KATHMANDU: The Nepali national cricket team will play the first match of its historic T20 series against reigning world champions West Indies today at the UAE Cricket Ground.

This encounter marks one of Nepal’s most high-profile fixtures in international cricket, drawing wide attention from fans and analysts alike.

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) confirmed that the squad arrived in the UAE on Monday to prepare for the series.

Led by captain Rohit Kumar Paudel, the team is eager to showcase its growing strength on the global stage.

Vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee will support the leadership as Nepal faces the daunting challenge of competing against the world champions. The 16-member squad includes several experienced names and emerging talents.

Along with captain Rohit Kumar Paudel and vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee, the lineup features Kushal Bhurtel, Lokesh Bam, Kushal Malla, Asif Sheikh, Adil Alam, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Sandeep Lamichhane, Sandeep Jora, Arif Sheikh, Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, and Sahab Alam.

The team blends youth and experience, offering a balanced side for the highly anticipated clash.

Among the players, Sahab Alam and Sandeep Jora stand out as notable inclusions.

Their selection has generated optimism, with fans expecting them to play crucial roles in strengthening the team’s batting and bowling departments.

The squad’s depth signals Nepal’s ambition to challenge the formidable West Indies side. Speaking ahead of the series, captain Rohit Kumar Paudel delivered a strong message of determination.

In a video statement, he expressed his team’s readiness, saying, “We are here to win the series.”