England Survive Huge Scare as Nepal Suffers Heartbreak in T20 World Cup Thriller
In a nail-biting encounter at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, England narrowly escaped with a 4-run victory over Nepal in their T20 World Cup Group C opener on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The match kept fans on the edge of their seats as Nepal, who had famously defeated the West Indies 2-1 in a series in 2025, came agonizingly close to overhauling England's total of 184 runs.
Nepal's Valiant Chase Falls Just Short
Chasing a target of 185, Nepal put up a spirited fight, finishing at 180/6. The combined hitting of captain Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee, along with a late blitz by Lokesh Bam, nearly propelled the Asian team to a historic upset. However, England held their nerve in the final over, with Sam Curran defending 10 runs to secure the win. This performance served as a stark wake-up call for England, who had entered the tournament on the back of a 3-0 whitewash against Sri Lanka, with memories of a recent 4-1 Ashes defeat still fresh.
England's Batting Powered by Bethell and Brook
Earlier, England posted a formidable 184/7, thanks to attacking fifties from Jacob Bethell and skipper Harry Brook. Bethell, making his T20 World Cup debut, scored a rapid 55 off 35 balls, including four sixes and four fours, while Brook contributed a vital 53 off 32 balls with four sixes and three fours. Their 71-run partnership for the fourth wicket was crucial after Nepal's bowlers struck early. Sher Malla dismissed Phil Salt for 1, and Nandan Yadav claimed the key wicket of Jos Buttler for 26. Spinner Sandeep Lamichhane trapped Tom Banton leg-before, but Bethell and Brook rebuilt the innings effectively.
Nepal's Commendable Bowling and Fielding Effort
Nepal's bowlers presented a strong challenge, with Airee (2/23) and Yadav (2/25) taking two wickets each, supported by Malla and Lamichhane. The fielders held their catches, and the team avoided bowling many freebies. Despite this, England capitalized in the final overs, with Will Jacks hammering 39 not out off 18 balls, including four sixes and a four, to add 45 runs in the last three overs.
Passionate Crowd and Cricket's Growing Reach
The Wankhede Stadium was packed with passionate Nepal fans, easily outnumbering England supporters, showcasing the Himalayan nation's love for cricket. Dressed in blue and red jerseys, they cheered every dot ball and good effort, creating an electric atmosphere. This match highlighted Nepal's rising cricketing prowess and the global appeal of the T20 World Cup, setting the stage for more exciting contests in the tournament.
