England Hold Nerve to Edge Past Nepal in Thriller at Wankhede

Mumbai, Feb 2026 : In a pulsating encounter that went down to the very last ball, two-time World Champions England showcased their experience and composure to clinch a narrow four-run victory over Nepal in their opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. Defending a competitive total, England restricted a spirited Nepal side to 180 for six in 20 overs, surviving a late onslaught to begin their campaign on a winning note.

Chasing 185 for victory, Nepal displayed remarkable intent and fearlessness against a seasoned England bowling attack. Openers Aasif Sheikh and Kushal Bhurtel got their side off to a flying start, scoring at a rate of over ten runs per over in the Power-play and unsettling England’s plans early in the innings. The pair played with freedom, capitalising on anything loose and ensuring Nepal remained ahead of the required rate.

England struck back in the fourth over when Luke Wood dismissed Aasif Sheikh for nine as the batter attempted a sweep that went wrong. Kushal Bhurtel, who looked in excellent touch and was timing the ball sweetly, continued the attack before falling just before the end of the Power-play. The 29-year-old was caught brilliantly by Will Jacks off his own bowling, providing England with a much-needed second breakthrough.

After the early setbacks, Nepal found stability and momentum through captain Rohit Paudel and star all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee. The duo stitched together a memorable 82-run partnership, taking on the England bowlers with confidence and maturity. They rotated the strike efficiently and were particularly effective against England’s premier spinner Adil Rashid, who endured a rare off day and finished wicketless after conceding 42 runs.

Dipendra played a sparkling knock, narrowly missing out on a half-century. He scored 44 runs off just 29 balls, striking six fours and a six, and looked set to take the game away from England. However, Sam Curran broke the crucial partnership in the 15th over, deceiving Dipendra with a slower delivery that resulted in his dismissal.

The pressure mounted on Nepal after Dipendra’s wicket, and England tightened their lines. Liam Dawson then removed skipper Rohit Paudel, who had battled hard for his 39 off 34 balls, an innings that included two boundaries and two sixes. Despite losing key wickets, Nepal refused to give up.

Lokesh Ram emerged as the final hope for Nepal, launching a fearless assault in the death overs. He smashed an unbeaten 39 off just 20 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes, bringing the equation down to 10 runs off the final over. With the crowd firmly behind Nepal, the tension inside the Wankhede Stadium was palpable.

Sam Curran, entrusted with bowling the final over, held his nerve under immense pressure. Mixing his pace cleverly and hitting the right lengths, Curran conceded only five runs, sealing a dramatic four-run win for England and silencing a potential upset.

Earlier in the match, England posted a challenging total of 184 for seven after opting to bat first. Their innings got off to a shaky start as opener Phil Salt, returning from injury, was dismissed for just one run on the seventh ball. Former captain Jos Buttler tried to stabilise the innings with a quick 22 off 14 balls but was removed by Nandan Yadav in the fifth over.

England rebuilt through debutant Jacob Bethell and captain Harry Brook, who put together a crucial 71-run partnership. Bethell, playing his first T20 World Cup match, impressed with his composure and clean striking, scoring 55 off 35 balls with four sixes and four boundaries. Brook complemented him perfectly, reaching his fifty in 31 balls and scoring 53 off 32 deliveries, including three sixes and four fours.

After Brook fell in the 19th over, caught by Sher Malla, Will Jacks provided the late flourish England needed. The all-rounder smashed 39 off just 18 balls, ensuring England finished strongly and set Nepal a stiff target.

For England, Liam Dawson was the most successful bowler, returning figures of 2 for 21, while Sam Curran, Luke Wood, Jofra Archer and Will Jacks chipped in with a wicket each.

Despite the loss, Nepal earned widespread praise for pushing a former champion to the brink and displaying the growing depth and competitiveness of Associate nations on the world stage. England, meanwhile, were reminded that in T20 cricket, reputation alone is never enough.

Brief Scores:
England 184/7 in 20 overs (Jacob Bethell 55, Harry Brook 53, Will Jacks 39; Dipendra Singh Airee 2-23, Nandan Yadav 2-25) beat Nepal 180/6 in 20 overs (Dipendra Singh Airee 44, Rohit Paudel 39, Lokesh Ram 39 not out; Liam Dawson 2-21) by 4 runs.

Team Maverick.