Nepal came agonisingly close to a historic victory before England held their nerve to secure a dramatic four-run win in a thrilling Group C encounter at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Mumbai.
Chasing 185 at the Wankhede Stadium, Nepal finished on 180 for 6, falling just short despite a spirited fightback led by Rohit Paudel, Dipendra Singh Airee and a late assault from Lokesh Bam. Sam Curran’s ice-cool final over, which conceded only five runs, proved decisive.
Earlier, England posted 184 for 7 after being put under early pressure by Nepal’s disciplined bowling. Reduced to 57 for 3 inside the powerplay, the two-time champions were steadied by half-centuries from Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell.
Bethell led the recovery with a fluent 55 off 35 balls, combining with Brook in a 71-run partnership that dragged England back into the contest. Brook followed with a composed 53 from 32 deliveries, anchoring the innings as wickets fell around him.
Nepal struck regularly through the middle overs, with Dipendra Singh Airee and Sandeep Lamichhane keeping the run rate in check. However, England finished strongly thanks to a late onslaught from Will Jacks, who smashed three sixes in the final over to push the total beyond 180.
Nepal’s reply began positively, with Kushal Bhurtel setting the tone early. The chase gathered real momentum through a crucial stand between captain Rohit Paudel and vice-captain Airee. Airee’s innovative strokeplay, including a stunning reverse-sweep six off Adil Rashid, energised the Nepal supporters in the stands.
Paudel fell for a fighting 39, while Airee followed soon after for an impressive 44, leaving Nepal needing a strong finish. Lokesh Bam then produced the innings of his life, striking boundaries and sixes to keep Nepal firmly in the hunt during the closing overs.
The equation came down to nine runs from the final four balls. Curran, entrusted with the responsibility, delivered under pressure with pinpoint yorkers and clever variations, allowing Nepal only five runs and sealing a narrow victory for England.
