The Nepal Playing XI vs Italy Playing XI will mark a clear insight into the best possible player combination for either of these two teams, who are still on the quest for their maiden win in the editions of the ICC T20 World Cup. Italy would, however, be playing without their most experienced campaigner, Wayne Madsen.
The Nepal Playing XI and Italy Playing XI have been predicted for the upcoming 17th game in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. This marks the only chance for Italy to get a good start to their campaign, as their following matches are against big guns like England and the West Indies.
Nepal Playing XI vs Italy Playing XI, Match No.17 – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Nepal Playing XI vs Italy—ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Openers: Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh
The Nepalese openers are a very crucial part of their batting order, since they are also the most experienced batters on the side. Alongside the skipper coming in at no. 3, these two are very experienced, and Aasif has also had form at his back coming into this tournament.
Middle-Order Batters: Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Lokesh Bam, Aarif Sheikh, Gulshan Jha
Nepal’s middle order is the backbone of their batting order, with the skipper leading from the front. Dipendra Singh Airee remains the record-breaker in the side, and Lokesh Bam would be looking to revive his name after he failed to chase those 9 runs in the last over of the game against England. However, both these players have shown some firepower, while Aarif Sheikh and Gulshan Jhan are yet to fire in this tournament.
Bowlers: Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav and Sandeep Lamichhane
Karan KC, one of the most crucial parts of their new ball attack, is a seasoned wicket-taker, and he might now be joined by the experienced Sompal Kami, who missed the first game. Sandeep Lamichhane is their trickster who will be crucial during the middle overs, which is often called the most decisive phase of a T20 game.
Nepal Playing XI: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Gulshan Jha, Lokesh Bam, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, and Sandeep Lamichhane.
Italy Playing XI vs Nepal – ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Openers: Justin Mosca and Anthony Mosca
Italy have never gone out of their recognised opening pair in the Mosca brothers, who have been opening for them over a long period of time ever since former captain Joe Burns was snubbed. Italy depends on them for a promising start in the game.
Middle-Order Batters: JJ Smuts, Marcus Campopiano, Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti, and Gian-Piero Meade (wk)
The former is from South Africa, and the finest Italy has among all-rounders in the shortest format of the game. JJ Smuts is just Italy’s man in such dire situations, while he will be backed by the wicket-keeper batter Marcus Campopiano, who might be replacing the injured skipper.
Harry and Benjamin Manenti remain the two all-rounders who are the two pillars of this Italian batting order, and the last recognised batter to enter would be the gloveman Gian-Piero Meade.
Bowlers: Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca, Ali Hasan and Crishan Kalugamage
Major wicket-taking options in the Italian lineup include the pacer Grant Stewart and Thomas Draca, while Crishan Kalugamage is one of the most standout spinners, who is aware of the subcontinent conditions and knows how to use them to his advantage.
Italy Playing XI: Justin Mosca, Anthony Mosca, JJ Smuts (c), Marcus Campopiano, Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti, Gian-Piero Meade (wk), Grant Stewart, Thomas Draca, Ali Hasan, and Crishan Kalugamage.
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