England survive major scare to beat Nepal in opening match of T20 World Cup
England scraped through their T20 World Cup opener against Nepal in Mumbai, securing a nerve-shredding four-run triumph that prevented what would have been the most significant victory in Nepalese cricket history.
Just weeks after concluding a disappointing Ashes campaign, the English side found themselves requiring Sam Curran to protect 10 runs in the final over.
The recently-recalled all-rounder delivered when it mattered most, executing precise yorkers under immense pressure to deny the underdogs.
At the close, there were no exuberant celebrations from the English camp – only visible relief at having avoided a humiliating defeat that would have sent shockwaves through the tournament.
Lokesh Bam came agonisingly close to delivering an extraordinary upset for his nation, finishing unbeaten on 39 from just 20 deliveries.
The Nepalese batsman appeared destined to guide his team to glory after launching two maximums off Jofra Archer, plundering 22 runs from the 18th over alone.
He maintained his assault in the penultimate over, striking Luke Wood for a pair of boundaries.
Victory in Mumbai 🦁
A nail-biter in our @T20WorldCup opener with Nepal 🏏
Match Centre: https://t.co/mOHOKi4lxY pic.twitter.com/L6mhoOekk7
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 8, 2026
With six needed from the final ball to complete the fairytale, Lokesh could only manage a single, sinking to his haunches in despair as English players approached to acknowledge his remarkable effort with handshakes.
England’s total of 184-7 owed much to Will Jacks, whose three sixes in the closing stages proved invaluable in setting Nepal a challenging target.
Liam Dawson also made a significant contribution, claiming figures of 2-21 from his four-over allocation.
Will Jacks impressed for England against Nepal in their T20 World Cup clash
|
GETTY
The 35-year-old’s economical spell was particularly noteworthy given it marked his maiden appearance at a World Cup.
Despite the anxious finish, England deserve credit for holding their nerve in circumstances where previous English teams have faltered.
The victory maintains their impressive recent form in the shortest format, having claimed success in 10 of their previous 11 T20 internationals.
Head coach Brendon McCullum and skipper Harry Brook have avoided the ignominy of presiding over one of the World Cup’s greatest upsets in their tournament debut together.
Sam Curran helped England overcome Nepal in their T20 World Cup clash
|
GETTY
Had Curran failed to secure the win, McCullum’s position would have faced renewed scrutiny following the Ashes disappointment.
Instead, that examination has been postponed as England turn their attention to Wednesday’s fixture against West Indies at the same Mumbai venue.
Despite the alarming nature of this opening encounter, England remain among the tournament favourites heading into their second group match.
The three-day gap before facing the Caribbean side offers time to regroup after this uncomfortable start.
