KEY POINTS
- Nepal lost to England by four runs in a dramatic T20 World Cup opener.
- Nepal’s batsmen and bowlers earned widespread praise for their competitive fight.
- England narrowly held on thanks to a tense final over finish.
Nepal pushed defending champions England to the brink in a gripping Twenty20 World Cup Group C match in Mumbai. England’s total of 184 was under serious pressure throughout Nepal’s run chase. The match stayed alive until the final ball as Nepal finished just four runs short.
England elected to bat first and posted a challenging score of 184 for seven. Key contributions from experienced batters helped build a competitive total. England’s middle order combined patience with aggressive hitting to set a target that looked formidable early in Nepal’s chase.
Nepal’s reply began positively, with openers making useful starts. Kushal Bhurtel provided early momentum before his dismissal. The core of Nepal’s innings was an 82-run partnership between captain Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee that kept the chase well within reach.
Lokesh Bam played a defining cameo for Nepal, finishing unbeaten on 39 off just 20 balls. His powerful hitting late in the innings brought Nepal within striking distance of a sensational victory. The crowd sensed a possible upset as the target rapidly drew closer.
Bowling for Nepal was disciplined, keeping England’s scoring in check at intervals. Nandan Yadav claimed two wickets, helping restrict key England batters and prevent a runaway total. Nepal’s bowlers pushed England’s lineup in phases, earning respect from spectators and pundits.
England’s bowlers faced intense pressure during the chase. Adil Rashid struggled for control, conceding costly overs that allowed Nepal’s batsmen to stay ahead of the required rate. Jofra Archer also leaked runs but managed to secure crucial breakthroughs at vital moments.
The match boiled down to the last over with Nepal needing 10 runs for victory. Sam Curran held his nerve, conceding only a handful of runs and sealing a narrow escape for England. Bam needed a six off the final ball to win, but could only manage a single.
England’s narrow triumph drew relief and applause from fans after a tense finish. Captain Harry Brook acknowledged the scare, highlighting Nepal’s spirited performance helped create one of the tournament’s most exciting openers.
Despite the loss, Nepal earned praise from around the cricket world. Former professionals and spectators alike lauded their gritty performance against a top-ranked team. Some commended Nepal’s growth and readiness to challenge cricket’s elite on a global stage.
The close defeat did not diminish Nepal’s confidence. Players expressed pride in their effort and belief in competing at the highest level. Captain Paudel noted that the team aimed to compete, not merely participate, in the World Cup.
Nepal now prepares for upcoming matches with renewed self-belief. Their showing against England may influence perceptions of emerging cricket nations and highlight the sport’s expanding competitiveness worldwide.
