England narrowly avoided a hugely embarrassing defeat by Nepal in their World T20 opener, securing a tense victory by just four runs in Mumbai. Harry Brook's side posted what initially appeared to be an imposing total of 184-7, but Nepal pushed them all the way in an enthralling chase, finishing agonisingly short on 180-6.
A Breathtaking Chase That Tested England's Nerves
Nepal's pursuit of the target was nothing short of spectacular, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final ball. Lokesh Bam was the standout performer for Nepal, smashing a blistering 39 runs off just 20 deliveries, nearly steering his team to an incredible and historic upset. His aggressive batting in the middle overs put immense pressure on the English bowlers and turned the match into a nail-biting contest.
England's Batting Foundation and Late Flourish
Earlier in the match, England built their total on solid half-centuries from Jacob Bethell and captain Harry Brook, who both played crucial innings to set a competitive score. Their partnership laid the groundwork, allowing the lower order to accelerate towards the end. Will Jacks provided a spectacular finish to England's innings, thrashing 39 runs off a mere 18 balls, including some powerful hitting that seemed to give England a comfortable cushion at the innings break.
Bowling Struggles and a Tense Final Over
However, England's bowling attack faced significant challenges during Nepal's chase. Adil Rashid, one of England's key spin bowlers, had a particularly difficult day, conceding 42 runs from his three overs without taking a wicket, which allowed Nepal to maintain their momentum. Despite this, Sam Curran held his nerve in the critical final over, expertly defending 10 runs to secure the win for England. His composed bowling under extreme pressure ensured England breathed a collective sigh of relief as they clinched the narrow victory.
This match highlighted Nepal's growing prowess in international cricket and served as a wake-up call for England, who will need to address their bowling vulnerabilities as the tournament progresses. The thrilling encounter has set a high standard for excitement in the World T20, with both teams showcasing skill and determination in a memorable opener.
