Following a high-octane ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, ESPNcricinfo has unveiled its Associate Team of the Tournament, honoring the breakout stars from the emerging nations. Highlighting the list for Nepali fans is none other than "The Tiger," Dipendra Singh Airee, whose all-around brilliance was a cornerstone of Nepal's campaign.
Airee finished the tournament as the top-performing all-rounder among associate nations, amassing 169 runs at an impressive strike rate of 144.44. His defining moment came during Nepal's historic chase against Scotland at the Wankhede Stadium—a victory that marked Nepal's first T20 World Cup win in 12 years.
@DSAiree45 Dipendra Singh Airee named in @ESPNcricinfo's associate team of the tournament#nepalcricket pic.twitter.com/blsCeQqoGn
— cricnepal.com 🇳🇵 🦏 (@cricnepal) February 26, 2026
Joining Airee in this prestigious lineup are other history-makers, including Canada's Yuvraj Samra, who became the first Associate player to smash a century in T20 World Cup history with a sensational 144 runs. The bowling attack is spearheaded by USA’s Shadley van Schalkwyk, who topped the charts with 13 wickets.
ESPNcricinfo's Associate Team of the Tournament is here 🏆
Explore in detail: https://t.co/sdjEL2q1e6 pic.twitter.com/X66ceiTwS2
— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) February 25, 2026
Despite Nepal being eliminated in the group stage following a tough loss to Italy and the West Indies, the inclusion of Airee in the global "Best XI" underscores the rising individual quality within the Rhinos' squad.
