Last-Ball Drama Saves England Against Fearless Nepal
News Desk
Mumbai: England survived a dramatic scare at the T20 World Cup on Sunday, edging past Nepal by just four runs in a last-ball thriller at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium to avoid one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history.
Chasing a challenging target of 185, Nepal came agonisingly close to a famous victory. Needing six runs off the final ball, Lokesh Bam, who remained unbeaten on 39, could only manage a single to deep cover off Sam Curran’s last delivery, sealing a narrow England win.
Despite the defeat, Nepal produced a spirited batting display, taking on England’s frontline bowlers Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid with confidence and flair. The performance earned loud support from a largely pro-Nepal crowd in the three-quarters-full stadium.
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Earlier, England posted 184 for seven in their Group C match, built around half-centuries from Jacob Bethell (55) and Harry Brook (53). A late onslaught from Will Jacks proved crucial, as he smashed three sixes in the final over off Karan KC to finish on an unbeaten 39 from just 18 balls.
Nepal’s chase began briskly, with Kushal Bhurtel striking 29 from 17 deliveries before falling to Jacks, caught and bowled. Captain Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee then steadied the innings, adding 82 runs for the third wicket and bringing up Nepal’s century in the 12th over.
Archer, who had leaked runs early, returned to stem the flow, conceding just six runs across his next two overs. However, Nepal counter-attacked at the other end, with Airee targeting Rashid for 19 runs in one over. Rashid ended wicketless, conceding 42 runs from three overs.
With 62 needed from the final six overs and eight wickets in hand, Nepal looked well placed. Curran struck a vital blow by dismissing Airee for 44, breaking the key partnership. Paudel was then dismissed for 39 in the 16th over, slowing the chase.
The match swung back in Nepal’s favour when Archer was hammered for 22 runs in his final over, including three sixes from Lokesh, leaving Nepal needing 24 from the final two overs. However, England held their nerve in the closing stages.
Left-arm spinner Liam Dawson was England’s most effective bowler, finishing with figures of 2 for 21, while Archer ended with 1 for 42 as England narrowly escaped defeat.
