Nepal lost to England by a 4-run margin in the first game of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in a match that was fought to the last over.
With a tough goal of 185 runs that was assigned by England, Nepal was able to achieve 180 runs in 20 overs. With 10 runs required during the final over, Nepal was only able to score 5 runs and missed out on creating a historic victory.
Despite the loss, Nepali players remain confident about their chances of reaching the Super 8 stage. Young medium pacer Nandan Yadav said, “We have only completed our first match. Our chances of playing in the Super 8 are still alive.”
During the chase, captain Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee built a crucial 82-run partnership that kept Nepal in the hunt. Dipendra scored 44 runs off 29 balls before getting out in the 14.2 over. Rohit’s steady batting also kept hopes alive.
Lokesh, batting at number six, turned the match in Nepal’s favor in the 18th over by hitting Jofra Archer for two consecutive sixes. Archer conceded 22 runs in that over. However, Lokesh could not finish the match in the final over and looked visibly disappointed after the game.
Captain Rohit Paudel said, “It is disappointing in the end, but performing like this against a cricket powerhouse like England is something to be proud of.”
Nepal’s main weakness was seen in death-over bowling. England were restricted to 163 runs in 19 overs, but Karan KC conceded 21 runs in the final over, pushing the total to 185. Nandan Yadav admitted that the team needs to improve in death-over bowling.
Dipendra Singh Airee also achieved a milestone by becoming the first Nepali batter to score 2,000 runs in T20 internationals.
More than 17,000 Nepali supporters filled the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, creating a home-like atmosphere. Fans from different parts of Nepal, along with singer Rachana Rimal, were present to support the team.
