Nepal Falls Just 4 Runs Short of Historic Upset Against England in T20 World Cup Thriller

Nepal Falls Just 4 Runs Short

9th February 2026, Kathmandu

In a match that will be remembered as one of the most pulse-pounding encounters in T20 World Cup history, Nepal came agonizingly close to toppling defending giants England, losing by a mere 4 runs in their Group C opener.

Nepal Falls Just 4 Runs Short

Chasing a formidable target of 185, the Nepalese side displayed fearless cricket, finishing at 180/6 after 20 overs. While the scoreboard reflects a defeat, the performance served as a loud declaration that Nepal is no longer just a participant but a genuine threat on the global stage.

Match Summary: A Tale of Two Halves

The Chase: Nepal’s Fearless Pursuit

Nepal’s pursuit of 185 began with intent. Openers Kushal Bhurtel (29 off 17) and Aasif Sheikh provided a brisk start, but both fell within the powerplay, leaving Nepal at 42/2.

The momentum shifted back to the Himalayan nation thanks to a brilliant 82-run partnership between Captain Rohit Paudel and Vice-Captain Dipendra Singh Airee. Their clinical rotation of strike and calculated boundaries put the English bowling attack under immense pressure.

During this knock, Dipendra Singh Airee etched his name in the history books, becoming the first Nepalese player to cross the 2,000-run mark in T20Is. He departed for a valiant 44 off 29 balls, followed shortly by Paudel (39), leaving the finishing rites to the lower order.

The Final Over Drama

With 10 runs needed off the final 6 balls, set batter Lokesh Bam faced Sam Curran. The tension in Mumbai was palpable:

Ball 1: Dot ball.

Ball 2: 1 run (Lokesh Bam).

Ball 3: 1 run (Karan KC).

Ball 4: 2 runs (Lokesh Bam).

Ball 5: Dot ball.

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Ball 6: 1 run.

Despite the late-inning fireworks, Sam Curran’s experience guided England to a narrow escape, leaving Nepalese fans worldwide heartbroken yet bursting with pride.

England’s Innings: The Power of Bethell and Brook

Earlier in the day, after winning the toss and electing to bat, England was rocked early by Nepalese debutant Sher Malla, who claimed the scalp of Phil Salt with his very first delivery.

England struggled at 57/3 before Jacob Bethell (55 off 35) and Captain Harry Brook (53 off 32) stabilized the innings with a 71-run stand. A late cameo from Will Jacks (39* off 18) pushed the total to 184, a score that eventually proved just enough.

Nepal’s Bowling Highlights:

Dipendra Singh Airee: 2 wickets

Nandan Yadav: 2 wickets

Sher Malla & Sandeep Lamichhane: 1 wicket each

A New Era for Nepalese Cricket

This match was more than just a Group C fixture; it was a milestone. Taking a full-member “giant” like England to the final ball proves that the gap between Associate nations and established powerhouses is closing rapidly.

For the Nepalese fans, the message is clear: the day Nepal consistently wins these high-stakes games is not in the distant future, it is right around the corner.

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