West Indies announce T20I squad for historic Nepal series, 5 fresh faces included, star spinner named captain

Cricket West Indies (CWI) on September 17 announced their 15-member squad for the historic T20I series against Nepal in Sharjah starting September 27. While the main squad will be busy preparing for the two-Test series in India, left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein has been named captain of West Indies’ second-string T20I side. 

Five fresh faces — Ackeem Auguste, Navin Bidaisee, Zishan Motara, Ramon Simmonds and Amir Jangoo — have been included in the West Indies side. The squad also includes Karima Gore who has played eight T20Is for USA but is yet to represent West Indies in the international arena. 

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West Indies T20I squad -

Akeal Hosein (c), Fabian Allen, Jewel Andrew, Ackeem Auguste, Navin Bidaisse, Jediah Blades, Keacy Carty, Karima Gore, Jason Holder, Amir Jangoo, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Zishan Motara, Ramon Simmonds and Shamar Springer

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Gore’s T20I record for USA

Gore has played 16 ODIs and eight T20Is for West Indies. From eight T20Is, the left-arm spinner has 10 wickets at an average of 12.40 and economy rate of 4.96 runs per over. With the bat, he has 47 runs from three T20I innings at a strike rate of 167.85.

Newbies’ performance in CPL 2025 

For Saint Lucia Kings, Auguste scored 229 runs from nine innings at an average of 28.62 and strike rate of 162.41. The wicketkeeper-batter scored two fifties in the ongoing tournament. 

Saint Kitts and Nevis Patriots all-rounder scored 117 runs from six innings at an average of 29.25 and strike rate of 120.61. The leg-spinner claimed seven wickets at an average of 24.14.

Motara played just two games for Barbados Royals who finished at the bottom of the points table. The 19-year-old leggie is yet to showcase his talent against the big guns.

Royals pacer Simmonds was a silver lining for the franchise after a horrible season. From 10 games, he claimed 13 wickets at an average of 22.

In just four innings for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, Jangoo scored 185 runs at an average of 61.66, including three fifties. The wicketkeeper-batter's strike rate of 113.49 is not impressive.