England Edges Nepal by 4 Runs in T20 World Cup Thriller at Wankhede
In a heart-stopping encounter at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium, England secured a narrow 4-run victory over Nepal in the 5th match of Group C at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. The match, filled with dramatic twists, saw England post 184/7 after opting to bat first, with Nepal falling agonizingly short at 180/6 in their chase. This nail-biting finish highlighted the tremendous fight from the Associate nation in their tournament opener, earning them widespread admiration despite the loss.
England's Middle-Order Firepower Sets a Competitive Total
England's innings began on a shaky note as openers Philip Salt (1) and Jos Buttler (26) departed early, putting pressure on the middle order. However, Jacob Bethell anchored the innings with a brisk 55 off 35 balls, featuring 4 fours and 4 sixes, providing much-needed stability. Captain Harry Brook contributed a fluent 53 off 32 deliveries, including 4 fours and 3 sixes, while Will Jacks delivered an explosive finish with an unbeaten 39 off just 18 balls, smashing 1 four and 4 sixes to propel the total.
Nepal's bowlers initially kept things tight, with Dipendra Singh Airee and Nandan Yadav claiming two wickets each, and Sandeep Lamichhane picking up one. Despite this, England's late surge was fueled by key partnerships, such as the 71-run stand between Bethell and Brook and a 21-run partnership between Jacks and Brook. The powerplay yielded 57 runs, setting a solid platform despite regular wickets, ultimately pushing England to a challenging 184-7.
Nepal's Valiant Chase Falls Just Short
Chasing 185, Nepal started aggressively with Kushal Bhurtel scoring 29 off 17 balls, setting a positive tone. Aasif Sheikh added 7 before falling to Liam Dawson. The middle order then shone brightly, with Rohit Paudel making 39 off 34 and Dipendra Singh Airee blasting 44 off 29, including 6 fours and 1 six. Their 82-run stand for the third wicket kept Nepal firmly in contention, showcasing their resilience against a top-tier opponent.
Lokesh Bam played a heroic unbeaten knock of 39 off 20 balls, featuring 4 fours and 2 sixes, bringing Nepal close with late boundaries. However, key wickets from Liam Dawson (2-21), Sam Curran (1-27), and others restricted the flow of runs at critical moments. In a tense finale, Nepal needed 10 runs off the final over but managed only 5, finishing at 180/6. Liam Dawson was economical with his spin, while Jofra Archer (1-42) and Luke Wood (1-31) chipped in during crucial phases. Adil Rashid went for runs, but the bowlers held their nerve in the death overs to secure the win.
England Starts Campaign with a Hard-Fought Win
This victory gives England two crucial points in Group C, providing a solid start to their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. However, Nepal's spirited performance earned widespread praise for their competitiveness against a full-member side, boosting confidence for their remaining group games. England will look to build momentum in upcoming fixtures, while Nepal's brave show demonstrates their growing stature in international cricket.
The match underscored the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, with both teams displaying skill and determination. Fans can look forward to more exciting clashes as the tournament progresses, with this encounter setting a high standard for drama and sportsmanship.
