal vs England (February 8) — Lost by 4 runs
This fixture played out largely as expected, with England asserting control in key phases, before a stunning knock from Lokesh Ban brought Nepal back from the dead.
England posted 184 for 7 at the Wankhede, powered by half-centuries from Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook, before their bowling attack applied steady pressure in the chase. With four overs remaining, Nepal were at 127 for 4 chasing 185, needing 58 off 27 balls — a steep equation with a required rate nearing 13 an over. But Bam’s knock meant they fell just four runs short, reducing the NRR deficit which could be crucial later on.
Nepal’s Super 8 chances at the T20 World Cup are far from over. Matches against Italy, Scotland and West Indies remain decisive, and three wins from those fixtures would still keep qualification firmly within reach. In short, defeat to England does not eliminate Nepal, but it increases the margin for error in the remaining group matches.
Nepal vs Italy (February 12) — Potential win
Nepal enter this fixture as favourites on paper.
- Nepal are ranked 16th in the ICC Men’s T20I team rankings
- Italy are ranked 27th and are appearing in the T20 World Cup for the first time
- The two sides have never met in T20Is
This is a must-win match in Nepal’s qualification scenarios and the most straightforward opportunity for points.
Nepal vs West Indies (February 15) — Could make or break Group C
This fixture presents Nepal’s biggest opportunity to swing the group.
- Nepal defeated West Indies 2–1 in a T20I series last year
- Confidence from recent history reduces the psychological gap
- West Indies have been inconsistent in bilateral T20 cricket
Given that recent series win, them beating West Indies cannot be ruled out and would dramatically improve Nepal Super 8 chances.
Nepal vs Scotland (February 17) — Big target for a win
This is expected to be one of the most decisive matches in Nepal’s Super 8 chances. Scotland replacing Bangladesh in the T20 World Cup has given Nepal a fighting chance as they’re familiar opponents over whom Nepal have a decent record.
- T20I head-to-head: 1 win, 1 loss (away series)
- ODI head-to-head: Nepal have beaten Scotland 5 times and lost 4
- Familiar opposition with comparable skill levels
A win here would significantly strengthen Nepal’s T20 World Cup 2026 qualification scenarios, especially with Net Run Rate in mind.
What Nepal’s Qualification Path Looks Like
With a defeat against England, Nepal’s route to the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 is now clearly defined.
Three wins (Italy, Scotland, West Indies):
- Nepal finish on 6 points
- Almost certain Super 8 qualification
- Net Run Rate becomes secondary
This remains the cleanest and most straightforward answer to the question: Can Nepal qualify to Super 8 stage of T20 World Cup 2026? Yes, if they win their remaining three matches.
If Nepal manage to win two of their remaining three matches, they would finish the group stage on four points. In that case, qualification would depend heavily on Net Run Rate and the results of matches involving Scotland and West Indies. Reducing the margin of defeat against England would also be significant, as it could influence their final standing in a tight points table scenario.
In this situation, Nepal Super 8 chances at the T20 World Cup would remain alive, but the path would no longer be straightforward. Instead of controlling their own destiny, they would be relying on combinations and mathematical outcomes.
Can Nepal Still Qualify To Super 8 Stage Of T20 World Cup 2026?
Nepal’s path to the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 remains challenging, especially after defeat to England, but it is still very much alive. With Scotland now part of Group C instead of Bangladesh, the balance of the group has shifted slightly in Nepal’s favour, creating realistic target games in the remaining fixtures.
The equation is now clearer. Nepal must treat Italy and Scotland as must-win matches, while viewing West Indies as the decisive swing game. For now, Nepal Super 8 chances at the T20 World Cup 2026 are no longer theoretical, they are conditional. Win three and qualification becomes highly likely; win two and it becomes a mathematical battle.
Can Nepal still qualify to Super 8 stage of T20 World Cup 2026? We will continue to monitor Nepal Super 8 chances T20 World Cup 2026 and update all qualification scenarios as the group stage unfolds.
Nepal Squad For T20 World Cup 2026
Leaving Kushal Malla out was a major talking point in Nepal squad for the T20 World Cup, but they have a balanced outfit capable off pulling off upsets. Ian Bishop thinks Nepal are a special team for the T20 World Cup.
Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee (vc), Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Sundeep Jora, Aarif Sheikh, Basir Ahamad, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Gulshan Jha, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sher Malla, Lokesh Bam
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