HomeSportsCricketT20 World CupENG vs NEP Highlights: England survive Nepal scare, win by 4 runs in Mumbai
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T20 World Cup 2026

ENG vs NEP, T20 World Cup Highlights: England survive Nepal scare, win by 4 runs in Mumbai

India Today Sports Desk
Mumbai,UPDATED: Feb 8, 2026 19:21 IST

ENG (England) vs NEP (Nepal) Highlights, T20 World Cup: England held their nerve in the final over as Sam Curran was immensely accurate and pulled off a remarkable four-run victory for his team. Lokesh Bam's was crestfallen after his heroic 39* (20) ended in vain.

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Rohit Paudel plays a shot against England(AP Photo)
ENG vs NEP live score, T20 World Cup (AP Photo)

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the ICC T20 World Cup. We are live from Mumbai as England play Nepal in their first group-stage match of the tournament.

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19:08 IST:
Goodbye from this thriller! England secures the points after a nervy finish, while Nepal can take plenty of positives from a fighting loss. But don't go anywhere because the cricket action continues. We are shifting gears immediately for the next clash, where Sri Lanka locks horns with Ireland in what promises to be a cracking contest. The game has already started, so just switch tabs for more excitement. Cheers!
19:12 IST:
The victorious skipper of England - Harry Brook says that it wasn't an easy game at all but they got over the line. Adds that there are not many players who can take down Adil Rashid. He says that the total was great but Nepal were outstanding. He adds that Will Jacks' knock towards the end was crucial and that is the reason they got over the line. He ends by saying that Sam Curran bowled well, and he was calm under pressure.
19:07 IST:
The captain of Nepal - Rohit Paudel says there is obviously disappointment, but more than anything, he is proud of how his team performed. Adds that the fight they showed against England was outstanding. Mentions they came in with one clear goal, to give their absolute best, and the players did exactly that. Tellls they did not come to this World Cup just to take part, they came to compete, and this game showed that. Further adds that the result did not go their way, but across batting, bowling, and fielding, the effort was right up there. Admits that the last few overs are an area to improve, and England handled that phase better, but they will learn from it. During the key partnership, the idea was to stay calm, keep wickets in hand and manage the chase smartly, and that approach worked well for them. Says going ahead, everyone will respect every opponent and make sure they bring their best each time. Playing in India with so many Nepalese fans in the stands was something special, and their support pushed them to give everything out there.
18:56 IST:
Presentation Time...
19:09 IST:
PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Will Jacks receives the award for his crucial 39 off 18 with the bat, and 1/17 (2) with the ball. He starts by giving credit to Nepal for an outstanding performance in this game. Adds that they found the surface a bit tough while batting, but Nepal handled the spin excellently and pushed them to their limits. Mentions that it was good to spend some time out there, and says that the focus was to keep things simple, and to trust the information from the batters who went out there. Further adds that it was difficult against the slower bowlers at the start, and says that Nepal might reflect on the last over, but overall, they were very good with their tactics. He feels that spinners will have a big role to play if the conditions remain the same and praises Liam Dawson for his performance. Ends by saying that the new haircut has started well, with one win in one game and he hopes the results continue to be positive.
19:11 IST:
It was a narrow escape for England! While England takes the points, they have plenty to ponder. Liam Dawson was the standout with the ball, bowling an economical spell and taking two wickets, but it was a forgettable outing for the pace duo of Jofra Archer and Luke Wood. They picked up a wicket each but were expensive. Their main spinner, Adil Rashid, was wicketless and expensive as well. 
19:04 IST:
The heart popping finish -  Just as Nepal looked poised for a historic upset, the tide turned. Dipendra Singh Airee fell in the 15th over, and Paudel followed shortly after with 39, leaving the lower order to finish the job. Lokesh Bam refused to go down without a fight, smashing a blistering 39* off 20 balls to keep the dream alive. However, the experience of Sam Curran just about prevailed in the death as Nepal agonizingly fell short by 4 runs!
19:02 IST:
Nepal launched a great counter-attack - Chasing 185, Nepal showed no signs of getting intimidated. Despite losing Aasif Sheikh early and Kushal Bhurtel falling for a quickfire 29 inside the Powerplay, the game was far from over. The duo of captain Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee turned the tables with a magnificent 82-run partnership off just 54 balls. Airee was instrumental, scoring 44 and becoming the first Nepalese batter to cross 2000 T20I runs, putting the pressure right back on England.
18:48 IST:
England had set a challenging total - Earlier in the day, England posted a competitive 184/7, though it wasn't smooth sailing. While Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell lit up the stadium with explosive half-centuries, and Will Jacks provided late fireworks, Nepal's bowlers were disciplined. Their spinners, particularly Sandeep Lamichhane and Dipendra Singh Airee, choked the run flow in the middle overs, while Nandan Yadav picked up crucial wickets to keep the English batters in check.
18:43 IST:
A last-ball thriller at Wankhede! What an absolute thriller we have witnessed here in Mumbai. In a game that swung like a pendulum, England has managed to hold their nerve to edge past a spirited Nepal side by just 4 runs. It all came down to the final over, where Sam Curran was given the task with 10 runs needed off 6 balls. He delivered under immense pressure, sealing a last-ball victory that saved England’s blushes. Heartbreak for Nepal, who fought till the end. They can walk away with their heads held high.
Score 180/6
BatsmanLokesh Bam 39(20b 4*4 2*6)
BowlerSam Curran 4-0-27-1
18:35 IST:
19.6: Sam Curran to Lokesh Bam, Heartbreak for Lokesh Bam, and Nepal! So close, yet cruelly out of reach. Sam Curran steps up when his team needed him the most. He does not quite get the yorker right, but bowls a low full toss. Not an easy ball to hit for six. Lokesh Bam fails to get under it fully and only drills it as far as long off for one. He gets down on his knees at the other end and is inconsolable as he feels this got away from them. There is a sense of relief in the English camp, they just about get over the line here. ENGLAND WIN BY 4 RUNS!
18:35 IST:
6 needed off 1 ball. Extended chat between the bowler and Harry Brook. Jos Buttler also joins. You can cut the tension with a knife here. 
18:33 IST:
19.5: Sam Curran to Lokesh Bam, Right in the blockhole, on middle, Lokesh Bam jams it out towards long on. He sets off the run but then decides against it. Probably the right thing to do, as if anyone can do it for Nepal, it is Bam. 6 needed off the last ball.
18:32 IST:
19.4: Sam Curran to Lokesh Bam, Fuller delivery, on the pads, Lokesh Bam picks it up and whips it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 6 from 2 now. One big hit will do it for Nepal. Can Bam be the hero for them?
18:30 IST:
19.3: Sam Curran to Karan KC, Gets the yorker in, on middle and leg, Karan KC can only jam it out towards long on for a run. Nepal need 8 runs in 3 balls.
18:29 IST:
19.2: Sam Curran to Lokesh Bam, A full toss, on off, Lokesh Bam lofts it towards long off for a single. He is looking for the second but it is not available. 
18:28 IST:
19.1: Sam Curran to Lokesh Bam, Good start from Sam Curran! He goes fuller and around off, almost in the blockhole, Lokesh Bam looks to go big down the ground but misses. 10 needed off 5 now.
18:30 IST:
Stop everything. You simply cannot miss this. Nepal need 10 from the final over to pull off a famous upset on the grand stage. Lokesh Bam on strike, Karan KC is the new batter at the non-striker end. Sam Curran with the ball, pressure thick enough to cut. Here we go.
Score 175/6
BatsmanGulshan Jha 1(2b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerLuke Wood 3-0-31-1
18:27 IST:
18.6: Luke Wood to Gulshan Jha, OUT! CASTLED! Luke Wood finishes the over well here. He goes full and straight, attacking the stumps. Gulshan Jha stays deep inside the crease and has a swing across the line but misses due to the extra pace. The ball goes through to shatter the stumps. Nepal are 175/6, but the good thing for them is Lokesh Bam will be on strike for the final over.
18:26 IST:
18.5: Luke Wood to Lokesh Bam, More good fielding from Will Jacks! Overpitched delivery, on middle, Lokesh Bam crouches low and slogs it hard and wide of long on. Jacks quickly runs to his left and stops it well to keep it to just one run.
18:25 IST:
18.4: Luke Wood to Lokesh Bam, JUST SHORT! A full toss, on middle, Lokesh Bam lofts it down the ground but does not get the timing. Will Jacks from long on runs to his left and dives but fails to reach it. However, he does well to get his body behind the line to stop the boundary. Two taken.
18:24 IST:
18.4: Luke Wood to Lokesh Bam, WIDE! This is not good from Luke Wood! He fails to execute the wide yorker once again, bowls this outside the wide guideline. Nepal won't mind, they will take a few more of these if they can.
18:23 IST:
