Kathmandu, Feb 8: Nepal suffered a heartbreaking four-run defeat against England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday evening.
Chasing a challenging target of 185 runs, Nepal managed to score 180 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Nepal needed 10 runs from the final over but could add only five, falling just short in a thrilling finish.
Dipendra Singh Airee top-scored for Nepal with a fluent 44 off 29 balls, hitting six fours and a six. Lokesh Bam remained unbeaten on 39 from 20 deliveries, smashing four fours and two sixes, but his late surge was not enough to guide Nepal to victory.
Captain Rohit Paudel contributed 39 runs, while Kushal Bhurtel added 29. Aarif Sheikh scored 10, Aasif Sheikh made 7, and Gulshan Jha and Karan KC chipped in with one run each.
For England, Liam Dawson picked up two wickets, while Luke Wood, Jofra Archer, Will Jacks, and Sam Curran claimed one wicket apiece.
Earlier, at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, England elected to bat first after winning the toss and posted a competitive total of 184 for seven in 20 overs.
England captain Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell both registered half-centuries. Bethell scored 55 runs off 35 balls, striking four fours and four sixes, while Brook made 53 off 32 deliveries with four fours and three sixes. Will Jacks provided late fireworks with a quick 39 off 18 balls, including four sixes and a four, while Jos Buttler added 26 runs.
For Nepal, Dipendra Singh Airee impressed with the ball, taking two wickets for 23 runs in three overs. Nandan Yadav also claimed two wickets, conceding 25 runs in three overs, while Sher Malla and Sandeep Lamichhane took one wicket each.
With the win, England collected two points and sit second in Group C. Nepal, yet to open their account, are currently placed third in the group.
