By Alam Zeb Safi
MUMBAI: England survived a stirring late charge from Nepal to clinch a tense four-run victory in a Group C match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.
Powered by aggressive half-centuries from Jacob Bethell and captain Harry Brook, and a blistering unbeaten cameo from Will Jacks, England posted a competitive 184 for seven after opting to bat first. Nepal, chasing a daunting 185, came agonisingly close, finishing on 180 for six as England held their nerve at the death.
England’s innings never fully settled early on. Phil Salt fell in the second over and Jos Buttler departed after a brisk 26, but Bethell steadied the innings with a fluent 55 off 35 balls, mixing clean hitting with smart placement. Brook then took charge through the middle overs, striking 53 from 32 deliveries to keep England on track for a big finish.
Nepal’s bowlers fought back admirably. Dipendra Singh Airee and Nandan Yadav each claimed two wickets, while Sandeep Lamichhane kept things tight with his variations. Just when Nepal looked to have dragged the scoring rate under control, Will Jacks exploded at the death, smashing 39 not out from just 18 balls, including four sixes, to lift England beyond 180.
Nepal’s chase began brightly, with Kushal Bhurtel scoring freely before falling for 29. Skipper Rohit Paudel anchored the innings with a measured 39, while Airee reignited hopes with a powerful 44 off 29 balls that swung momentum sharply Nepal’s way.
With the required rate climbing in the final overs, Lokesh Bam launched a fearless assault, hammering an unbeaten 39 from 20 balls to push the contest to the final over in which Nepal required ten to win. However Sam Curran bowled with great discipline conceding just five runs leaving Nepal just short of a famous upset.
Jacks capped an outstanding all-round performance by taking a key wicket and conceding only 17 runs in his two overs, earning the Player of the Match award as England secured their first points of the group stage.
Summarised Score
England 184/7 (20 overs)
Jacob Bethell 55 (35), Harry Brook 53 (32), Will Jacks 39* (18)
Dipendra Singh Airee 2/23, Nandan Yadav 2/25, Sandeep Lamichhane 1/25
Nepal 180/6 (20 overs)
Dipendra Singh Airee 44 (29), Lokesh Bam 39* (20), Rohit Paudel 39 (34)
Liam Dawson 2/21, Will Jacks 1/17, Sam Curran 1/27
Result: England won by 4 runs
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Player of the Match: Will Jacks (England)
Points: England 2, Nepal 0
