in exciting Group C t20 world cup 2026 Clash at Wankhede Stadium England narrowly escaped a historic upset against a fearless Nepal Chasing a target of 185, Nepal pushed the 2022 champions to the last delivery, and lost by just four runs in a contest that saw the momentum swing wildly.
The Allies matched England’s power and tactical intensity, leaving the world giants stunned until the final moments. For England, the win was a relief rather than an impressive statement, as their bowling attack struggled to contain Nepal’s aggressive middle order. The thriller has instantly become the talk of the tournament, highlighting the narrowing gap between cricket’s elite and its rising powers. The result keeps England’s campaign on track, but not without highlighting significant weaknesses in their death-over execution.
T20 World Cup 2026: Jacob Bethel and Harry Brook help England bat against Nepal
The encounter at the Wankhede Stadium was an interesting affair as Nepal’s ‘Rhinos’ pushed the former champions to their absolute limits during a tense afternoon. after harry brook Nepal won the toss and decided to bat first Sher Mall made a dreamy start Phil Salt He sent the Mumbai crowd into a frenzy by giving just 1 run on his very first ball in international cricket. England find themselves in early trouble at 64/3 in the 7th over
Sandeep Lamichhane trapped tom banton LBW, but the momentum changed during a crucial 71-run partnership between Jacob Bethel and the captain harry brook. jacob bethel Was the star of the show, he scored a brilliant 55 runs in 35 balls with the help of four sixes and four fours, after which he became the second England player to Kevin Pietersen To score a half-century on his T20 World Cup debut.
Brook matched the intensity by scoring 53 runs from 32 balls before falling Nandan Yadav. Where did you waver despite the late innings? Deependra Singh Airi With Bethel and Sam Curran both removed, Will Jacks provided the final fireworks with an unbeaten 39 from 18 balls, taking England to 184/7. Nepal’s bowlers remained disciplined, with Deependra Airi (2/23) and Nandan (2/25) keeping the contest alive till the last ball of the innings.
Sam Curran played nervously in the last over, Nepal fell far behind the historic T20 World Cup 2026 and became the victim of an upset.
Chasing 185, Nepal launched a fearless counter-attack that stunned the England bowling attack and kept the Wankhede crowd on the edge of their seats. Kushal Bhurtel Gave a fast start by scoring 29 runs, but it was a brilliant partnership of 82 runs between the captain Rohit Paudel And Deependra Airy really threatened to upset the world champions.
Airey was particularly devastating, scoring 44 off 29 balls and becoming the first Nepali player to reach 2,000 T20I runs in the process, while Paudel chased down the target with 39 runs. Liam Dawson (2/21) and Curran managed to break the stand just as the essential rate started climbing.
Nepal refused to surrender as Lokesh Bam played a explosive inning of 39 runs in 20 balls*. jofra archer And luke wood Boundaries were needed to bring the equation down to 10 runs in the final over. The game is at stake, Sam Curran Showed his experience under extreme pressure, bowled his yorkers and conceded only 5 runs. Nepal ended their innings at 180/6 and lost by a margin of 4 runs, in what will be remembered as one of the closest associate challenges in the history of the tournament.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Nepal
I offer my services to you if you ever need them!
Up, up and up!– Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) 8 February 2026
Incredible from Nepal.@NepalCricket
They are certainly one of the best among the emerging cricket playing nations.
Huge potential and upside.👏 #icct20worldcup2026
– Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) 8 February 2026
by com @cricketbadge Was absolutely fantastic.. Loved the insight of the entire Nepal team.. 🙌🙌🙌
– Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) 8 February 2026
Huge respect to Nepal🇳🇵To take on one of the best teams in the world, stay in the fight till the last ball and show what belief and heart can do! 🫡 This is how teams grow and this is how champions emerge 👏🏻 The cricket world is watching!#ENGvsNEP #ICCT20WORLDCUP…
– Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) 8 February 2026
Grief for Nepal. I don’t think any team from here will underestimate him. And after these first few days I hope no one doubts the importance of an expanded T20 World Cup.
– Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) 8 February 2026
Nepal, the Netherlands, Afghanistan, and the United States have all dealt fair blows to their much more staunch and resourceful adversaries. 20-team World Cup in the era of franchise cricket is good for the game https://t.co/nL5XkOqszV
– Tom Morris (@tommorris32) 8 February 2026
Everyone #T20WorldCup It feels like Nepal is getting one step closer to the top shelf. His huge fan base is set to grow. They are ready and waiting for a long time. What demonstration took place in Mumbai tonight
– Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) 8 February 2026
After getting a closer look at Nepal’s cricket circuit late last year, I learned firsthand how deeply they love the game. The cultural commonality we share with them is also reflected in their equally deep love for sports. Many Nepali fans were seen traveling from Delhi…
– Priyank Panchal (@PKPanchal09) 8 February 2026
All the moans about how unnecessary it is to hold the T20 World Cup every 2 years were coming almost entirely from Full Member player/media voices. USA has played 0 T20Is vs FM since the end of the 2024 T20 WC. Today was Nepal’s first match against England. If not in the T20 World Cup, when do the associates get a chance?
– Peter Della Penna (@PeterDellaPenna) 8 February 2026
🤯Nepal pushed England to the limit!
England escaped victory by 4 runs in a thrilling match at Wankhede.
One of the most thrilling games of #T20WorldCup2026 🏏🔥
Scorecard: https://t.co/nHvDdS48NF#Cricket #Nepal #nepalcricket #ENGvNEP #ENGvsNEP #wankade #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/ANnxccHdku
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 8 February 2026
Also read: Jacob Bethel equals Kevin Pietersen with rare England feat in T20 World Cup 2026 match vs Nepal
