Match: Nepal vs United States of America
Tournament: ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 (85th Match)
Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Start Time: 10:30 AM Local Time (9:30 AM venue time)
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, UAE
Match Type: 50-over ODI
Toss: Not yet conducted
Live Streaming: ICC.tv
Tournament Context
This match is part of a crucial tri-series hosted by the UAE, featuring Nepal, USA, and the host nation. The series runs from October 26 to November 5, 2025, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium and ICC Academy Oval 1. Each team will play four matches during this tri-series, with points contributing to the League 2 standings that determine advancement to the next stage of World Cup qualification toward the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Team Form and Standings
Nepal
Nepal currently sit in 7th position on the ICC CWC League 2 points table with 5 wins and 9 losses. However, they are in fantastic form in ODIs, having won 3 out of their last 4 completed ODI matches. Nepal enter this series with high confidence after their historic T20I series victory over West Indies in September 2025.
Captain: Rohit Paudel
Head Coach: Stuart Law
United States of America
USA are currently placed at 14th position on ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings with a rating of 41. In excellent form, USA have won 4 out of their last 5 completed ODI fixtures. The team reached the Super 8 round of the 2024 T20 World Cup, showcasing their growing strength in international cricket.
Captain: Monank Patel
Head Coach: Pubudu Dassanayake
Likely Playing XIs
Nepal (Likely XI)
According to recent squad announcements and tournament patterns:
- Kushal Bhurtel
- Aasif Sheikh (Wicketkeeper)
- Rohit Paudel (Captain)
- Aarif Sheikh
- Dipendra Singh Airee (Vice-Captain)
- Kushal Malla
- Gulsan Jha
- Sompal Kami
- Karan KC
- Sandeep Lamichhane
- Lalit Rajbanshi
Source: Nepal’s 15-member squad announced for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 includes regular players such as Sandeep Lamichhane, Asif Sheikh, Kushal Bhurtel, Sompal Kami, and Karan KC.
USA (Likely XI)
Based on recent squad announcements:
- Shayan Jahangir
- Andries Gous
- Monank Patel (Captain, Wicketkeeper)
- Saiteja Mukkamalla
- Milind Kumar
- Harmeet Singh
- Jessy Singh (Vice-Captain)
- Nosthush Kenjige
- Saurabh Netravalkar
- Jasdeep Singh
- Shadley van Schalkwyk
Source: USA Cricket announced a 15-member squad captained by Monank Patel with Jessy Singh as vice-captain, including Saurabh Netravalkar, Nosthush Kenjige, Milind Kumar, and other key players.
Players to Watch
Batters
| Player | Team | Role | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kushal Bhurtel | Nepal | Opening Batter | In very good form currently with both bat and ball, Bhurtel will play a key role for Nepal |
| Monank Patel | USA | Captain, WK | Top run scorer for USA in ICC CWC League 2 with 746 runs to his name |
| Rohit Paudel | Nepal | Captain | Steady middle-order player who leads from the front |
| Milind Kumar | USA | Middle Order | A flamboyant top order batter who can architect his innings very well in the ODI format |
Bowlers
| Player | Team | Role | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandeep Lamichhane | Nepal | Leg Spinner | Nepal’s most experienced spinner with international quality |
| Nosthush Kenjige | USA | Left-arm Spinner | Top wicket taker for USA in ICC CWC League 2 with 29 scalps under his belt |
| Sompal Kami | Nepal | Fast Bowler | Top wicket taker for Nepal in ICC CWC League 2 with 17 scalps |
| Saurabh Netravalkar | USA | Fast Bowler | Experienced left-arm pacer who can swing the new ball |
Venue and Weather Conditions
Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium is a well-established venue that has hosted numerous international matches. The surface is expected to have a bit more assistance for spinners, with teams going heavy with their spin options in matches here.
Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for October 26, 2025, in Dubai predicts temperatures around 35°C during the day and 25°C at night. October in Dubai typically sees very high heat and humidity, with normally 10 hours of bright sunshine each day. Rain is extremely unlikely, making for perfect cricket conditions.
Playing Conditions: Warm and humid with clear skies expected. The pitch should be good for batting in the first innings, with spin playing a bigger role as the match progresses.
What to Expect & Prediction
This promises to be an exciting contest between two teams in excellent form. Both Nepal and USA are fighting for crucial points in the ICC CWC League 2 standings, making this match vital for their World Cup 2027 qualification hopes.
Key Battle Areas:
- Spin vs. Batting: Lamichhane and Kenjige will be crucial in the middle overs
- Top Order: Early wickets will be important on this surface
- Experience: Both teams have gained valuable ODI experience in recent years
Toss Factor: The team winning the toss is likely to bat first, as Dubai pitches can become slower and assist spinners in the second innings.
Prediction: Cricket World’s prediction favors Nepal to win this encounter, with expected team scores of Nepal 240+ if batting first and USA 220+ if batting first. Nepal’s recent momentum and home advantage in Asian conditions may give them a slight edge, though USA’s consistent form makes them dangerous opponents.
Both teams will be eager to start this tri-series strongly, setting up what should be a competitive 50-over contest in Dubai.
Note: Playing XIs are based on recent squad announcements and have not been officially confirmed. Final team selections will be announced at the toss.