ACT vs Nepal A Fantasy Team, 18th Match: Prediction, Playing XI, Pitch Report & Key Players

Nepal A will take on ACT Comets in the 18th match of the Top End T20 Series 2026 on Wednesday, August 26. The match will be played at DXC Arena in Darwin. For those preparing an ACT vs Nepal A Fantasy Team, this match offers several key players and important fantasy points opportunities to consider.

Nepal A have won one of their three matches so far, while ACT Comets are still searching for their first win after three defeats. Nepal A will look to continue their winning momentum after beating Hobart Hurricanes Academy by 39 runs, while ACT need a big response after losing to NT Strike by six wickets.

ACT vs Nepal A Match Details

Match: Nepal A vs ACT Comets, 18th Match, Top End T20 Series 2026
Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM local time, 3:30 PM IST
Venue: DXC Arena, Darwin
Format: T20
Series: Top End T20 Series 2026

Recent Form

Nepal A started their campaign with a defeat against NT Strike. They then suffered another heavy loss against Bangladesh High Performance before bouncing back strongly against Hobart Hurricanes Academy.

Nepal A scored 154/8 against HHA and then bowled them out for 115 to win by 39 runs.

ACT Comets have had a difficult start to the tournament. They lost to Hyderabad Kingsmen Academy by six wickets and then suffered an eight wicket defeat against New Zealand A.

Their latest match against NT Strike was another setback. ACT scored 130 before NT Strike chased the target in 16.2 overs to win by six wickets.

Nepal A: L, L, W
ACT: L, L, L

Key Match Factors

Nepal A have the momentum

Nepal A enter this match after a convincing 39 run win over HHA. Their bowlers defended 154 well, which will give them confidence against ACT.

ACT need a turnaround

ACT have lost all three matches and are still looking for their first points. Their batting has struggled to post big totals, making this a crucial game for the Comets.

Nepal’s top order is important

Kushal Bhurtel, Anil Sah and the other Nepal A batters will need to give the team a strong start. A good powerplay could put pressure on ACT early.

ACT need early wickets

ACT’s bowlers will have to make an impact with the new ball. Removing Nepal’s top order cheaply could give the Comets a chance to control the game.

Evening conditions could help the chase

This is the final match of the day at DXC Arena. The team batting second could benefit if the pitch becomes easier for stroke play later in the evening.

Points Table

Nepal A have two points from three matches, while ACT Comets are yet to open their account.

With both teams having several league games remaining, a win here would be important for their position in the competition.

ACT vs Nepal A Head to Head Record

Nepal A and ACT Comets have limited recent head to head history in the Top End competition.

Their most recent listed meeting came in the 2025 Top End T20 Series, when ACT defeated Nepal by a narrow margin. However, the 2026 squads are different, so the previous result has limited value for this match.

ACT vs Nepal A Full Squads

Nepal A

Anil Sah (c), Kushal Bhurtel, Trit Raj Das, Kushal Malla, Pawan Sarraf, Rashid Khan, Narayan Joshi, Shahab Alam, Rijan Dhakal, Aakash Chand, Bipin Khatri, Deepak Dumre, Mayan Yadav, Yuvraj Khatri and Lokesh Bam.

ACT Comets

Nicholas Broes (c), Dylan Hunter, Zak Keogh, Kai Brunker, Nick Allen, Tyler Van Luin, Jake Smith, Esam Rahman, Thomas Hogan, Zac Maron, Dave Dubey, Harry Thomas, Jeet Mehta and Ansh Tiwary.

Pitch Report

DXC Arena has produced competitive T20 cricket during the Top End T20 Series.

Recent matches at the venue have included successful chases as well as totals above 150. Nepal A themselves recently scored 154/8 at the ground against HHA.

The pitch should provide decent bounce for the batters. Pacers can get some movement with the new ball, while spinners should have a role in the middle overs.

A first innings score around 145 to 160 could be competitive.

Weather Report

Darwin is expected to have sunny conditions on August 26, with a maximum temperature around 34°C. The chance of rain is low and no major weather interruption is expected.

