In what will be remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters in T20 World Cup history, Nepal came within inches of a historic upset against England on Sunday evening. Chasing a formidable target of 185 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, the “Rhinos” fell agonizingly short, losing by just 4 runs in their opening Group C fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The Chase: Lokesh Bam’s Late Heroics
Nepal entered the final over needing 10 runs for victory. The Wankhede crowd, largely dominated by passionate Nepalese supporters, was on its feet as Lokesh Bam (39* off 20) faced Sam Curran.
- The Final Over: Curran showed his experience, nailing wide yorkers and slower balls. Despite Bam’s incredible efforts, Nepal could only manage five runs from the over, finishing at 180/6.
- The Foundation: Earlier, skipper Rohit Paudel (39) and Dipendra Singh Airee (44) put on a masterclass in middle-over management, famously taking 19 runs off an over from veteran spinner Adil Rashid.
England’s Innings: Brook and Bethell Shine
England, led by captain Harry Brook, posted 184/7 after being put into bat.
- The Stand: Jacob Bethell (55 off 35) and Harry Brook (53 off 32) rescued England from a shaky 57/3 after Nepal’s spinners, led by Sandeep Lamichhane, tightened the screws.
- Late Flourish: Will Jacks provided the crucial finishing touch, smashing 39 off just 18 balls, including 21 runs off the final over bowled by Karan KC. This cameo eventually proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Key Performers |
| England | 184/7 (20 ov) | Jacob Bethell (55), Harry Brook (53); Dipendra Singh Airee (2/23) |
| Nepal | 180/6 (20 ov) | Dipendra Singh Airee (44), Lokesh Bam (39*); Sam Curran (1/28) |
Result: England won by 4 runs. Player of the Match: Will Jacks.
Post-Match Reactions
“It wasn’t easy at all. Nepal were outstanding, and not many teams take Adil Rashid down like they did. We were lucky to get over the line,” said England captain Harry Brook.
“I am proud of the fight we showed. We didn’t come here just to participate; we came to win. The fans’ support in Mumbai was like being in Kathmandu,” a resilient Rohit Paudel remarked after the game.
What’s Next?
England moves to the top of Group C alongside the West Indies. Nepal, having earned the respect of the cricketing world, will next face the West Indies on February 15, a match that has now become a “must-watch” for fans of Associate cricket.