18.3: Luke Wood to Lokesh Bam, FOUR! Lokesh Bam is playing a blinder here! This is a slower one, full and around off. Bam tries to loft it over mid off, who is up in the circle. He does not get it from the middle of the bat but gets enough to clear the fielder. The fielder from long on runs to his left but cannot cut it out as the ball trickles away to the fence for a boundary. 14 needed in 9 now.
18:22 IST:
18.2: Luke Wood to Lokesh Bam, A precious dot! Luke Wood finally gets it right, serves this full and around off, angling away. Lokesh Bam goes down for the slog sweep but only connects with thin air.
18:21 IST:
18.2: Luke Wood to Lokesh Bam, WIDE! Another one! This shows England are under pressure here. Wood spills another full delivery, way outside off, Lokesh Bam lets it go. 18 needed in 11 now.
18:20 IST:
18.2: Luke Wood to Lokesh Bam, WIDE! Tries the wide yorker, but bowls this way outside off, Lokesh Bam leaves it alone. Wided.
18:20 IST:
18.1: Luke Wood to Lokesh Bam, FOUR! Perfect start to the over for Nepal! It does not matter how the runs come as long as they keep coming. Fuller and around off, Lokesh Bam goes down to swipe it away but gets a top edge over the keeper's head for a boundary. 20 needed in 11 now.
Score 161/5
BatsmanLokesh Bam 24(10b 2*4 2*6)
BowlerJofra Archer 4-0-42-1
18:20 IST:
17.6: Jofra Archer to Lokesh Bam, Overpitched and on middle, Lokesh Bam makes room and drives it to sweeper cover for one and keeps the strike. 24 needed in 12 now.
18:19 IST:
17.5: Jofra Archer to Lokesh Bam, SIX MORE! Bam goes boom... Nepal are not backing down here. Archer bangs this into the pitch, but gives no pace to the batter. Lokesh Bam is expecting that, he moves inside the line of the ball and pulls it away. The fielder at deep square leg thinks he is in the game but only watches it sail over his head for another six.
18:18 IST:
17.4: Jofra Archer to Lokesh Bam, SIX! What a shot under pressure! Jofra Archer sticks to the slower delivery, but serves this full, on off. Lokesh Bam gets right underneath the ball and tonks it over the long off fence for half a dozen more.
18:18 IST:
17.4: Jofra Archer to Lokesh Bam, WIDE! Hard length and outside off, slower too but this one just goes over the guideline. Lokesh Bam fails to reach it. Given as a wide.
18:17 IST:
17.3: Jofra Archer to Gulshan Jha, Fuller and around off, Gulshan Jha drills it to sweeper cover for a single.
18:16 IST:
Timely wicket for England and Wankhede goes silent. Gulshan Jha walks in at number 7.
18:17 IST:
17.2: Jofra Archer to Aarif Sheikh, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Jofra Archer goes fuller this time, outside off, pace off again. Aarif Sheikh has to reach out for it, and throws the kitchen sink at it. He only manages to get a thick outside edge behind, where Jos Buttler moves to his right and takes a sharp catch. Nepal are 146/5, still needing 39 runs in 16 balls.
18:15 IST:
17.1: Jofra Archer to Aarif Sheikh, SIX! Gets hold of that one! Jofra Archer bowls this on a good length and around off, takes pace off. Aarif Sheikh crouches low and heaves it across the line. He almost goes through the shot early but manages to get enough power to send it over Phil Salt at deep mid-wicket for a biggie.
18:14 IST:
17.1: Jofra Archer to Aarif Sheikh, WIDE! Tries the off-cutter, but spills this down the leg side. Aarif Sheikh fails to glance it away. Called a wide.
18:12 IST:
Jofra Archer (3-0-20-0) to bowl his last over now.
Score 139/4
BatsmanLokesh Bam 11(7b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerSam Curran 3-0-22-1
18:12 IST:
16.6: Sam Curran to Lokesh Bam, Superb finish to the over from Curran! He nails another yorker, on middle, Lokesh Bam only manages to dig it back to the bowler. 46 needed off 18 balls. 
18:12 IST:
16.5: Sam Curran to Lokesh Bam, FOUR! That will help too! Sam Curran goes fuller this time, attacks the stumps, on middle and leg. Lokesh Bam tries to whip it away but gets an inside edge that races wide of short fine for another boundary.
18:10 IST:
16.4: Sam Curran to Lokesh Bam, FOUR! Streaky but they all count! Fuller delivery, outside off, pace off again and this one turns away too. Lokesh Bam looks to slog it across the line but gets a top edge that flies over short third for a boundary.
18:07 IST:
16.3: Sam Curran to Lokesh Bam, Clever bowling! Back of a length and just outside off, rolls his fingers to take the pace off, Lokesh Bam makes room and throws his bat at it but misses.
18:09 IST:
16.2: Sam Curran to Aarif Sheikh, Another fine yorker, on middle, Aarif Sheikh digs it towards long on for a run. 54 needed in 22 now.
18:06 IST:
16.1: Sam Curran to Lokesh Bam, Right in the blockhole, on off, Lokesh Bam just about gets his bat down in time to jam it out towards cover-point for a single.
Score 129/4
BatsmanLokesh Bam 2(2b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerLiam Dawson 4-0-21-2
18:08 IST:
15.6: Liam Dawson to Lokesh Bam, Flighted, full and on middle, Lokesh Bam eases it to long on for one. Magnificent over and spell from Dawson, 2/21 in his 4 overs. 
18:05 IST:
15.5: Liam Dawson to Aarif Sheikh, Short and on middle, Aarif Sheikh pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
18:07 IST:
15.4: Liam Dawson to Lokesh Bam, Flatter, full and on leg, Lokesh Bam clips it through square leg for another run.
18:04 IST:
Lokesh Bam joins Aarif Sheikh out in the middle now.
18:04 IST:
15.3: Liam Dawson to Rohit Paudel, OUT! CAUGHT! A superb catch in the deep, and England are starting to regain control of this game. Liam Dawson floats it up, full and on middle, turns away a bit. Rohit Paudel goes down for the slog sweep but hits it from the bottom half of his bat. It flies flat towards deep mid-wicket, where Phil Salt runs to his right, dives and takes a fantastic catch just inches above the ground. There is a check for the catch, but the replay shows that Salt has his fingers underneath the ball. Paudel walks back for 39 off 34, and Nepal are four down now. In the space of eight balls, both set Nepal batters are gone and England have suddenly climbed on top. Momentum flipped, and now it is 59 needed off 27.
18:03 IST:
15.2: Liam Dawson to Aarif Sheikh, Drops it short and around off, Aarif Sheikh punches it to sweeper cover fo a single.
18:02 IST:
15.1: Liam Dawson to Aarif Sheikh, Tossed up, full and on off, holds up in the surface a bit. Aarif Sheikh looks to push it away but the ball hits the upper part of his bat. It lobs up but does not carry to short extra cover.
Score 125/3
BatsmanRohit Paudel 39(33b 2*4 2*6)
BowlerSam Curran 2-0-12-1
18:01 IST:
14.6: Sam Curran to Rohit Paudel, Swing and a miss! Bangs this into the pitch, on off, pace on this time. Rohit Paudel gets hurried on his pull shot and misses. Just 2 runs and a wicket from the over. 60 needed from 30 balls now.
18:00 IST:
14.5: Sam Curran to Rohit Paudel, Short of a length and just around off, Rohit Paudel tries the reverse ramp but misses due to the lack of pace.
17:59 IST:
14.4: Sam Curran to Aarif Sheikh, On a length and on off, Aarif Sheikh pushes it towards extra cover for a single.
17:58 IST:
14.3: Sam Curran to Aarif Sheikh, Play and a miss! Fuller and around off, angling away, Aarif Sheikh looks to push it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.
17:59 IST:
England get the much-needed breakthrough here. Aarif Sheikh comes out to the middle now.
17:58 IST:
14.2: Sam Curran to Dipendra Singh Airee, OUT! TAKEN! Sam Curran gets the wicket England were desperate for, and the Drinks break bears fruit for them. This is a slower one, full and outside off. Dipendra Singh Airee looks to take it on and go big down the ground, but ends up slicing it as his bat turns in his hands. It flies towards deep extra cover, where Tom Banton takes a good catch under pressure. The stand worth 82 (54) has been broken and England will take a sigh of relief. 
17:56 IST:
14.1: Sam Curran to Rohit Paudel, A low full toss, on off, Rohit Paudel drives it to sweeper cover for a single.
17:58 IST:
DRINKS! What a sensational turnaround this has been from Nepal! Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee have completely shifted the momentum with a blistering 81-run stand off just 52 deliveries, putting the pressure right back on the English bowlers. With 62 needed from the final 36 balls, the game is beautifully poised on a knife-edge. England look rattled and will need to find a way to break this partnership immediately. Let's see how it ends.
Score 123/2
BatsmanDipendra Singh Airee 44(28b 6*4 1*6)
BowlerAdil Rashid 3-0-42-0
17:52 IST:
13.6: Adil Rashid to Dipendra Singh Airee, SIX! 19 runs off this Adil Rashid over! The leggie gives this one some more air, full and around middle. Dipendra Singh Airee changes his stance early and absolutely nails the reverse batted shot. He hits it so well that it sails over the man at deep point for half a dozen of runs.
17:51 IST:
13.5: Adil Rashid to Dipendra Singh Airee, FOUR! Wow...top shot! Tossed up, full and around off, Dipendra Singh Airee does not try to hit it hard. He just leans on to his drive and creams it through covers for a boundary. Nepal are really taking on Rashid here.
17:51 IST:
13.4: Adil Rashid to Rohit Paudel, Flighted, full and on middle, Rohit Paudel slog sweeps it on the bounce to deep mid-wicket for one.
17:51 IST:
13.3: Adil Rashid to Rohit Paudel, SIX! SMOKED! Adil Rashid bowls the googly. but drops it short, turning into leg. Rohit Paudel picks up the length early, rocks back and whacks it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.
17:50 IST:
13.2: Adil Rashid to Dipendra Singh Airee, Slightly shorter in length, quicker as well, on off, Dipendra Singh Airee punches it to long off for a run.
17:49 IST:
13.1: Adil Rashid to Rohit Paudel, Flatter, full and around leg, Rohit Paudel goes down and paddles it to short fine for a single. The running between the wickets between these two has been fantastic. 
17:51 IST:
Rishabh Beniwal

