ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 The Nepal youngster on Sunday witnessed one of his most unforgettable debut moments Sher Mall Announced itself on the global stage in spectacular fashion. Playing his first international match, Malla won the gold medal by dismissing England’s explosive opener with the very first ball of his career. Phil SaltThe packed Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai filled the fans with excitement.
England chose to bat on a lively Mumbai evening
On paper, there were full chances of a one-sided match in the 5th match of Group C between England and Nepal. England won the toss and chose to bat first, relying on their power-packed top order to dominate proceedings on a surface generally favorable for batting. With thousands in attendance and millions watching around the world, the headlines were dominated by England’s aggressive approach.
However, Nepal had other plans – and an unexpected hero was waiting.
The magic of Sher Malla’s first ball surprised England.
Taking over the responsibility of bowling his first over in international cricket, Malla looked calm beyond his years during the run-up. The very first ball he bowled will be recounted in Nepal cricket folklore for years.
Bowling full and drifting down the leg side, Malla tempted Salt with an ambitious flick early in his innings. Salt, known for his fearless strokeplay, swung hard but missed the shot. The top edge is flared straight up, and rests on the short fin leg, Sandeep Lamichhane Evaluated it thoroughly. He reverse-cupped the ball to complete the catch with ease, leading to wild celebrations.
Malla punched the air in joy, momentarily losing her balance in a comical but joyous celebration that perfectly expressed the emotion of that moment – disbelief, excitement and pure joy.
The stadium erupted as fans celebrated a fairytale debut
The Wankhede crowd, which was largely neutral but deeply appreciative of cricketing moments, burst into applause. Social media instantly went viral, with fans hailing the dismissal as one of the best debut wickets in T20 World Cup history. From Nepal supporters to cricket fans around the world, everyone praised the youngster who had recently dismissed one of England’s most dangerous batsmen.
For Nepal, the wicket was more than just a success – it was a statement. On the biggest stage of world cricket, their debutant had shown that he belonged.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Beautiful view of Wankhede Stadium. The whole of Nepal is here in Mumbai. And Sher Malla has lived the dream that every cricketer wants to see.
– Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) 8 February 2026
lion malla🇳🇵🇵
A dream start for the Nepalese youth.
Straight into the biggest tournament, and on the very first ball of his career – he strikes!
Firstly, to remove a dangerous batsman like Phil Salt… moments like these are what dreams are made of.
From newcomer to headline-maker… pic.twitter.com/Dj9F3FK5Uv– Usman Sheikh 🇮🇳 (@shaikhusman_7) 8 February 2026
Sher Malla Prahar 🔥 pic.twitter.com/cTbDvH4enf
— Subas🇳🇵⭐. (@suirawal180) 8 February 2026
dream debut moment 🌟🇳🇵
Nepal’s Sher Malla took his first wicket in the T20 World Cup on his debut by sending back the dangerous Phil Salt.#Sharmalla #philsalt #ENGvNEP #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/8rap8gYDyd
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 8 February 2026
Two players who took wickets on the very first ball in T-20 debut for Nepal. What a start for Sher Malla.
Paras Khadka and Sher Malla 👏#ENGvNEP pic.twitter.com/LEr2qoN9lp
– Maharjan Samraat (@MaharjanSamraat) 8 February 2026
Dream debut for Sher Malla
First ball – first wicket 👏 #NepvsEng #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/wcaOZYt8Xo
– Shashwat (@RakeshK80163284) 8 February 2026
Strong hit from the very first ball! ✓
Sher Malla traps Phil Salt, Sandeep Lamichhane completes a simple catch – what a wicket, what a debut for Nepal’s latest T20I star! 🇳🇵
ODI Nepal | #NEPvENG | #T20WorldCup2026 | #nepalcricket pic.twitter.com/cx716xQgyb
– ODI Nepal Official (@OdiNepal) 8 February 2026
Incredible view at Wankhede. Sher Malla got a wicket on the very first ball of his international career and that wicket belonged to Phil Salt. Wow Nepal!#T20WorldCup #Nepal #england pic.twitter.com/mx1twiqFiw
– Shuvaditya Bose (@ShuvaonSports) 8 February 2026
The first wicket of Sher Malla’s international career is Phil Salt. #T20WorldCup #ENGvsNEP pic.twitter.com/FJcPZfXzvp
– Manakdeep Singh Kharaud (@Iam_MKharaud) 8 February 2026
🚨 Dream start for Sher Malla: First ball of the World Cup and even Internationals, and this is the wicket!
Dangerous Phil Salt Out…take a salute!!! pic.twitter.com/6CF4Pu2UVy
– Prince Jha (@PrinceJha639654) 8 February 2026
Sher Malla’s debut match, first ball of the over against the dangerous Phil Salt.
Guess what?
In international cricket he gets a wicket on his very first ball.#T20WorldCup #Nepal pic.twitter.com/RtTdx1B6Yc
– Mr. Athar🏏 (@cricdrugs) 8 February 2026
First ball. First wicket. Complete disbelief! 😱🇳🇵
Talk about making an entrance! Sher Malla announced himself to the world by dismissing Phil Salt on his very first ball in international cricket. From NPL to #T20WorldCup The stage-dream is officially real!
One… pic.twitter.com/NxRNkke8s9– Anand Nepali (@nandanepali99) 8 February 2026
Amazing view at Wankhede Stadium. The entire Nepal contingent is supporting their team. Sher Malla will remember this wicket of Phil Salt for the rest of his life. @irfanpathan @YashoAzad @mohammadkaif@cricket_x_ashi#ENGvsNEP #icct20worldcup2026 pic.twitter.com/2mr4GaM8iz
– Akul Diddi (@akul_diddi) 8 February 2026
Sher Malla, who was recently presented his cap by Paras Khadka, has joined the Nepali greats to have taken a wicket with his very first ball in both T20Is and T20Is. #T20WorldCup.
crazy parallel 🇳🇵
– Daniel Beswick (@DGBeswick1) 8 February 2026
Sher Malla got a wicket in his debut match. 😱😱😱
– Nepal Banda’s daily routine (@RONBupdates) 8 February 2026
Sher Malla of Dhangadhi took his first international wicket on his first ball! What a way to declare yourself! 🌟#nepalcricket #T20WorldCup #rising star #DhangarhiPride pic.twitter.com/Xwfzpc8R4d
– Aryan Maddy 🇳🇵 (@Badboy_arnn) 8 February 2026
Sher Malla – International debut, first ball, first wicket Phil Salt, that too in the T20 World Cup. Dream about the beginning of your career.
See how huge crowd came and enjoying everything. I really want Nepal to win this match. Who are you guys supporting? #ENGvsNEP https://t.co/IiPKYud3Cs pic.twitter.com/T36uTfNwBP– Vitamin K(Ohli) (@manga_varun) 8 February 2026
Sher Malla you beautiful🌹🌹🌹🌹
– Twitter Minister™ (@Rocks_Suman1) 8 February 2026
A great debut for Sher Malla in international cricket as he took a wicket on his very first ball.
Malla got the cap from Paras Khadka, who took a wicket with his very first ball in the T20I. Both were also making their T20 World Cup debut!#T20WorldCup #ENGvsNEP– Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) 8 February 2026
Sher Malla of Nepal cricket team, playing his first match, got the new ball, he took the wicket of Phil Salt (No. 2 T20I batsman) on his very first ball. What a genius!!! 🔥🔥🔥
– Tandoori Chicken (@81stCentury) 8 February 2026