A Near Upset
In a stunning display at the Wankhede Stadium during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Nepal came agonizingly close to defeating the formidable two-time
champions, England. The underdog side pushed the experienced English team to their limits, ultimately falling short by a mere four runs in a thrilling chase. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Nepal captain Rohit Paudel expressed immense pride in his team's performance. Speaking after the match, Paudel highlighted the exceptional effort shown by his players against a top-tier opponent, emphasizing that their motivation was to compete fiercely, not just to participate. This close encounter showcased Nepal's growing prowess in international cricket and their ambition to challenge established teams on the global stage.
Captain's Pride
Captain Rohit Paudel conveyed a mix of disappointment and profound pride following Nepal's narrow four-run defeat against England. He lauded his team's remarkable effort, stating that their performance against such a strong adversary was a testament to their dedication and spirit. Paudel reiterated the team's belief and objective entering the World Cup: to compete and strive for victories, rather than simply being participants. He felt that on this occasion, they played their absolute best brand of cricket, a performance that filled him with immense pride. This mindset underscores Nepal's aspiration to be recognized as a competitive force in international T20 cricket, aiming to upset expectations and challenge the established hierarchy.
Death Bowling Lessons
While acknowledging their overall strong performance, Nepal's captain, Rohit Paudel, identified death bowling as an area for improvement following the England match. He noted that both teams faced challenges in this crucial phase of the game, but England's Sam Curran's exceptional execution in the final over proved decisive. Paudel conceded that Nepal missed their execution in the death overs, particularly in the last few overs where they conceded significant runs, including 21 in the final over and 12 each in the preceding two. He recognized the difficulty for bowlers in this phase, especially when attempting yorkers and slow bouncers, and expressed confidence that the team would learn from this experience and enhance their capabilities in future matches.
Respect All Opponents
Looking ahead, Nepal captain Rohit Paudel stressed the importance of not underestimating any opponent in the tournament. He conveyed a clear message that no team, whether established or an associate nation, should be taken lightly. Paudel emphasized that for Nepal, the focus remains on maintaining their 100% commitment and performance in every match. This forward-looking perspective highlights the team's mature approach to the competition, recognizing that consistency and respect for all competitors are vital for success, even after a morale-boosting performance against a formidable foe like England.
Fan Appreciation
The passionate support from the Nepalese fans present at the Wankhede Stadium was a significant factor for the team. Following the conclusion of the match, Rohit Paudel and his squad took a lap of appreciation to acknowledge and thank their dedicated supporters. Paudel spoke about the immense motivation derived from the overwhelming presence of Nepalese fans, noting how their energy and belief fuel the team. He conveyed that they carry the hopes and aspirations of all of Nepal onto the field, and that their effort was a reflection of that commitment. The outpouring of support undoubtedly boosted the team's morale and underscored the deep connection between the players and their devoted fanbase.
