The clash between Nepal vs Kuwait in the 3rd Match of Group 2 (ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Qualifier, 2025) is one of the must-watch fixtures in the tournament.
With qualification, momentum, and team pride on the line, both sides will aim to assert their dominance.
This contest brings together a Nepal side keen to validate recent gains, and a Kuwait side striving for consistency on the T20 stage.
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Nepal vs Kuwait: Date, Time & Venue
- Date: 8 October 2025 (Wednesday)
- Local Time: 06:00 AM (Oman local)
- India (IST): 08:30 PM (evening)
- Venue: Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Al Amerat, Oman
Nepal vs Kuwait: Teams & Probable XI
Below are the expected lineups based on recent tournaments, domestic form, and selection trends. Final XI may vary depending on pitch and toss decision.
Nepal (Probable XI)
- Kushal Bhurtel (WK)
- Aasif Sheikh
- Rohit Paudel (Captain)
- Dipendra Singh Airee
- Basir Ahamad
- Shahab Alam
- Sompal Kami
- Karan KC
- Lalit Rajbanshi
- Lokesh Bam
- Nandan Yadav
Kuwait (Probable XI)
Kuwait’s squad is less documented compared to Nepal, but their roster typically includes a mix of experienced expatriates and local pace/spin options.
They are likely to field a balanced side of top-order batters, spinners, and seamers suited to the Oman conditions.
Historical Context & Head-to-Head
Nepal and Kuwait have faced each other in T20Is on several occasions. A notable recent encounter was in the 2025 Hong Kong Quadrangular Series, where Nepal chased down 185/8, scoring 186/4 in 18.5 overs to win by 6 wickets.
Kushal Bhurtel played a key role in that run chase. Another match in that same tournament (final) saw Kuwait beating Nepal by just 3 runs (174/7 vs 171) in a high-pressure finish.
Historically, Nepal often demands respect when contesting Kuwait in T20s, with close results and occasional dramatic finishes.
This recent balance suggests that in any given match, momentum and small tactical edges will matter.
Nepal vs Kuwait: Match Analysis
Pitch & Conditions
At Al Amerat, Oman, the pitch usually offers a fair contest. Early overs may favor seamers with some movement, while the middle overs tend to flatten out, offering run-scoring opportunities.
In day matches, dew is less likely to be a factor, but lighting and evening conditions may bring in humidity. Teams winning the toss may prefer chasing, given clarity on a target.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Nepal
- Strengths
- Deep batting with players capable of acceleration (Bhurtel, Paudel, Airee).
- All-round options with seamers like Nandan Yadav adding balance.
- Recent confidence from their Hong Kong series performance.
- Weaknesses
- Occasional inconsistency against tight spin or low pace.
- Pressure situations may expose the middle-order if early wickets fall.
Kuwait
- Strengths
- Discipline in bowling, especially in the middle overs.
- Potential for surprises with lesser-known bowlers.
- Experience from prior regional qualifiers and associate tournaments.
- Weaknesses
- Reliance on top order; collapse probabilities if early blows strike.
- Gap in bench strength compared to teams like Nepal.
Key Battles to Watch
- Kushal Bhurtel (Nepal) vs Kuwait’s opening bowlers: Bhurtel has shown the ability to anchor and pace the chase.
- Nandan Yadav vs the Kuwait middle and lower order: his control in the death or middle overs could be crucial.
- Spin vs pace balance: whichever side adjusts faster to the pitch will gain an edge.
Nepal vs Kuwait: Prediction & Outcome Scenario
Given recent performances, depth, and mental edge from close encounters, Nepal goes in as a slight favorite.
That said, Kuwait should not be underestimated—they have shown the capacity to win tight games, such as beating Nepal by 3 runs in Hong Kong.
Predicted result: Nepal win by 4–8 wickets (if chasing) or 20–35 runs (if batting first).
However, if Kuwait’s bowlers can strike early and restrict Nepal’s top order, the match could tilt sharply.
FAQ’s
What is the format of this match?
This is a T20 (Twenty20) format match, 20 overs per side.
Has Nepal won more encounters vs Kuwait historically?
Their head-to-head is fairly balanced lately; Nepal have won some, Kuwait have grabbed a few, and many matches have been close.
Does the toss play a major role here?
Yes. On this pitch, chasing may offer clarity on the target and allow calculated innings. Teams often prefer to field first.
Which player could be a dark horse?
For Nepal: Nandan Yadav (with the ball) or Basir Ahamad (middle order). For Kuwait: their no. 5/6 batsman or spin option could surprise.
What happens in case of a tie or no result?
In qualifiers, a super over may decide the tie. For no result, points or net run rate will be used as per tournament rules.