In a thrilling encounter at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 in Mumbai, India, the Nepal cricket team, despite a narrow four-run defeat against England, won the hearts of fans worldwide with their spirited performance. In a match that went down to the wire, Nepal's players received a standing ovation from the crowd for their exceptional effort against one of the tournament favorites.
England, batting first, posted a total of 184 for 7, with Jacob Bethell (55) and skipper Harry Brook (53) contributing half-centuries. Will Jacks added a crucial late flourish with an unbeaten 39 off 18 balls, smashing three sixes in the final over. Nepal's Dipendra Singh Airee and Nandan Yadav each took two wickets, showcasing a disciplined bowling effort.
Chasing a target of 185, Nepal displayed remarkable resilience and determination. Lokesh Bam's explosive 39 off 20 balls, which included consecutive sixes off Jofra Archer in the 18th over, brought Nepal within touching distance of an upset victory. Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee also contributed with 39 and 44 runs respectively, keeping Nepal in the hunt until the very end.
England's Liam Dawson was instrumental with the ball, taking 2 for 21. In a tense final over, Sam Curran held his nerve, conceding only four runs in the first five balls, ultimately securing a narrow win for England. Lokesh Bam needed a six off the last ball to win, but managed only a single.
Despite the loss, Nepal's performance was a testament to their growing stature in international T20 cricket. The Wankhede Stadium was filled with passionate Nepali fans, who cheered every run and wicket, creating an electric atmosphere. The crowd, largely in support of Nepal, gave the team a massive ovation as they did a lap of honour after the game.
"Winning ugly is a good trait to have," said a relieved Will Jacks after the match, acknowledging the pressure Nepal had put on England. Nepal captain Rohit Paudel expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating that they wanted to compete and believed they could beat any side if they played their best cricket.
Nepal's Prime Minister Sushila Karki sent an inspiring message to the team, urging them to play with confidence and showcase their national pride. She highlighted the match's significance as an opportunity for Nepal to prove their mettle against the giants of world cricket.
This marked Nepal's third appearance in the T20 World Cup, and while they have yet to advance past the group stage, their performance against England signals their potential to make a significant impact on the global stage. England, meanwhile, will face the West Indies in their next Group C encounter. This thrilling match will be remembered not just for the narrow margin of victory, but for the unwavering spirit and skill displayed by the Nepal cricket team, earning them admiration and respect from fans around the world.