The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 continues to throw up memorable moments, and Nepal off-spinner Sher Malla delivered one such instant classic during their Group clash against England. The spinner enjoyed a dream start to his international career, dismissing England opener Phil Saltoff his very first ball in T20 internationals.
Bowling from over the wicket, Malla sent down a full delivery drifting down the leg side. Salt, looking to assert himself early, went for an aggressive swing but mistimed the shot
completely. The ball took a thick top-edge and ballooned straight towards short fine leg, where Sandeep Lamichhane reacted swiftly and reverse-cupped the catch with ease to spark wild celebrations in the Nepal camp.
Watch the clip here-
The debutant was mobbed by teammates, soaking in a surreal moment few cricketers ever experience. It was the perfect start to his international journey, as he bagged a wicket with his first delivery against a top-ranked side at a World Cup. Removing a dangerous batter like Phil Salt for just 1 off 2 balls also gave Nepal a massive early boost.
England managed to score 184 runs in their 20 overs thanks to handful contributions from their captain Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks. Brook scored 53 off 32 balls at a strike rate of 165.62. Bethell, who also was making his T20 World Cup, scored 65 runs in 35 balls, which included four fours and as many sixes. All-rounder Jacks gave the Three Lions a perfect finish, scoring 39 off just 18 balls, whereas former captain Jos Buttler played a cameo of 26 runs.
With this unique record, Malla became the second Nepal bowler to take a wicket off his first delivery in T20I, after Paras Khadka, who had dismissed Hong Kong’s Irfan Ahmed in T20 World Cup 2014.
