Mumbai, India - In a stunning start to their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, defending champions England faced an early setback against Nepal at the Wankhede Stadium today. The two-time champions, who won the toss and elected to bat, found themselves struggling against a disciplined Nepalese bowling attack.

The biggest blow for England came in the form of the early dismissal of Phil Salt, the RCB star, who was removed by Sher Malla for a paltry 1 run. Malla's dream debut saw him snatch a wicket on his very first ball in T20Is, sending shockwaves through the English batting lineup. Salt's dismissal was a top-edged sweep that went straight to short fine leg, triggering wild celebrations among the Nepalese team and their supporters.

Adding to England's woes, captain Jos Buttler, who had started aggressively with 26 off 17 balls, was caught behind off Nandan Yadav's bowling. Tom Banton also failed to make an impact, falling LBW to Sandeep Lamichhane for just 2 runs.

At the end of the powerplay, England were reeling at 57/2, with Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook at the crease. Bethell showed some promise with a quickfire 30, including a four and a six off consecutive balls from Malla, before being dropped by Malla himself. Brook, the captain, found a boundary to get himself going.

Nepal's spin-heavy attack proved effective on the Wankhede pitch, with Malla, Lamichhane, and Nandan Yadav all picking up crucial wickets. Nepal's fielding was also sharp, with stunning saves preventing boundaries and building pressure on the English batsmen.

This is the first-ever T20I encounter between England and Nepal. Nepal have been in impressive form, winning 17 matches and losing just six. England have won 10 of their 11 completed matches.

According to AI, England are the favorites to win. England’s aggressive T20 approach is expected to allow them to post a total in excess of 200.