T20 World Cup live score: Nepal losing their way

While Nepal were cruising after the first ten overs of the match, England have managed to pull things back as they've only given 19 runs in the last three overs. The required run rate is touching almost 12 now and Dipendra Singh Airee and Rohit Paudel need to get a move on in the middle.

Score 104/2
BatsmanRohit Paudel 30(27b 2*4 1*6)
BowlerJofra Archer 3-0-20-0
17:48 IST:
12.6: Jofra Archer to Rohit Paudel, Pitched up and on middle, angling in, Rohit Paudel slogs it wide of long on, just one more. 3 runs off the over, tidy from Archer!
17:48 IST:
12.5: Jofra Archer to Dipendra Singh Airee, In the air...safe! Back of a length and on middle, takes off a bit. Dipendra Singh Airee looks to pull but gets a top edge. Jos Buttler, the keeper runs to his left but the ball drops safely in the square leg region. They cross.
17:47 IST:
12.4: Jofra Archer to Dipendra Singh Airee, Sharp bowling! Jofra Archer bangs in a quick bouncer now, Dipendra Singh Airee sways away and decides late to play the upper cut but fails to connect.
17:47 IST:
12.3: Jofra Archer to Rohit Paudel, Cannot get it away! Short of a length and down the leg side, begging to be put away. Rohit Paudel hooks it but fails to beat fine leg. A single taken.
17:46 IST:
12.2: Jofra Archer to Rohit Paudel, Goes fuller and just outside off, Rohit Paudel opens up his stance to go over covers but misses.
17:45 IST:
12.1: Jofra Archer to Rohit Paudel, Uppish but safe! Change in pace first up. Good length and on off, at 110 clicks, Rohit Paudel goes through his push early and lobs it in the air but it lands well in front of extra cover.
Score 101/2
BatsmanRohit Paudel 28(23b 2*4 1*6)
BowlerSam Curran 1-0-10-0
17:44 IST:
11.6: Sam Curran to Rohit Paudel, Hard length and outside off, takes pace off, Rohit Paudel makes room and stabs it out towards backward point. He sets off for the run and scampers across to the other end, with the fielder missing his shy at the bowling end. Nepal need 84 runs in 48 balls.
17:44 IST:
11.5: Sam Curran to Dipendra Singh Airee, Back of a length and on off, Dipendra Singh Airee dabs it towards backward point for one. 100 UP FOR NEPAL!
17:43 IST:
11.4: Sam Curran to Rohit Paudel, Hits the length hard, on leg, Rohit Paudel backs away and forces it down to long on for another run.
17:42 IST:
11.3: Sam Curran to Dipendra Singh Airee, Pitched up and around off, Dipendra Singh Airee drives it to sweeper cover for a run.
17:42 IST:
11.2: Sam Curran to Rohit Paudel, Full but on the pads, Rohit Paudel glances it towards fine leg for a single.
17:41 IST:
11.1: Sam Curran to Rohit Paudel, FOUR! Gets it away! A loopy off-cutter, full and around middle. Rohit Paudel backs away very early. He has to wait for it but manages to get it through extra covers for a boundary.
17:41 IST:
11.1: Sam Curran to Rohit Paudel, WIDE! Starts with a fuller one but down the leg side, Rohit Paudel misses his flick. Called a wide. The fifty stand comes up! 
17:41 IST:
Sam Curran has been introduced into the attack. His off-pace deliveries will come in handy on this wicket.
Score 91/2
BatsmanDipendra Singh Airee 30(21b 5*4 0*6)
BowlerLiam Dawson 3-0-17-1
17:39 IST:
10.6: Liam Dawson to Dipendra Singh Airee, Flatter, short and on off, Dipendra Singh Airee punches it wide of the bowler. Liam Dawson moves to his right quickly, dives and stops it with his right hand. 
17:39 IST:
10.5: Liam Dawson to Rohit Paudel, Quicker one, full and on the pads, Rohit Paudel tucks it towards short fine for one.
17:38 IST:
10.4: Liam Dawson to Rohit Paudel, Swing and a miss! Slower through the air, full and around off, grips and turns away sharply. Rohit Paudel goes down for the slog sweep but fails to connect.
17:38 IST:
10.3: Liam Dawson to Dipendra Singh Airee, Flatter, full and on leg, Dipendra Singh Airee clips it away to deep square leg for a single.
17:37 IST:
10.2: Liam Dawson to Dipendra Singh Airee, FOUR! That is a superb shot! Tossed up, full and outside off. Dipendra Singh Airee whips his hands through the shot, reaches out and carves it over extra cover for a boundary.
17:36 IST:
10.1: Liam Dawson to Dipendra Singh Airee, Floated, full and on middle, Dipendra Singh Airee drills it down the pitch. Liam Dawson dives to his left on the follow-through to make the stop.
17:40 IST:
Rishabh Beniwal

T20 World Cup live: Nepal on course in massive run chase

Nepal have managed to keep themselves in the game as captain Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee have got involved in a crucial stand. They need 100 more runs to win off the last ten overs. Can Nepal script an upset against England?

