MUMBAI, India – Two-time champions England narrowly avoided a stunning upset at the T20 World Cup on Sunday, defeating Nepal by four runs in a nail-biting finish at the Wankhede Stadium. The match, played on , went down to the final ball, showcasing the growing competitiveness of the tournament.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand secured a comfortable victory over Afghanistan in Chennai, winning by five wickets. Tim Seifert’s impressive 65 off 42 balls proved crucial for the Black Caps, who chased down a target of 183 with two overs to spare. Afghanistan, after winning the toss, posted a competitive 182-6, with Gulbadin Naib contributing a valuable 63 off 35 balls.
The England-Nepal encounter proved to be a far more dramatic affair. England, electing to bat first, managed 184-7. Jacob Bethell led the way with a brisk 55 off 35 balls, while captain Harry Brook added a solid 53 off 32 deliveries. Will Jacks finished the innings strongly, hitting an unbeaten 39 off 18 balls, including four sixes.
Nepal’s response was spirited, spearheaded by Dipendra Singh, who top-scored with 44 off 29 balls, and skipper Rohit Paudel, who contributed 39 off 34. However, it was Lokesh Bam’s explosive late-innings cameo – 39 not out off just 20 balls, featuring two sixes and four fours – that truly threatened to pull off a remarkable victory for Nepal.
The tension reached fever pitch in the final over, with Sam Curran tasked with defending 10 runs. Curran held his nerve, delivering a masterful display of death bowling and restricting Nepal to 180-6. Bam needed a six off the final delivery to secure the win, but could only manage a single run, handing England a hard-fought victory.
The match highlighted Nepal’s growing potential on the international stage. Despite the loss, their performance demonstrated a level of skill and determination that will undoubtedly make them a team to watch in the tournament. Curran finished with figures of 1-27, while Liam Dawson impressed with 2-21, showcasing England’s bowling depth.
In Chennai, New Zealand’s victory over Afghanistan was built on a strong batting performance. After a shaky start, losing both openers – Finn Allen and Rachin Ravindra – to Mujeeb Ur Rahman in quick succession, Glenn Phillips and Seifert steadied the ship with a 74-run partnership. Seifert’s maiden T20 World Cup half-century, eventually ending on 65, proved pivotal in the chase.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan (1-36) struggled to contain the scoring rate as New Zealand accelerated in the middle overs. Mark Chapman (28 off 17 balls) and Daryl Mitchell (25 not out) further boosted the Black Caps’ total, ensuring a comfortable victory.
Earlier, Gulbadin Naib’s impressive innings for Afghanistan provided a solid foundation for their total. Batting at No. 3 for the first time in T20s since the 2024 World Cup, Naib smashed four sixes and three boundaries, forming a 79-run partnership with Sediqullah Atal (29). Lockie Ferguson (2-40) was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers, claiming the wickets of both Afghan openers.
The day’s action concluded with Sri Lanka securing an impressive win over Ireland in Colombo. Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana starred with the ball, leading the hosts to a 20-run victory. Kamindu Mendis’s explosive 44 off 19 balls set the platform for Sri Lanka’s successful defense of their total of 164.
The results from demonstrate the competitive balance within the tournament. While New Zealand and Sri Lanka secured relatively comfortable wins, England’s narrow escape against Nepal serves as a reminder that no team can afford to underestimate their opponents. The T20 World Cup continues to deliver thrilling contests and unpredictable results, captivating cricket fans worldwide.
