2 min read
Sam Curran held his nerve in the final over as England narrowly beat Nepal by 4 runs in their T20 World Cup 2026 opener at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Needing 10 runs from the last 6 balls, Nepal fell agonisingly short, finishing on 180-7 while chasing England’s total of 184.
Gulsan Jha was the standout performer for Nepal, scoring a quick 39 off 20 balls, but his late assault proved insufficient.
Earlier, Lokesh Bam had threatened England with consecutive sixes off Jofra Archer, bringing the target within reach, but Sam Curran’s composed bowling ensured victory.
England’s innings had a shaky start. Opener Phil Salt was dismissed for just 1 run facing 2 balls by Sher Malla, while Tom Banton also fell cheaply to Sandeep Lamichhane.
Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell stabilised the innings, with Bethell hitting a crucial 55 off 35 balls, including four sixes.
Captain Harry Brook carried England past 150, scoring 53 off 32 deliveries before Nandan Yadav claimed his wicket. Will Jacks finished unbeaten with a rapid 39 off 18 balls.
Chasing 185, Nepal got off to a promising start. Kushal Bhurtel scored 29 off 17 balls, but early wickets slowed the run chase.
Skipper Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee rebuilt the innings with a 50 runs partnership, but both were dismissed by England’s bowlers.
Aarif Sheikh and Lokesh Bam tried to keep Nepal in contention, but key wickets from Mark Wood and Sam Curran sealed the result.