Score 85/2
BatsmanRohit Paudel 20(17b 1*4 1*6)
BowlerAdil Rashid 2-0-23-0
17:36 IST:
9.6: Adil Rashid to Rohit Paudel, FOUR! Through the gap and Nepal are starting to believe! Flatter, just outside off, Rohit Paudel gets down on one knee and chips it in the gap through extra cover as the ball races away to the fence. 100 needed off 60 balls. 
17:35 IST:
9.5: Adil Rashid to Dipendra Singh Airee, Quicker, on middle, Dipendra Singh Airee turns it to square leg for a run.
17:35 IST:
9.4: Adil Rashid to Dipendra Singh Airee, FOUR! Some innovation from Dipendra Singh Airee! Flatter, on off, Dipendra Singh Airee changes his stance and reverse sweeps it over backward point for a boundary.
17:34 IST:
9.3: Adil Rashid to Dipendra Singh Airee, Adil Rashid keeps it full, on off, Dipendra Singh Airee pushes it to the left of the bowler.
17:34 IST:
9.2: Adil Rashid to Rohit Paudel, Quicker, on middle and leg, Rohit Paudel makes room and fends it to wide mid on for a single.
17:34 IST:
9.1: Adil Rashid to Rohit Paudel, Short, outside off, Rohit Paudel cuts it to the fielder at cover-point.
Score 75/2
BatsmanDipendra Singh Airee 20(14b 3*4 0*6)
BowlerLiam Dawson 2-0-11-1
17:32 IST:
8.6: Liam Dawson to Dipendra Singh Airee, Much fuller, on off, Dipendra Singh Airee pushes it to the fielder at extra cover.
17:32 IST:
8.5: Liam Dawson to Dipendra Singh Airee, Flatter, on off, and it bounces a bit extra. Dipendra Singh Airee is caught by surprise as he looks to block it. The ball hits the upper part of his bat. It lobs and lands safely in the vacant silly point region. Dot.
17:31 IST:
8.4: Liam Dawson to Rohit Paudel, Fired in, on middle, Rohit Paudel knocks it to mid off for a single. 
17:31 IST:
8.3: Liam Dawson to Dipendra Singh Airee, Quicker and shorter, on middle, Dipendra Singh Airee punches it to wide of extra cover for a single.
17:30 IST:
8.2: Liam Dawson to Rohit Paudel, Flatter, on middle, Rohit Paudel stays back and flicks it to square leg for a single.
17:29 IST:
8.1: Liam Dawson to Rohit Paudel, Good running between the wickets! Nepal batters are putting some pressure on the English team. Full, on middle, Rohit Paudel flicks it to mid-wicket for a brace. The partnership moves to 30 off 17 balls. 
17:30 IST:
Liam Dawson replaces Adil Rashid.
Score 70/2
BatsmanDipendra Singh Airee 19(11b 3*4 0*6)
BowlerWill Jacks 2-0-17-1
17:28 IST:
7.6: Will Jacks to Dipendra Singh Airee, FOUR! Excellent way to finish the over! Flatter, full and on leg, Dipendra Singh Airee gets low and sweeps it through square leg for a boundary. They are growing in confidence here.
17:28 IST:
7.5: Will Jacks to Dipendra Singh Airee, Beaten! Short and wide, with a hint of turn. Dipendra Singh Airee tries to cut it but gets beaten.
17:28 IST:
7.4: Will Jacks to Rohit Paudel, Much fuller this time, on middle, Rohit Paudel sweeps it through mid-wicket for a single. Good comeback from Will Jacks after conceding a boundary on the first ball.
17:27 IST:
7.3: Will Jacks to Dipendra Singh Airee, Flatter, just outside off, Dipendra Singh Airee drives it through cover for a single.
17:27 IST:
7.2: Will Jacks to Dipendra Singh Airee, Short ball, on off, Dipendra Singh Airee stays back and blocks it to the left of the bowler.
17:26 IST:
7.1: Will Jacks to Dipendra Singh Airee, FOUR! Dipendra Singh Airee joins the party now! Will Jacks errs in his line down the leg side, Dipendra Singh Airee picks it well and helps it through fine leg for a boundary.
Score 60/2
BatsmanRohit Paudel 10(10b 0*4 1*6)
BowlerAdil Rashid 1-0-13-0
17:25 IST:
6.6: Adil Rashid to Rohit Paudel, SIX! That was much-needed! A half-tracker from Adil Rashid, on middle and leg. Rohit Paudel gets down on one knee and clatters it over deep mid-wicket as the ball sails into the stands.
17:25 IST:
6.5: Adil Rashid to Dipendra Singh Airee, Fired in, on middle, Dipendra Singh Airee hops a bit and flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
17:24 IST:
6.4: Adil Rashid to Rohit Paudel, Flatter, on middle and leg, Rohit Paudel gets low and sweeps it through mid-wicket for a run.
17:24 IST:
6.3: Adil Rashid to Rohit Paudel, Short again, on off, Rohit Paudel punches it to the fielder at cover.
17:24 IST:
6.2: Adil Rashid to Dipendra Singh Airee, Short, on off, Dipendra Singh Airee pushes it to wide of mid off for a quick single.
17:24 IST:
6.1: Adil Rashid to Dipendra Singh Airee, FOUR! Width on offer and Dipendra Singh Airee doesn't miss out. Flatter, outside off, Dipendra Singh Airee reaches out to it and cuts it through backward point for a boundary.
17:27 IST:
Rishabh Beniwal

NEP vs ENG: England pulled things back in powerplay

After an explosive start from Kushal Bhurtel, which left England worried, the Three Lions have pulled things back with their spinners. Liam Dawson dismissed Aasif Sheikh while Will Jacks got rid of Bhurtel to bring an end to Nepal's fireworks.

