Close Call for Nepal
In a T20 World Cup fixture that had spectators on the edge of their seats, Nepal came within a single shot of achieving arguably the greatest victory in their sporting
history. Chasing a formidable target of 185 against two-time champions England in Mumbai, Nepal's hopes were dashed on the very last ball. Following a late surge from Lokesh Bam, the team required 13 runs from the final nine deliveries. However, a composed Sam Curran managed to restrict Nepal, conceding only five runs in the final over, thus securing a tense victory for England and marking a winning start to their tournament campaign. Nepal's valiant effort, though unsuccessful, earned widespread admiration for pushing a formidable opponent to the absolute limit.
Nepal's Resilient Chase
Set a challenging 185-run target by England, Nepal's batting lineup responded with remarkable aggression and determination. Kushal Bhurtel initiated the chase with immediate impact, smashing three boundaries within four balls against Jofra Archer. The momentum continued to build with a significant partnership between Dipendra Singh Airee and Rohit Paudel. This formidable duo amassed 82 runs off just 54 balls, bringing Nepal within striking distance and leaving them needing 62 runs from the final six overs. Their steady accumulation of runs and effective running between the wickets kept Nepal in contention, even as they slightly trailed the required run rate for a significant portion of the innings. Airee demonstrated adeptness with the sweep and reverse sweep, while Paudel showed his power by clearing the ropes with a slog-swept six off Adil Rashid.
Late Drama Unfolds
The complexion of the match dramatically shifted when both Dipendra Singh Airee and Rohit Paudel were dismissed in quick succession, falling within an eight-ball span. This double blow appeared to seal England's victory. However, Lokesh Bam emerged as a heroic figure for Nepal, reigniting their chase with a flurry of aggressive strokes. Bam struck consecutive streaky boundaries off Sam Curran before launching Jofra Archer for two towering sixes. The pressure intensified during Luke Wood's 19th over, which yielded 14 runs and included two more boundaries from Bam, leaving Nepal needing ten runs off the final over. The thousands of Nepalese fans present in Mumbai erupted in anticipation, believing an historic win was within reach. Despite the pressure, Curran executed his yorker plan effectively at the death, ultimately denying Bam the chance to win the game with a boundary off the last ball.
England's Innings and Bowling Woes
England's innings saw contributions from Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook, both of whom registered half-centuries. Will Jacks provided a crucial late flourish, remaining unbeaten on 39 with three sixes in the final over, propelling England to a total of 185. However, England's bowling, often considered a strength, showed uncharacteristic vulnerability. While Liam Dawson, playing his first ICC event at 35, impressed with figures of 2 for 21, Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid proved expensive. Nepal's batsmen capitalized on this, with Paudel and Airee building their vital partnership. England's fielding restrictions in the early overs were expected to be advantageous on a pitch that might slow down, but they lost three wickets within the initial 6.1 overs. Debutant offspinner Sher Malla claimed the first wicket, followed by Nandan Yadav dismissing Jos Buttler. Sandeep Lamichhane then removed Tom Banton, leaving England in a precarious position at 57 for 3.
Moments of Brilliance
Jacob Bethell, batting at number three, played a confident innings, reaching his half-century off just 28 balls with a series of powerful shots. Harry Brook also overcame a slow start to contribute significantly, including a huge six off Lamichhane. However, Brook found himself at the non-striker's end for a considerable period as Bethell was dismissed. Will Jacks, despite struggling initially, found his rhythm against Karan KC's final over, hitting three sixes. Reflecting on the match, Brook acknowledged Jacks' innings as pivotal in securing the win. For Nepal, the partnership between Paudel and Airee was instrumental in keeping their chase alive, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure against a top international side.
