England Survives Nepal Scare in Thrilling T20 World Cup Clash
In a heart-stopping encounter at the T20 World Cup, England narrowly avoided a major upset by defeating Nepal by just 4 runs. The match, held at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium on February 8, 2026, saw Nepal come agonizingly close to a historic victory, scoring 180/6 in response to England's 184/7. Over 17,000 fans, many from Nepal, witnessed the Himalayan nation punch far above its weight in a display of spirited cricket.
Brook's Praise for Nepal's Aggressive Batting
England skipper Harry Brook lauded Nepal's performance in the post-match presentation, expressing surprise at how effectively they handled veteran spinner Adil Rashid. "It wasn't easy at all, thankfully we got over the line. They played extremely well, and not many teams take Adil Rashid like they did," Brook said. Rashid had a forgettable day, going wicketless in his three overs while conceding 4 runs, a rare off-day for the seasoned bowler.
Brook added, "I thought we were in a very good position to defend that total. I wish them all the best for the rest of the competition." He also highlighted the contributions of his teammates, noting Jacob Bethell's outstanding innings and Will Jacks' quickfire 39 off 18 balls, which propelled England to a competitive score.
Nepal's Valiant Chase Falls Just Short
Nepal's chase was marked by heroic efforts from multiple batters. Skipper Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee both scored 39 runs, while Kushal Bhurtel added 29. The late assault came from Lokesh Bam, who remained unbeaten on 39 off just 20 balls, smashing four boundaries and two sixes to keep Nepal in the hunt.
Needing 10 runs off the final over, Nepal's hopes were dashed by Sam Curran's precise yorkers, which restricted them to only five runs. "Sam Curran nailed his yorkers relentlessly," Brook remarked, acknowledging the crucial role of England's bowling depth. Despite the loss, Nepal's performance earned widespread admiration for their fearless approach against one of the tournament favorites.
Key Moments and Reactions
The match saw England ride on attacking fifties from Bethell and Brook, but it was Nepal's aggressive batting that stole the spotlight. Brook reflected on the team's strategy, saying, "I just said we put 2-3 wickets and it all changes. We have so many options. Rashid got a tap there, and it's not often that he doesn't bowl four overs. I am sure he will bounce back."
Nepal's near-miss has sparked discussions about their growing prowess in international cricket, with fans and analysts praising their resilience. The narrow defeat, while disappointing, showcased their potential to compete at the highest level, leaving a lasting impression on the T20 World Cup stage.
