ENG vs NEP: Heartbreak for Nepal; Almost stuns England but fell short of just four runs in T20 World Cup 2026

England avoided a big humiliation in their opening game of the T20 World Cup 2026, winning by just four runs against Nepal. The game which took place at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai went down to the wire on Sunday. Opting to bat, England piled up 184 for seven, in response Nepal fought hard but fell short of just four runs

England lost Phil Salt in just the second over and the packed Wankhede Stadium with Nepal fans were up right from that moment. The Rohit Paudel-led side carried that confidence and soon sent Jos Buttler (26) and Tom Banton back as England lost three early.

With three wickets down at 57, Jacob Bethell (55) along with captain Harry Brook (53) bailed the team out of trouble. Both batters hit vital half-centuries and added 71 runs for the fourth wicket.

Although Nepal kept taking wickets at regular intervals, Will Jacks (39*) came up with a strong finish, taking England to 184 for seven. 

Sam Curran holds his nerve as England seal a four-run win in a thriller

Nepal had a solid start to the chase with Kushal Bhurtel (29) coming out all guns blazing. England made a strong comeback after that, removing both openers for 42.

However, after that, captain Rohit Paudel (39) and Dipendra Singh Airee (44) took the game away from England with their incredible 82-run stand. 

Three quick wickets then again brought England back in the game, but Lokes Bam (35*) again changed the game in Nepal’s favour as he hit Jofra Archer for three sixes in the 18th over.

The game went down to the last over with Nepal needing ten. Sam Curran held his nerves brilliantly and won it for England by just four runs.