England Edge Nepal in Last-Over Drama as Curran Defends 10 in T20 World Cup 2026

England avoided a major opening-night upset In England vs Nepal match at the T20 World Cup 2026, edging past Nepal by four runs in a last-over thriller at Wankhede Stadium after Sam Curran held his nerve under extreme pressure. In a contest that swung repeatedly, the defending heavyweights survived only because of precise death bowling and late hitting that proved just enough.

Choosing to bat first, England stumbled early against Nepal’s fearless spin-and-change-of-pace approach. Sher Malla struck with his first ball in World Cup cricket, and quick wickets left England wobbling in the powerplay. Jos Buttler threatened briefly but couldn’t convert, and the innings needed repair work rather than fireworks.

England's rebuild came through Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook, who steadied the middle overs and then accelerated. Bethell cleared the ropes four times in a bold 55 from 35 balls, while Brook kept the tempo high with a fluent 53. The closing overs tilted the innings decisively when Will Jacks unloaded an unbeaten 39 off 18 deliveries, including 4 sixes, lifting England to 184 for 7, a total that looked competitive but not secure on a batting-friendly surface.

Nepal’s chase carried belief from the outset. Kushal Bhurtel set the tone with attacking strokes, and a composed stand between Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee kept the asking rate under control. Airee’s 44 was packed with intent, and during the knock he became the first Nepal batter to cross 2,000 T20I runs, a landmark moment on a global stage.

The match flipped again when Lokesh Bam tore into the pace attack, smashing 39 not out off 20 balls and plundering a big over off Jofra Archer to bring the equation within reach. With 10 needed from the final over, the crowd sensed history.

Curran, though, shut the door. He fired in back-to-back yorkers, denied boundary options, and conceded only five runs. Nepal finished heartbreakingly 4 runs short (180/6), while England walked away shaken but unbeaten.