England edge Nepal by 4 runs in T20 thriller

• England beats Nepal by 4 runs in thriller. Jacks hits 39 off 18 balls. Curran bowls tight final over. Nepal falls short chasing 184.

England survived a massive scare, edging out Nepal by 4 runs in a T20 World Cup thriller. Read about the key innings and the breathtaking final over that decided the fate of this gripping contest.

England's Rocky Start

Electing to bat first after winning the toss, England faced an early onslaught from Nepal's disciplined bowling attack, losing key batsmen within the powerplay. Philip Salt and Tom Banton were dismissed cheaply, and even Jos Buttler's aggressive 26 off 17 deliveries couldn't provide sustained momentum, with another wicket falling shortly after, forcing England into a rebuilding phase. The early wickets put the English team under significant pressure, highlighting Nepal's effective strategy and execution in the initial overs.

Middle Order Revival

Jacob Bethell and captain Harry Brook orchestrated a crucial partnership that fundamentally shifted the game's momentum in England's favor. Bethell displayed excellent form, scoring a fluent 55 from just 35 balls, expertly balancing aggressive shots with solid technique. Brook complemented him perfectly, contributing a rapid 53 off 32 deliveries. Their collaboration ensured England maintained a strong scoring rate through the middle stages of the innings, allowing them to recover from their early setbacks and build a competitive total despite Nepal's persistent efforts to claim wickets.

Jacks' Late Flourish

Although Nepal managed to pull back with well-timed wickets, Will Jacks provided the vital finishing impetus England needed. His explosive unbeaten 39, compiled off a mere 18 balls and featuring four significant sixes, propelled England to a formidable score of 184 for 7. Nepal's bowlers, particularly Dipendra Singh Airee who took an impressive 2 wickets for 23 runs, and Sandeep Lamichhane, who applied consistent pressure through the middle overs, showcased their skill and determination. However, Jacks' late surge proved decisive in setting a challenging target.

Nepal's Resilient Chase

Nepal's response began with remarkable intent, spearheaded by Kushal Bhurtel's fiery 29 from 17 balls. Despite losing a few early wickets that momentarily stalled their progress, captain Rohit Paudel anchored the innings with a steady 39, keeping Nepal firmly in contention. The chase reignited with a powerful counter-attack from Dipendra Singh Airee, who smashed 44 off 29 balls, significantly reducing the deficit. Lokesh Bam then delivered a sensational late surge, remaining undefeated on 39 from 20 deliveries, taking the match deep into the final overs and creating immense tension.

Curran's Death Bowling Masterclass

Defending a mere 10 runs in the final over, Sam Curran delivered a masterclass in high-pressure death bowling. He began with a perfect yorker that beat Lokesh Bam, setting an immediate tone of control. Bam could only manage a single off a mistimed low full toss, and Karan KC also failed to find the boundary under intense pressure. Curran consistently hit his yorkers, conceding only two runs in the first three deliveries. With six needed off the last two balls, Bam managed another single off a yorker, and the final ball, a mistimed low full toss, yielded just one more run, securing England a dramatic four-run victory thanks to Curran's composure.

Close Encounter Significance

Ultimately, Nepal concluded their innings at 180 for 6, falling agonizingly short of a historic triumph by just four runs. This incredibly tight finish not only highlighted Nepal's impressive and rapidly developing capabilities on the international T20 stage but also underscored the razor-thin margins that frequently dictate outcomes in elite cricket. England's narrow escape served as a testament to their resilience and Nepal's remarkable fighting spirit.