Score 47/2
BatsmanDipendra Singh Airee 4(3b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerWill Jacks 1-0-7-1
17:22 IST:
5.6: Will Jacks to Dipendra Singh Airee, Flatter, on middle and leg, Dipendra Singh Airee gets down on one knee and slogs it through backward square leg for a run.
17:22 IST:
5.5: Will Jacks to Rohit Paudel, Nice and full, on leg, Rohit Paudel stays back and clips it through square leg for a single.
17:21 IST:
5.4: Will Jacks to Dipendra Singh Airee, Quicker, on middle and leg, Dipendra Singh Airee pulls it through square leg for one.
17:21 IST:
5.3: Will Jacks to Dipendra Singh Airee, Flatter, on middle and leg, Dipendra Singh Airee works it through square leg for a brace. He gets off the mark.
17:28 IST:
Drinks! Nepal have lost both of their openers, Aasif Sheikh and Kushal Bhurtel. The pressure is on, and they'll be leaning heavily on Rohit Paudel to anchor the innings and find some rhythm in the middle. While the required run rate isn't an issue just yet, England's bowlers are smelling blood and they’ll be desperate to keep the squeeze on and break this partnership before it can flourish. Dipendra Singh Airee gets a promotion and walks in to bat now.
17:21 IST:
5.2: Will Jacks to Kushal Bhurtel, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! That's a soft dismissal. After a fine start, Nepal lose two in a hurry. Will Jacks bowls a slower one, short and on off. Kushal Bhurtel goes deep in his crease and looks to work it away but the ball hits the leading part of his bat. It lobs back to the right of Will Jacks, who takes a simple catch. Nepal are 42/2, needing 143 runs in 88 balls.
17:17 IST:
5.1: Will Jacks to Rohit Paudel, Short ball, on off, Rohit Paudel stays back and knocks it down to long on for a run.
17:17 IST:
5.1: Will Jacks to Rohit Paudel, Wide! Will Jacks starts with a wide. Short, down the leg side, Rohit Paudel leaves it alone. 
Score 40/1
BatsmanRohit Paudel 1(5b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerJofra Archer 2-0-17-0
17:15 IST:
4.6: Jofra Archer to Rohit Paudel, Yorker, on middle, Rohit Paudel squeezes a flick shot to the short mid-wicket fielder, but he fumbles and the batter takes a single. 
17:15 IST:
4.5: Jofra Archer to Rohit Paudel, Full toss, on middle, Rohit Paudel nudges it but straight to the short mid-wicket fielder.
17:14 IST:
4.4: Jofra Archer to Rohit Paudel, On a length, on off, Rohit Paudel drives it to cover.
17:14 IST:
4.4: Jofra Archer to Rohit Paudel, WIDE! Rohit Paudel looks to flick this fuller delivery, going down the leg side but misses.
17:13 IST:
4.3: Jofra Archer to Rohit Paudel, Fuller, just outside off, Rohit Paudel bunts it to cover.
17:13 IST:
4.2: Jofra Archer to Kushal Bhurtel, On a hard length, on off, Kushal Bhurtel guides it to the right of short third and gets a single.
17:12 IST:
4.1: Jofra Archer to Kushal Bhurtel, Full, on off, Kushal Bhurtel blocks it to mid off.
Score 37/1
BatsmanRohit Paudel 0(1b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerLiam Dawson 1-0-6-1
17:11 IST:
3.6: Liam Dawson to Rohit Paudel, Full, on middle, Rohit Paudel defends it to his front.
17:13 IST:
One wicket down and it's Rohit Paudel who walks up to the middle.
17:10 IST:
3.5: Liam Dawson to Aasif Sheikh, OUT! CAUGHT! Liam Dawson is fired up. Fuller around leg, Aasif Sheikh once again goes for the sweep but only manages the top edge. The ball lobs gently to the right of Luke Wood at short fine leg, who shuffles across and pouches a dolly. Nepal lose their first wicket at 37, will this breakthrough finally put the brakes on the run flow?
17:09 IST:
3.4: Liam Dawson to Aasif Sheikh, Full, on leg, Aasif Sheikh flicks it to short fine leg.
17:08 IST:
3.3: Liam Dawson to Kushal Bhurtel, Full, on off, Kushal Bhurtel nudges it to square leg for another single.
17:08 IST:
3.2: Liam Dawson to Aasif Sheikh, Fuller, on middle, Aasif Sheikh works it to mid-wicket for one.
17:07 IST:
3.2: Liam Dawson to Kushal Bhurtel, TWO WIDES! Fuller, darting down the leg side. Kushal Bhurtel misses the flick and Buttler fumbles to glove it. Ends up parring it to short fine leg and the batter gets the single.
17:07 IST:
3.1: Liam Dawson to Kushal Bhurtel, In the air... and safe! Fuller, around leg, Kushal Bhurtel attempts to sweep it but gets the top edge. The ball loops over short fine leg and drops safely. Brace taken.
17:08 IST:
England will make their first change and it's Liam Dawson to offer some turn on the track.
Score 31/0
BatsmanAasif Sheikh 6(6b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerLuke Wood 2-0-17-0
17:05 IST:
2.6: Luke Wood to Aasif Sheikh, On a length, on middle, Aasif Sheikh dabs back to the bowler. 15 from the over, 29 from last two. 
17:05 IST:
2.5: Luke Wood to Aasif Sheikh, FOUR! Just the flick of the wrist! Aasif Sheikh is not holding back after watching his partner smoking the deliveries. On a good length, on middle, angling away. Aasif Sheikh flicks it up and over mid-wicket and gets four runs.
17:04 IST:
2.4: Luke Wood to Kushal Bhurtel, Fuller, shaping away from the off stump, Kushal Bhurtel looks to push it to cover, but gets the outside edge onto deep third for a single.
17:03 IST:
2.3: Luke Wood to Kushal Bhurtel, SIX! Kushal Bhurtel, you beauty! Short of a length, on middle. Bhurtel stands tall and pulls it up and over the deep square leg fence for a big six. The crowd is loving it, the fans of Nepal are dancing. This is exceptional striking from Bhurtel, playing fearless cricket. 
17:02 IST:
2.2: Luke Wood to Kushal Bhurtel, Short, outside off, angling away, Kushal Bhurtel attempts to cut it but misses.
17:05 IST:
2.1: Luke Wood to Kushal Bhurtel, FOUR! That's easy pickings for Kushal Bhurtel! On a good length, around the thigh pad. Kushal Bhurtel tickles it away through short fine leg for four runs. 
17:05 IST:
Rishabh Beniwal

ENG vs NEP Live: Bhurtel destroys Archer

Kushal Bhurtel has taken on England speedster Jofra Archer in his very first over, using his pace to his advantage. He whacked three boundaries against the fast bowler, taking 14 runs from his over. The Nepal opener is not overawed by the occasion at all and is playing fearless on a belter of a track.

Score 16/0
BatsmanKushal Bhurtel 14(8b 3*4 0*6)
BowlerJofra Archer 1-0-14-0
17:01 IST:
1.6: Jofra Archer to Kushal Bhurtel, On a length, outside off, Kushal Bhurtel guides it to deep third for a single. 14 runs off this over!
17:00 IST:
1.5: Jofra Archer to Kushal Bhurtel, FOUR! Excellent shot! This is a very positive start from Kushal Bhurtel as well as Nepal. On a length, on off, Kushal Bhurtel stays on the leg side of the delivery and drills it toward the right of the extra cover fielder for four more runs.
17:00 IST:
1.4: Jofra Archer to Kushal Bhurtel, Beaten! Back of a length, just outside off, zips through the surface. Kushal Bhurtel looks to cut it but gets beaten due to the extra pace on the ball. Much better from Archer.
16:59 IST:
1.3: Jofra Archer to Kushal Bhurtel, FOUR! This is excellent batting from Bhurtel! Fuller again, on off pole. Kushal Bhurtel drives it through the gap between cover and point to get back-to-back boundaries.
16:59 IST:
1.2: Jofra Archer to Kushal Bhurtel, FOUR! Up and over! Fuller, just outside off by Jofra Archer. Kushal Bhurtel prods and drives it over the point region. That's the first boundary of the chase. 
16:58 IST:
1.1: Jofra Archer to Aasif Sheikh, Overpitched, around the pads, Aasif Sheikh clips it to deep fine leg to rotate the strike.
17:07 IST:
Who will share the new ball? Jofra Archer it is!
Score 2/0
BatsmanAasif Sheikh 1(3b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerLuke Wood 1-0-2-0
16:57 IST:
0.6: Luke Wood to Aasif Sheikh, Fuller, on middle, Aasif Sheikh tucks it to deep square leg and gets a single. Two runs to start off the second inning!
16:56 IST:
0.5: Luke Wood to Aasif Sheikh, Fuller, just outside leg, Aasif Sheikh misses his flick and it thumps on his pad, onto short cover.
16:55 IST:
0.4: Luke Wood to Aasif Sheikh, On a hard length, angling away, with a hint of inswinger. Aasif Sheikh pats it to the right of short cover.
16:54 IST:
0.3: Luke Wood to Kushal Bhurtel, Low full toss, on middle. Kushal Bhurtel rolls his wrists and flicks it through square leg for a single. Bhurtel is off the mark!
16:53 IST:
0.2: Luke Wood to Kushal Bhurtel, Back of a length again, on middle, Kushal Bhurtel nudges it to mid-wicket.
16:53 IST:
0.1: Luke Wood to Kushal Bhurtel, Beaten straight away! Wood pitches it back of a length, shaping it away. Kushal Bhurtel hangs back to punch it through cover, but gets beaten on the outside edge.
16:57 IST:
We are back for the chase! The English players have stepped on the green turf and now they are scattering to take their respective field positions. Aasif Sheikh and Kushal Bhurtel will open the inning for Nepal. Luke Wood gets the new ball in hand and is raring to go with a slip in place. Off we go...
16:47 IST:
... The Run Chase ...
16:57 IST:
Steep task ahead - Now then, 185 for a regular Wankhede wicket is not that big to chase down but we have already seen that this is not a typical Wankhede wicket. There is bounce and some assistance on offer for the spinners. England have the runs to defend and the spinners to wreak havoc. Can they start the tournament with a solid win? Or will Rohit Paudel and co push them to the brink? Let's find out as the run chase is up next.
16:50 IST:
Nepal's inexperience at the death - Nepal have plenty of bowling options and although the lengths weren't the best for a large part of the innings, they managed to get regular breakthroughs. Sher Malla picked up a wicket off his very first delivery in T20Is and set the ball rolling. His good work was followed up by the senior pro, Sandeep Lamichhane and for a large part of the final 10 overs, Nepal seemed to be in control. The last 3 overs will certainly hurt, but how much? Only time will tell.
17:02 IST:
England's erratic batting - England are one of those teams that go hell for leather no matter what team they are playing against. However, they lost a couple of wickets inside the Powerplay and barring a 71-run stand between Jacob Bethell and captain Harry Brook, there weren't enough stands in order to lay a stable platform. However, twin fifties from Bethell and Brook, coupled with a flourish in the last over from Will Jacks has taken England to a very solid total.
17:02 IST:
A game of momentum - As many as 45 runs come in the last 3 overs of the innings and Nepal have seemingly thrown away what was heading towards a very decent bowling performance against a champion side. England seemed to be blowing hot and cold all throughout the first 20 overs but Will Jacks has handed the side a momentum boost, which could be so crucial.
Score 184/7
BatsmanWill Jacks 39(18b 1*4 4*6)
BowlerKaran KC 3-0-35-0
16:40 IST:
19.6: Karan KC to Will Jacks, SIX! And this is why Jacks needed to play the entire over! Full and wide outside off, Will Jacks leans into the shot and lofts it beautifully over cover to end the innings in style! 21 in the final over and ENGLAND END ON 184/7!
16:44 IST:
Amar Panicker says