The evening start should bring slightly cooler conditions compared with the afternoon matches.

Probable Playing XIs

Nepal A

Anil Sah (c), Kushal Bhurtel, Trit Raj Das, Kushal Malla, Pawan Sarraf, Lokesh Bam, Rashid Khan, Narayan Joshi, Shahab Alam, Aakash Chand, Rijan Dhakal

ACT Comets

Dylan Hunter, Nicholas Broes (c), Zak Keogh, Kai Brunker, Nick Allen, Tyler Van Luin, Jake Smith, Esam Rahman, Zac Maron, Dave Dubey, Jeet Mehta

Final playing XIs will be confirmed at the toss.

Key Player Battles

Kushal Bhurtel vs ACT new ball attack

Bhurtel is one of Nepal A’s main batting options at the top. ACT will want to attack him early and prevent him from building a long innings.

Anil Sah vs ACT spinners

Sah brings experience to Nepal A’s batting unit. His ability to rotate the strike against spin could be important during the middle overs.

Tyler Van Luin vs Nepal A middle order

Van Luin gives ACT an all round option and can contribute with the ball. His battle against Nepal’s middle order could be important if ACT are able to take early wickets.

ACT vs Nepal A Fantasy Team: Small Leagues

Wicketkeeper: Anil Sah

Batters: Kushal Bhurtel (Vc), Dylan Hunter, Zak Keogh, Lokesh Bam

All rounders: Kushal Malla, Pawan Sarraf

Bowlers: Aakash Chand (C), Shahab Alam, Rijan Dhakal, Tyler Van Luin

Captain: Aakash Chand
Vice Captain: Kushal Bhurtel

Aakash Chand can be considered for captain because Nepal A’s bowling attack has already produced a strong performance in the tournament. Bhurtel is a good vice captain option because of his position at the top of the order.

ACT vs Nepal A Fantasy Team: Grand Leagues

Wicketkeeper: Anil Sah

Batters: Kushal Bhurtel, Trit Raj Das (C), Dylan Hunter, Zak Keogh

All rounders: Kushal Malla, Tyler Van Luin

Bowlers: Pawan Sarraf (Vc), Aakash Chand, Shahab Alam, Jeet Mehta

Trit Raj Das and Jeet Mehta can be useful differential options. Das has already attracted attention for his fielding and all round contribution, while Mehta gives ACT another bowling option.

Also Read- ACA vs HHA Fantasy Team 17th Match: Prediction, Playing XI, Pitch Report & Key Players

Match Prediction

Nepal A enter this match with better momentum after their 39 run win over Hobart Hurricanes Academy. Their bowling attack defended 154 successfully and showed that the team can put pressure on opponents through the middle and final overs.

ACT Comets have lost all three matches and will need a much stronger batting performance. They managed only 130 against NT Strike in their latest game and were comfortably chased down.

Nepal A also have more confidence coming into the contest, while ACT are under pressure to get their first win.

If Nepal’s top order gets a good start, they should have enough batting depth and bowling options to control the match.

Prediction: Nepal A to win.

ACT vs Nepal A Fantasy Team FAQs

Who will win ACT vs Nepal A today?

Nepal A have the edge because they are coming off a 39 run win, while ACT Comets have lost all three of their matches.

ACT vs Nepal A Fantasy prediction?

Kushal Bhurtel, Anil Sah, Kushal Malla and Aakash Chand are among the key fantasy options. Check the final playing XIs before making the final team.

What is the pitch report for DXC Arena, Darwin?

The pitch should offer decent bounce and generally allow batters to score once they settle. Pacers can get some early assistance, while spinners could be useful in the middle overs.

What is the probable playing XI for ACT vs Nepal A?

The probable playing XIs are listed above based on the available squads and recent combinations. Final XIs will be confirmed at the toss.

Who should be captain and vice captain in the ACT vs Nepal A fantasy team?

Aakash Chand can be considered for captain, while Kushal Bhurtel is a strong vice captain option.

Is there a rain threat for ACT vs Nepal A?

No major rain threat is expected. Darwin is forecast to remain sunny on August 26, with only a small chance of rain.