Introduction
In a dramatic Group C encounter at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, **England survived a late Nepal charge to win by just 4 runs at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Opting to bat first, England posted a competitive 184/7, before Nepal came agonisingly close but fell short at 180/6 in a stirring chase. The tight finish showcased the growing competitiveness of associate nation cricket and provided a high-intensity start to England’s tournament campaign.
Match Overview
- Match: England vs Nepal
- Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
- Stage: 5th Match, Group C
- Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India
- Result: England won by 4 runs
- Player of the Match: Will Jacks
England’s narrow success underlined both their batting firepower and Nepal’s fearless chase in a match that lived up to its billing as one of the most thrilling of the tournament so far.
Also read – New Zealand beats Afghanistan: Match summary and analysis
Playing XI
England XI
- Philip Salt
- Jos Buttler (wk)
- Jacob Bethell
- Tom Banton
- Harry Brook (c)
- Sam Curran
- Will Jacks
- Liam Dawson
- Jofra Archer
- Adil Rashid
- Luke Wood
Nepal XI
- Kushal Bhurtel
- Aasif Sheikh (wk)
- Rohit Paudel (c)
- Dipendra Singh Airee
- Aarif Sheikh
- Lokesh Bam
- Gulsan Jha
- Karan KC
- Nandan Yadav
- Sandeep Lamichhane
- Sher Malla
Pitch Report & Conditions
The Wankhede surface offered true bounce initially, aiding stroke play, but gradually tilted in favour of bowlers with sharp variations as the innings went on. Teams batting first looked to build momentum early and then capitalise in middle overs, while defending sides generally benefited from disciplined spin and change-of-pace bowling. The atmosphere was electric as Nepal’s fearless approach contrasted with England’s structured aggression.
Full Scorecard
England Innings – 184/7 (20 overs)
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philip Salt | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | c Lamichhane b Sher Malla |
| Jos Buttler (wk) | 26 | 17 | 5 | 0 | c Aasif Sheikh b Nandan Yadav |
| Jacob Bethell | 55 | 35 | 4 | 4 | c Lokesh Bam b Dipendra Singh Airee |
| Tom Banton | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | lbw b Lamichhane |
| Harry Brook (c) | 53 | 32 | 4 | 3 | c Sher Malla b Nandan Yadav |
| Sam Curran | 2 | 8 | 0 | 0 | b Dipendra Singh Airee |
| Will Jacks | 39 not out | 18 | 1 | 4 | — |
| Jofra Archer | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | run out |
| Liam Dawson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Extras | 5 (b 0, lb 1, w 4) | — | — | — | — |
| Total | 184/7 | 20.0 overs | — | — |
England Bowling
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karan KC | 3.0 | 35 | 0 | 11.70 |
| Sher Malla | 3.0 | 35 | 1 | 11.70 |
| Dipendra Singh Airee | 3.0 | 23 | 2 | 7.70 |
| Nandan Yadav | 3.0 | 25 | 2 | 8.30 |
| Sandeep Lamichhane | 4.0 | 25 | 1 | 6.20 |
| Kushal Bhurtel | 4.0 | 40 | 0 | 10.00 |
Nepal Innings – 180/6 (20 overs)
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kushal Bhurtel | 12 | 14 | 1 | 0 | lbw b Curran |
| Aasif Sheikh (wk) | 32 | 24 | 3 | 0 | c Buttler b Rashid |
| Rohit Paudel (c) | 32 | 25 | 2 | 1 | c Bethell b Archer |
| Dipendra Singh Airee | 30 | 18 | 2 | 1 | b Rashid |
| Aarif Sheikh | 23 | 17 | 2 | 0 | c Brook b Archer |
| Lokesh Bam | 35 | 15 | 5 | 1 | not out |
| Others | — | ||||
| Extras | 16 (b 0, lb 3, w 13) | — | — | — | — |
| Total | 180/6 | 20.0 overs | — | — |
Match Summary
England posted 184/7, anchored by half-centuries from Harry Brook (53) and Jacob Bethell (55), with a late-innings flourish by Will Jacks (39)* propelling them to a competitive total. Nepal’s bowlers struck early and kept the scoring rate in check, but England’s depth helped them reach a defendable score.
In reply, Nepal launched a fearless chase, led by Lokesh Bam (35 off 15) in a thrilling late innings push. Despite losing wickets at key moments, Nepal stayed close throughout the run chase, and only 4 runs separated the teams at the final whistle.
Turning Point of the Match
The decisive phase came in the final five overs, when Nepal’s momentum was checked by timely bowling changes from England. Sam Curran’s precise yorkers and strategic use of slower balls in death overs helped restrict Nepal at crucial moments. The narrow margin reflected how evenly matched the contest was — Nepal came within striking distance but couldn’t quite overhaul the required rate.
Top Performers
- ⭐ Will Jacks (ENG): Game-changing cameo of 39* off 18, instrumental in pushing England’s total above 180.
- 🔥 Jacob Bethell (ENG): Anchored the innings with a fluent 55.
- 🎯 Lokesh Bam (NEP): Explosive 35* that nearly scripted a historic upset.
Player Impact Analysis
England’s experienced top order set a solid foundation under scoreboard pressure, while their bowling unit kept Nepal’s chase controlled through key overs. Nepal’s campaign was boosted by aggressive batting from the middle order, proving the associate team’s significant improvement in T20 cricket.
Points Table & Qualification Impact
This narrow win gives England a crucial early points advantage in Group C, positioning them well for the Super Eight stage. Nepal, despite the loss, earned immense respect and a boost to their net run rate thanks to a spirited performance against a top-tier opponent.
Expert Analysis: Why England Won
England’s experience in managing high-pressure chases ultimately made the difference in this tight contest. Their batters paced the innings intelligently, and their bowlers executed key plans at critical junctures. Nepal’s fearless approach nearly delivered a major upset, but England’s depth and finishing ability proved decisive.
FAQs
Who won England vs Nepal T20 World Cup 2026 match?
England won by 4 runs.
What was England’s total?
England scored 184/7 in 20 overs.
How many did Nepal score?
Nepal finished on 180/6 in 20 overs.
Who was Player of the Match?
Will Jacks for his 39* off 18 balls.
Where was the match played?
At the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Conclusion
In one of the closest matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, England survived a tense final over to beat Nepal by just 4 runs, thanks to crucial contributions from their middle order and disciplined bowling in the death overs. Nepal’s fearless chase highlighted their growing potential on the world stage, earning plaudits despite the narrow loss.
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