ENG vs NEP Live: A spirited show from Nepal

A spirited performance from Nepal in the field. Using the pacer in that final over might not have been the ideal call, but credit where it's due—they made England work hard for every run. Will Jacks provided the explosive finish, complementing half-centuries from Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell to push England to a competitive total. That said, Nepal still have a mountain to climb if they're to pull off what would be a truly historic victory.

16:40 IST:
One ball left. Liam Dawson is in at number 9, replacing Jofra Archer but it will be Jacks on strike.
16:39 IST:
19.5: Karan KC to Jofra Archer, OUT! JOFRA ARCHER IS RUN OUT. Sacrificial lamb. Which makes the previous single even more dumbfounding. On a length, outside off, Archer swings for the ocean but misses. The keeper collects and the batters go for the bye. The keeper lobs the ball to the bowler who runs back and calmly takes the bails off with Archer nowhere in the frame. Archer departs for 1 (3) and England are 178/7 after 19.5 overs.
16:38 IST:
19.4: Karan KC to Will Jacks, Surprising. The single is taken. One would have thought Jacks would play the entire over. Another slower ball, short in length outside off, Will goes for the pull but is still early into his shot. Shakes his head in frustration and jogs across to the other end for a single as the ball goes to deep mid-wicket. But why did he run?
16:37 IST:
19.3: Karan KC to Will Jacks, SIX MORE! This is even better than the previous one! Low full toss, outside off, Jacks goes low and just scoops it over backward point for consecutive sixes! Jacks moves to 32 (16).
16:36 IST:
19.2: Karan KC to Will Jacks, SIX! POUNDED! 170 is touched. 4 balls left. Short, outside off, pace off, Will Jacks waits for the ball and slaps it over extra cover for half a dozen!
16:36 IST:
19.1: Karan KC to Will Jacks, Around off, heaved through mid-wicket. The batters take a couple and the throw comes in at the striker's end. It is a direct hit and the batters think about the overthrow but don't take it.
16:35 IST:
Final over coming up. Karan KC to bowl. 2-0-14-0 so far.
Score 163/6
BatsmanWill Jacks 18(13b 1*4 1*6)
BowlerNandan Yadav 3-0-25-2
16:34 IST:
18.6: Nandan Yadav to Will Jacks, Short, outside off, slapped through the covers for a single. A wicket and 12 runs from the over, 24 in the last 2!
16:38 IST:
Amar Panicker says

Game still in the balace

This contest is far from over, and Nepal will certainly be feeling that. This final over looms large and could well determine which side holds the upper hand heading into the chase. A big over here will send England into the break brimming with confidence, while Nepal will be the happier side if they can keep the damage to a minimum and restrict the total.

16:33 IST:
18.5: Nandan Yadav to Will Jacks, FOUR! Jacks finds the fence. Not where he intended though. Short and wide outside off, Will throws his bat at it and the ball runs off the toe end, to the right of the keeper, into the deep third fence!
16:32 IST:
18.4: Nandan Yadav to Jofra Archer, Very full, on middle, Archer drills it to long on for a single.
16:31 IST:
18.3: Nandan Yadav to Jofra Archer, RUN OUT CHANCE! Bowler decides not to throw. On a length, outside off, Jofra Archer looks to punch it through the off side but gets a bottom edge. The non-striker sets off for the single and is halfway down but the bowler quickly gets to the ball. Turns around and thinks about the shy but holds himself.
16:31 IST:
10 balls left. And my, Jofra Archer has come out at number 8, replacing his skipper, Harry Brook!
16:31 IST:
18.2: Nandan Yadav to Harry Brook, OUT! CAUGHT! Nepal might have been erratic with their bowling but in terms of communication, their skills have been excellent on the field. Slower ball, on a length, outside off, Brook tries to heave it through the off side, ummm... almost like his dismissal to Mitchell Starc in the 2023 Ashes but on this occasion, his head was more still. Gets a leading edge which goes towards cover. Sweeper comes running in, with the sun into his eyes while cover runs back. They are on the path of collision but Sher Malla from sweeper calls for it and the debutant takes the catch pretty nicely, with the setting sun into his eyes. End of a fine knock of 53 (32) from Harry Brook and from 128/3, England are now 157/6!
16:34 IST:
Amar Panicker says

T20 World Cup Live: Brook exit hurts England

That was the last thing England needed at this crucial juncture. Just as he was gearing up to launch, Nepal have somehow found a way to break through. Whether it's luck, smart strategy, or a bit of both, England will be kicking themselves here. This wicket could prove costly.

16:29 IST:
18.1: Nandan Yadav to Harry Brook, SIX! 50 UP IN 31 BALLS! What a way to announce yourself as a World Cup captain. A short ball, outside off, Harry Brook picks the length in a trice, stays back and slaps the short-arm jab over mid-wicket!
16:29 IST:
Nandan Yadav returns. 2-0-13-1 so far.
Score 151/5
BatsmanWill Jacks 13(11b 0*4 1*6)
BowlerKushal Bhurtel 4-0-40-0
16:27 IST:
17.6: Kushal Bhurtel to Will Jacks, Short and outside off, Jacks punches it through the covers for another couple. 150 UP FOR ENGLAND! 2 overs left. Is 180 on?
16:27 IST:
17.5: Kushal Bhurtel to Will Jacks, Outside off, punched through the covers. Good fielding by long off to dive and cut it off. Saves two.
16:26 IST:
17.4: Kushal Bhurtel to Will Jacks, SIX! A BOUNDARY AFTER 20 BALLS! Not cleanly hit though. Tossed up, around off, Will Jacks comes down the track and looks to go downtown. He does connect well but seems to have got more height than distance. Rohit Paudel settles himself for the catch at long on but the ball sails over!
16:31 IST:
Amar Panicker says

ENG vs NEP Live: Jacks breaks shackles

This is exactly the moment England were desperately searching for. Will Jacks has finally broken free from the shackles, much to the relief of Harry Brook at the other end. The England captain will now be brimming with confidence as he prepares to face the remaining deliveries, with just two overs left and England needing to make every ball count.

16:26 IST:
17.3: Kushal Bhurtel to Harry Brook, The googly, around off, spinning in, 86.4 kph, Harry Brook opens the face of his bat and guides it through point for a run.
16:25 IST:
17.2: Kushal Bhurtel to Will Jacks, Long hop, outside off, Jacks rocks back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
16:25 IST:
17.1: Kushal Bhurtel to Will Jacks, Kushal Bhurtel is back on. Starts off with a leggie, short in length outside off, Will Jacks looks to cut but gets a bottom edge back to the bowler.
Score 139/5
BatsmanHarry Brook 46(29b 4*4 2*6)
BowlerSandeep Lamichhane 4-0-25-1
16:25 IST:
16.6: Sandeep Lamichhane to Harry Brook, Full and around off, Harry leans and pushes it towards cover. A sensational 17th over from Lamichhane, going for just a solitary run! 4-0-25-1 for Lamichhane in this match.
16:27 IST:
Amar Panicker says

Take a bow, Lamichhane

Sandeep Lamichhane has just bowled an absolute gem of an over. Just a single run conceded, with both Harry Brook and Will Jacks completely stifled and unable to get him away. The pressure has now shifted firmly onto England's shoulders—they need to find their rhythm quickly if they're going to post a competitive total.
 

