Nepal vs England T20: A Near‑Miss That Sets the Stage for Greater Victories
It was one of those cricketing nights that makes your heart pound, your palms sweat and your whole body lean forward toward the screen or stand. On February 8, 2026, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Nepal faced England in their opening game of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. What followed was a match that will be talked about for a long time, not because Nepal won but because they pushed one of the tournament favourites right to the edge.
This wasn’t just a game. It was a statement. Nepal may have lost by just four runs but they showed the world that they are here to compete with the best.
England Set a Tough Target
England won the toss and chose to bat first. They ended up with a total of 184 runs for 7 wickets in their 20 overs, a strong total in T20 cricket.
- Jacob Bethell led the way with a powerful 55 runs.
- Harry Brook, another experienced hitter, scored 53 runs.
- Will Jacks came in near the end and blasted 39 not out off just 18 balls, earning Player of the Match honours.
England’s innings had a bit of everything: early struggles, middle‑order stability and a late flourish. That late push is what helped them reach a target that was just hard enough to defend.
Nepal’s Incredible Chase
Chasing 185 runs is never easy, especially against a world‑class bowling attack. But Nepal didn’t look intimidated one bit.
The chase was full of energy, belief and some unforgettable cricketing action:
- Nepal raced to 31 runs in just three overs, showing confidence early.
- Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee put together a strong partnership of 82 runs, pulling Nepal right back into the game.
- Both Paudel and Airee scored smart, controlled innings with 39 and 44 runs respectively.
Just when it seemed like Nepal might take the lead, England fought back with tight bowling. That didn’t stop Nepal’s Lokesh Bam, who came in and attacked with fearless intent, finishing 39 not out off 20 balls and hitting some massive hits.
By the final over, Nepal needed just 10 runs to win. For a moment, everyone thought it might happen. But Sam Curran, bowling under pressure, delivered a composed final six balls that conceded only five runs. England managed to hold on and win by the narrowest of margins.
Why This Match Matters for Nepal
On the surface, it might look like a loss, but when you take a closer look, it feels more like a major breakthrough.
Here’s why this match was huge for Nepal:
- A Bold Performance Against a Giant
Nepal went toe‑to‑toe with England, one of the strongest teams in world cricket. They didn’t back down, even when the target looked steep. - Strong Batting From Key Players
Players like Paudel, Airee and Bam didn’t just score runs; they led with confidence and heart. Their partnership was one of the best by any Nepal batting lineup at this stage. - Bowling That Made England Sweat
From early wickets to pressure spells, Nepal’s bowlers kept England honest. It wasn’t just a few lucky moments; there was skill and planning involved. - Global Respect and Praise
Cricket experts, former players and fans around the world applauded Nepal’s effort. - A Bold Message to Future Opponents
This match didn’t just boost confidence; it sent a message. Nepal is not here to make up numbers. They are here to compete, win and maybe cause upsets along the way.
What Fans Felt
One thing that stood out was the support from fans. Even in a massive stadium like Wankhede, you could hear Nepal supporters cheering loudly on every boundary and bowl. The atmosphere was electric. People were standing, shouting and celebrating every good ball and every big hit.
Fans weren’t disappointed by the loss. Instead, they felt proud. Proud of how far Nepal’s cricket team has come. Proud that their boys played like champions even in defeat. And proud that they showed the world that Nepal cricket has arrived.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Road
So what’s next for Nepal? Their journey at this World Cup is just beginning. With the way they played against England, they’ve already put fear into teams that might have underestimated them.
If they keep playing with the same heart, belief and courage, there’s no limit to what they can achieve. This gutsy performance will give them confidence in every match ahead.
Fans who want to follow Nepal’s journey in the upcoming T20 World Cup matches can stay updated on Baahrakhari Sports, where every match is tracked with live scores and insights.
Lessons from the Battle
Some matches are remembered for records. Some for huge scores. And some moments that give fans goosebumps.
Nepal’s match against England will be remembered for its spirit, its intensity and its brave heart. They came close to one of the biggest upsets in cricket history. They didn’t win on the scoreboard, but they won something even bigger: respect, belief and hope for the future.
Every young cricketer in Nepal and around the world watching this match should take note. You don’t have to be the favourite to make an impact. You just need belief, courage and teamwork. And if Nepal keeps playing this way, there are bigger victories waiting just around the corner.
