Nepal fall agonisingly short against England in T20 World Cup thriller

By Pramod Joshi, Kathmandu, Feb. 9: Captain Rohit Paudel had said Nepal’s first priority at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 would be to showcase their best brand of cricket. Head coach Stuart Law echoed that sentiment, promising his players would play aggressive cricket tempered with caution.

On Sunday in Mumbai, Rohit’s side delivered on that promise, pushing two‑time world champions England to the brink before falling just four runs short in a last‑ball thriller.

Nepal once again came heartbreakingly close to their maiden T20 World Cup victory over a full member nation. In the 2024 edition, they lost to South Africa by two runs and Bangladesh by 21.

Chasing 185, Nepal produced a valiant batting display that carried the contest to the final delivery. Requiring 10 runs from the last over, Lokesh Bam and Karan KC managed singles before Bam added two more. 

With six needed from two balls, Sam Curran bowled a dot, leaving Bam needing a six off the final delivery. He could only manage a single, as Curran’s composed death bowling denied Nepal what would have been the greatest win in their cricketing history.

Bam finished unbeaten on 39 from 20 balls, having earlier struck two sixes off Jofra Archer in the 18th over and two fours off Luke Wood in the 19th. England recalled left‑arm seamer Curran for the final over, and his yorkers proved decisive.

Despite the narrow defeat, Paudel praised his team’s effort:

“Disappointment is there but at the same time, I am very proud of the team. That takes a lot of appreciation. When we stepped out today, the only message was we would give 110 per cent, and they gave all they had.”

England, having won the toss at Wankhede Stadium, posted 184 for seven in their 20 overs. Nepal replied with 180 for six. 

Dipendra Singh Airee top‑scored with a fiery 44 off 29 balls, including six boundaries and a six. Paudel and Bam both contributed 39, with Bam remaining unbeaten.

Kushal Bhurtel gave Nepal a brisk start, striking four boundaries and a six in his 17‑ball 29. He shared 37 for the opening stand with Aasif Sheikh before both fell inside the powerplay. Paudel and Airee then added 82 for the third wicket, taking Nepal to 124 for three in the 15th over before Curran dismissed Airee for 44. Bam carried the chase deep, adding useful runs with Aarif Sheikh and Gulshan Jha.

Earlier, Nepal’s bowlers impressed. Debutant Sher Malla struck with his first ball, dismissing Phil Salt for one. Sandeep Lamichhane trapped Tom Banton lbw for two in his opening over. 

Nandan Yadav and Airee claimed two wickets apiece, Yadav removing Jos Buttler and captain Harry Brook, who top‑scored with 53 off 34. Brook shared a 71‑run stand with Jacob Bethell, who made 55. Will Jacks was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 39 off 18 balls, featuring four sixes.

England captain Brook admitted his side had been pushed to the limit:

“They played extremely well. Not many teams take Adil Rashid down the way they did. They put us in a tricky situation. I didn’t think it would go as close as it did.”

Nepal will next face Italy on 12 February, with Paudel insisting his side will approach every opponent with full commitment.