16:24 IST:
16.5: Sandeep Lamichhane to Harry Brook, Landed outside off, 85.9 kph, spinning away, Harry Brook pushes it towards point. Maybe trying to see off Nepal's best.
16:24 IST:
16.4: Sandeep Lamichhane to Will Jacks, Misfield stops the run of dots. Full, outside off, WJ brings out the reverse but hits it straight to short third. However, the fielder fumbles and the batters take the single.
16:23 IST:
16.3: Sandeep Lamichhane to Will Jacks, Outside of, short of full, Will goes back and guides it towards short third. Brook wants the single but is sent back.
16:22 IST:
16.2: Sandeep Lamichhane to Will Jacks, Beaten again! Quicker through the air, outside off, Jacks lunges to push but the ball pitches and then spins a mile past the outside edge! Get a slip in, mate!
16:21 IST:
Can Nepal build on this mini opening?
16:22 IST:
16.1: Sandeep Lamichhane to Will Jacks, Sandeep Lamichhane will bowl out now. Tossed up, outside off, Will Jacks lunges to drive but is beaten. Bit of away spin there.
Score 138/5
BatsmanHarry Brook 46(27b 4*4 2*6)
BowlerDipendra Singh Airee 3-0-23-2
16:21 IST:
15.6: Dipendra Singh Airee to Harry Brook, Full and outside off, little bit of away drift, Harry Brook drives it towards cover. A wicket and 4 runs from the over. Couple of excellent overs for Nepal.
16:21 IST:
15.5: Dipendra Singh Airee to Will Jacks, Around off, worked through mid on for a single.
16:20 IST:
15.4: Dipendra Singh Airee to Will Jacks, Full and around off, Will Jacks lunges to defend.
16:19 IST:
Half the side down, but the batters keep coming. Will Jacks comes in at number 7, replacing Sam Curran.
16:19 IST:
15.3: Dipendra Singh Airee to Sam Curran, OUT! BOWLED! Curran has dragged one on. He never looked settled at the crease and this might actually be a blessing in disguise for the Brits. Landed outside off, Sam Curran goes back to punch it through the off side but yet another one stops on the pitch a touch. The shot is played early. As a result, the bottom edge is induced and the stumps are shattered. Curran comes and goes for 2 (8) and from 128/3, England are now 137/5! 27 balls left in the innings.
16:17 IST:
15.2: Dipendra Singh Airee to Harry Brook, Very full, outside off, Brook goes for the big swing but overhits it. The bat turns in his hands and the ball goes off the inner half of the bat towards long on. A single taken.
16:17 IST:
15.2: Dipendra Singh Airee to Harry Brook, WIDE. Well down the leg side, Harry Brook misses his flick.
16:17 IST:
15.1: Dipendra Singh Airee to Sam Curran, Full, on middle, 84.6 kph, Sam Curran clips it through mid-wicket for a single.
Score 134/4
BatsmanSam Curran 1(6b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerKushal Bhurtel 3-0-28-0
16:15 IST:
14.6: Kushal Bhurtel to Sam Curran, Another wrong 'un to finish, around leg and middle, SC works it through mid on for a single. What a lovely over from Bhurtel.
16:15 IST:
14.5: Kushal Bhurtel to Sam Curran, Hattrick of dots! Short and outside off again, another googly, Sam finds point with his cut now!
16:15 IST:
14.4: Kushal Bhurtel to Sam Curran, Another one holds on the deck. Hmmm... Adil Rashid is smiling already. Outside off, another wrong 'un, Curran looks to cut but is through his shot early. Gets a bottom edge back to the bowler.
16:14 IST:
14.3: Kushal Bhurtel to Sam Curran, Short, outside off, the googly, Sam Curran cuts it hard but straight to cover.
16:14 IST:
14.2: Kushal Bhurtel to Harry Brook, On middle, punched down to long on for a single.
16:14 IST:
14.1: Kushal Bhurtel to Harry Brook, MISFIELD, FOUR! Kushal Bhurtel is back into the attack and greeted in style. Tossed up, wide outside off, Harry Brook leans and drives it beautifully through the covers. Long off does get across to his left, dives the wrong way, with his back to the ball, and only succeeds in accelerating its passage towards the ropes.
Score 128/4
BatsmanSam Curran 0(2b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerDipendra Singh Airee 2-0-19-1
16:12 IST:
13.6: Dipendra Singh Airee to Sam Curran, Quicker and shorter, outside off, Curran goes back to cut but the ball scurries off the bottom half of the bat towards point. A wicket and 8 runs from the over, Dipendra Singh Airee's bowling figures read 2-0-19-1 so far.
16:12 IST:
13.5: Dipendra Singh Airee to Sam Curran, Full and around middle, Sam Curran lunges to defend it back to the bowler.
16:12 IST:
DRINKS BREAK. Boy, did Nepal need that wicket. Brook and Bethell were just toying with the bowling and this breakthrough could not have come at a better time. But the train barely stops for England. The hitters just keep coming. Sam Curran is in next, at number 6, replacing Jacob Bethell. 'Normal cricket' will take England to 200 from here. Can Nepal prevent anything outlandish?
16:09 IST:
13.4: Dipendra Singh Airee to Jacob Bethell, OUT! CAUGHT! At last, Nepal break the 71-run stand. Floated, outside off, Bethell looks to go downtown. But probably, this is the first occasion where we can say, the ball actually stopped on the surface. Bethell was through his shot early and while he was aiming straight, because the shot got played early, the stroke got miscued towards long on. Easy catch for Lokesh Bam at the ropes. Bethell walks off shaking his head, but his 55 (35) has put England in a good position at 128/4 after 13.4 overs!
16:14 IST:
Amar Panicker says

T20 World Cup Live: Nepal fight back

Just as England appeared to be seizing control of the match, Nepal have struck with the crucial wicket they desperately needed—Jacob Bethell is gone. He attempted an audacious no-look shot but couldn't find the timing, and Nepal have their opening. They're still very much in this contest, but they'll need to keep chipping away at the wickets before England post an insurmountable total.
 

