Mumbai, February 8: In the Group C match of the T20 World Cup 2026, England won the toss and opted to bat first, setting a target of 185 runs for Nepal.
The match, held at Wankhede Stadium, did not start well for England, losing their first wicket, Phil Salt, for just 5 runs. Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethel stabilized the innings, forming a partnership of 38 runs for the second wicket, bringing the score to 43. Buttler scored 26 runs off 17 balls before being dismissed. Tom Banton also fell cheaply, managing only 2 runs.
Struggling at 57 for 3, England found resilience in Bethel and captain Harry Brook. The duo put together a vital 71-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Bethel reached a half-century, scoring 55 runs off 35 balls, including 4 sixes and 4 fours.
Harry Brook also contributed significantly, scoring 53 runs from 32 balls, featuring 3 sixes and 4 fours. Coming in at number seven, Will Jacks played a crucial finishing role, remaining unbeaten on 39 runs off 18 balls, which included 4 sixes and 1 four, helping the team reach a total of 184 runs for 7 wickets. Sam Curran and Jofra Archer contributed 2 and 1 run, respectively, before their dismissals.
Jacks’ innings could prove pivotal for England as they look to defend their total.
For Nepal, Deependra Singh Airee and Nandan Yadav each took 2 wickets, while Sher Malla and Sandeep Lamichhane claimed 1 wicket apiece.
Nepal boasts a strong batting lineup, and it will be interesting to see how they approach the challenge of chasing down the 185-run target.