Mumbai, Feb 8 (NationPress) In a thrilling showdown that culminated on the last delivery, England, two-time World Champions, managed to secure a narrow victory against Nepal by just four runs. They restricted Nepal to a score of 180/6 in their 20 overs during the inaugural match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.

Captain Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh established a formidable partnership, complemented by a late surge from Lokesh Ram, bringing Nepal close to their first T20 World Cup victory. However, Sam Curran delivered an exceptional final over, successfully defending 10 runs and securing the win for England in an exhilarating match.

Nepal had a promising start while chasing a challenging total, with openers Aasif Sheikh and Kushal Bhurtel scoring at over ten runs per over against England's seasoned bowling lineup.

England claimed their first wicket in the fourth over as Aasif (9) fell to Luke Wood attempting a sweep shot. His partner, Kushal, who had been batting confidently, was dismissed by Will Jacks, who made a spectacular catch off his own bowling during the final moments of the Power-play.

Following the loss of two early wickets, Nepal's captain Rohit and Dipendra Singh forged a remarkable 82-run partnership against the former champions.

They directed their attacks towards England’s star spinner Adil Rashid, who ended up wicketless, conceding 42 runs. The duo effectively rotated the strike, applying pressure on the opposition.

Eventually, Sam Curran broke the partnership in the 15th over when Dipendra misjudged a slower delivery, narrowly missing a deserved half-century by just six runs. He struck six fours and a six during his quickfire 44 runs off 29 balls.

As England aimed for a solid finish, Lokesh kept battling, finishing unbeaten on 39 off just 20 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes.

Liam Dawson was England's leading wicket-taker, with figures of 2-21, followed by Curran, Wood, Jofra Archer, and Jacks, each claiming one wicket.

Earlier, England batted first after winning the toss, posting 184/7 in their 20 overs thanks to fifties from top-order batter Jacob Bethell and captain Harry Brook, alongside a robust finish by Will Jacks.

England's innings began shakily as opener Phil Salt, returning from injury, was dismissed for just one run on the seventh ball.

Former captain Jos Buttler attempted to stabilize the innings with a quick 22 off 14 balls before falling to Nandan Yadav in the fifth over.

After this rocky start, Jacob Bethell, in his first T20 World Cup match, formed a 71-run alliance with skipper Harry Brook, who was in excellent form.

Both batsmen capitalized on loose balls while effectively rotating the strike, putting pressure on the fielding side, which also missed several run-out chances. Bethell scored 55 runs off 35 balls, featuring four sixes and four boundaries.

Brook reached his fifty in just 31 balls at the start of the 19th over but was caught by Sher Malla on the next delivery after scoring 53 runs off 32 balls, including three sixes and four boundaries.

All-rounder Will Jacks provided a powerful finish, amassing 39 runs off just 18 balls, enabling England to set a formidable target against Nepal.

Brief Scores:

England 184/7 in 20 overs (Jacob Bethell 55, Harry Brook 53, Will Jacks 39; Dipendra Singh Airee 2-23, Nandan Yadav 2-25) defeated Nepal (Dipendra Singh Airee 44, Rohit Paudel 39, Lokesh Ram 39 not out; Liam Dawson 2-21, Will Jacks 1-17) by 5 runs.