A doughty Nepal came close to scripting a remarkable upset win over two-time champions England as they fell short of five runs in the last over of their opening Group-C match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup tournament at the iconic Wankhede Stadium here on Sunday.
Chasing a target of 185 runs, Nepal were 175/6 in the 19th over, requiring 10 runs off the last over bowled by Sam Curran. Lokesh Bam (39 not out off 20 balls) and Karan KC (1) scored five runs but could not finish the game in the final over after a heroic effort.
Nepal batters were particularly harsh on Adil Rashid scoring 42 runs off his three overs.
Skipper Rohit Paudel (39), Dipendra Singh Airee (39) and Kushal Bhurtel (29) also fought valiantly but they could not take their side over the line.
Earlier, batting first, Jacob Bethell (55) and skipper Harry Brook (53) peeled off attacking fifties to power England to a formidable 184 for seven.
Thousands of Nepal fans had a roller-coaster ride, full of happiness and tears, as their team came close to a famous victory in the World Cup opener.
The Wankhede had turned into a mini Kathmandu as thousands turned up to support their team. After the match, Nepal players did a lap of honour to thank their supporters.
“It seemed all of Nepal came to watch us. Feeling very proud of team’s performance,” said captain Paudel.
Player of the Match Will Jacks said, “Full credit to Nepal, they were absolutely brilliant.”
Netherlands, Scotland, USA, Afghanistan and now Nepal have lit up the first five matches of the tournament, coming very close to defeating big teams in their opening matches of the tournament.
Thrilled by Nepal’s performance, former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn posted on X: “Nepal, I offer my services to you if you ever need em! Up, up and UP!”
Commentator Harsha Bhogle posted, “Nepal won hearts but had a heartbreak. Outstanding game of cricket.”
“Huge respect to Nepal. Took on one of the best teams in the world, stayed in the fight till the very last ball and showed what belief and heart can do! This is how teams grow and this is how champions rise. The cricketing world is watching!” Yuvraj Singh said on X.
Punching above their weights
Pakistan managed to scrape past the Netherlands by 3 wickets with 3 balls to spare in their opening Group A tie of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Saturday.
West Indies beat Scotland by 35 runs, a fifty by Shimron Hetmeyr was the difference between the winning and the losing side.
Afghanistan lost to New Zealand by five wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Gulbadin Naib’s career-best 63 off 35 balls took Afghanistan to 182/6. New Zealand had to script their highest-ever run-chase in T20 World Cup history to post a win. They reached home with 13 balls left.
USA lost to India by 29 runs but not before giving a mighty scare to the Indian top order. Half the Indian team was back in the hut by 12th over.
Nepal lost to England by four runs after 10 runs were required off the last over of Sam Curran. Thousands of Nepal fans were distraught after coming close to win. England scored 184/7, Nepal could score only 180/6 in their 20 overs.