16:07 IST:
13.3: Dipendra Singh Airee to Harry Brook, Outside off, drilled past the bowler down to long off for a run.
16:07 IST:
13.2: Dipendra Singh Airee to Harry Brook, SIX! Just like that, from 23 (19), Brook has moved to 39 (22)! A touch short, around off, Brook rocks back and pulls it magnificently over deep mid-wicket!
16:06 IST:
13.1: Dipendra Singh Airee to Jacob Bethell, Comes down the track and whips it to long on for a single.
16:06 IST:
Dipendra Singh Airee returns. 1-0-11-0 so far.
Score 120/3
BatsmanHarry Brook 33(21b 3*4 1*6)
BowlerSandeep Lamichhane 3-0-24-1
16:05 IST:
12.6: Sandeep Lamichhane to Harry Brook, SIX! PLUNDERED! Now, we are talking. Brook is getting into his elements now - 33 (21). Landed around middle, Brook rocks back a touch and heaves it over long on, making it 14 from the over and 28 in the last 2!
16:04 IST:
12.5: Sandeep Lamichhane to Harry Brook, FOUR! INTO OUT! Not perfectly timed, but will find the boundary. Tossed up, outside off, Harry Brook comes forward and lofts this over cover from the bottom of his bat. The ball is miscued but once it makes contact with the turf, skims through to the ropes, beating sweeper to his right.
16:04 IST:
12.4: Sandeep Lamichhane to Jacob Bethell, Full, around middle, another wrong 'un, Bethell chips it down to long on for a run.
16:04 IST:
12.3: Sandeep Lamichhane to Jacob Bethell, The googly, around middle, Jacob Bethell goes for the reverse sweep but misses and is hit on the pads. The keeper starts to appeal for the LBW but then quietens down. Going down leg, probably.
16:03 IST:
12.2: Sandeep Lamichhane to Harry Brook, Full, around off, Brook leans and works it through mid on for a single.
16:03 IST:
12.1: Sandeep Lamichhane to Harry Brook, Sandeep Lamichhane comes back onto bowl. And Brook is straightaway after him. Jumps down the track and swings hard, but is not to the pitch of the ball. Still, goes through with the shot, miscuing it through mid-wicket for a couple. 50-RUN STAND IS UP, IN 36 BALLS!
Score 106/3
BatsmanJacob Bethell 53(31b 4*4 4*6)
BowlerKushal Bhurtel 2-0-22-0
16:01 IST:
11.6: Kushal Bhurtel to Jacob Bethell, Down the leg side, JB gets the broom out this time. But that area is covered too. Short fine leg stops it. 14 from the over!
16:01 IST:
11.5: Kushal Bhurtel to Jacob Bethell, A touch short now, outside off, Jacob goes back and cuts, but finds point this time.
16:01 IST:
11.4: Kushal Bhurtel to Jacob Bethell, Landed outside off, punched towards cover.
16:00 IST:
11.3: Kushal Bhurtel to Jacob Bethell, SIX MORE! Full and down the leg side, Bethell gets down on a knee and sweeps it powerfully over backward square leg! 50 IN 28 BALLS for Bethell, what a way to begin your World Cup campaign.
15:59 IST:
11.2: Kushal Bhurtel to Jacob Bethell, SIX! POWERFUL! Dropped short, around off, the googly, Jacob Bethell goes back, drags the ball and pulls it flat over long on, beating the fielder to his right! 100 UP FOR ENGLAND!
15:59 IST:
11.2: Kushal Bhurtel to Jacob Bethell, WIDE. Miles outside off, left alone.
15:59 IST:
11.1: Kushal Bhurtel to Harry Brook, On middle and off, Harry Brook pushes it down to long on for a single.
Score 92/3
BatsmanJacob Bethell 41(26b 4*4 2*6)
BowlerSher Malla 3-0-35-1
15:58 IST:
10.6: Sher Malla to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! Lovely shot. Landed outside off, just a tad short of full, Jacob Bethell goes back, opens the face of his bat and guides it between short third and backward point, for his 4th four. Moves to 41 (26).
15:57 IST:
10.5: Sher Malla to Harry Brook, Down the leg side, 83.3 kph, pretty full, Harry Brook leans and clips it behind square leg for another single.
15:57 IST:
10.4: Sher Malla to Jacob Bethell, Shortish again, outside off, 95.5 kph, Jacob Bethell cuts it behind point for one.
15:56 IST:
10.3: Sher Malla to Harry Brook, On middle and off, worked through mid-wicket for a run.
15:56 IST:
10.2: Sher Malla to Jacob Bethell, Short again, this time Bethell cuts it past point for a single.
15:55 IST:
10.1: Sher Malla to Jacob Bethell, Short, outside off, cut straight to point.
15:56 IST:
Halfway mark. 84. Not as per England's standards, aye? But the good thing is that they have not gone for all broke and have tried to respect the pitch and the bowling. Sher Malla is back on. 2-0-27-1 so far.
Score 84/3
BatsmanJacob Bethell 35(22b 3*4 2*6)
BowlerKushal Bhurtel 1-0-8-0
15:55 IST:
9.6: Kushal Bhurtel to Jacob Bethell, Dragged length on the pads, Bethell uses the depth of the crease to flick it around the corner on the leg side for a single. England are 84/3 after 10 overs!
15:54 IST:
9.5: Kushal Bhurtel to Jacob Bethell, Fractionally short around off, JB rocks back to slap it away but the fielder at cover makes a sharp stop.
15:53 IST:
9.4: Kushal Bhurtel to Harry Brook, Flighted delivery around leg, worked away wide of square leg for a single.
15:53 IST:
9.3: Kushal Bhurtel to Harry Brook, Flatter delivery on middle, straightens a touch, Brook rocks back and pushes it back to the bowler. Bhurtel makes a half stop and deflects it behind but scampers after it and keeps it down to a dot ball.
15:52 IST:
9.2: Kushal Bhurtel to Harry Brook, Bhurtel drags the length back and bowls it straighter. Brook rocks back and works it away through mid-wicket for a couple of quick runs.
15:52 IST:
9.1: Kushal Bhurtel to Harry Brook, FOUR! That's beautifully done by Brook. Tossed up, on a length and outside off, HB lunges across and just glides the ball away between backward point and short third for a boundary.
15:52 IST:
Kushal Bhurtel given the ball now. A leggie. Bowler number 6.
Score 76/3
BatsmanHarry Brook 10(10b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerSandeep Lamichhane 2-0-10-1
15:51 IST:
8.6: Sandeep Lamichhane to Harry Brook, Shortish, around middle, the skipper pulls it towards deep backward square leg for one.
15:52 IST:
Amar Panicker says

ENG vs NEP Live: Nepal getting the love from India

The love for Nepal cricket is real. Irfan Pathan's tweet perfectly captures what so many fans are feeling right now: "Just love watching Nepal play their cricket..."

And honestly, who can blame him? There's something genuinely captivating about watching Nepal compete on the international stage. The passion, the fight, the moments of brilliance like Lamichhane's bowling—it's cricket that pulls you in and keeps you invested. When a former Indian international takes the time to express his appreciation like this, it speaks volumes about the quality and spirit Nepal are bringing to the game.

 

15:50 IST:
8.5: Sandeep Lamichhane to Harry Brook, Good work again. Outside off, Harry tries to work it through mid on but the bowler himself gets across to his right to slide and stop the ball.
15:50 IST:
8.4: Sandeep Lamichhane to Harry Brook, NEARLY BOWLED! How did that miss the stumps? A genuine leg spinner, tossed up, outside off. HB goes down to sweep but misses it totally. Luckily for him, the ball spins past the off stump!
15:49 IST:
8.3: Sandeep Lamichhane to Harry Brook, A quick, fast, wrong 'un. At 92 kph, slightly short of full, around off, Brook goes back to defend.
15:49 IST:
8.2: Sandeep Lamichhane to Jacob Bethell, A googly now, shortish again, 86.1 kph, Jacob Bethell goes back and wrists it through mid-wicket for a run.
15:48 IST:
8.1: Sandeep Lamichhane to Harry Brook, Landed around off, a touch short, spinning away, Harry Brook goes back and nudges it through mid on for a single.
Score 73/3
BatsmanJacob Bethell 33(19b 3*4 2*6)
BowlerNandan Yadav 2-0-13-1
15:48 IST:
7.6: Nandan Yadav to Jacob Bethell, Hammered in on a shortish length on leg, Bethell fails to flick it away. The ball goes off the hips and rolls down to short fine leg.
15:47 IST:
7.6: Nandan Yadav to Jacob Bethell, WIDE! Back of a length and outside off, darts further away. Bethell has half a waft at it and misses.
15:46 IST:
7.5: Nandan Yadav to Jacob Bethell, Oh, that could have been disastrous for England. Slower and shorter over middle and leg, Bethell reaches up and controls the pull down through square leg. The batters complete the first run with ease and set off for the second but hesitate a bit before eventually going for it. The throw comes in at the keeper's end but it is well wide. A better throw and Bethell would have been in trouble.
15:48 IST:
Amar Panicker says

T20 World Cup Live: Missed chance for Nepal

Nepal should have capitalised on that opportunity. There was clear miscommunication between Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook, and executing that run-out would have piled significantly more pressure on England. Unfortunately, the throw from the outfielder was poor, leaving the keeper with little chance to complete the dismissal.
 

15:45 IST:
7.4: Nandan Yadav to Jacob Bethell, Two is the early call from Jacob Bethell and two is what they get, excellent running. Back of a length and over middle, Bethell presses on his toes and nudges it down gently through the big gap at mid-wicket, racing back for the second run.
15:44 IST:
7.4: Nandan Yadav to Jacob Bethell, WIDE! Back of a length and angled down leg, Bethell looks to swivel and pull but misses. Wide called.
15:44 IST:
7.3: Nandan Yadav to Harry Brook, Shorter in length again, outside off, Brook backs away a bit and taps it down in front of point for another single.
15:44 IST:
7.2: Nandan Yadav to Jacob Bethell, Banged in short and well outside off, Bethell stands tall and slaps it away through the point region. There is protetction in the deep, just the single.
15:42 IST:
7.1: Nandan Yadav to Harry Brook, Short of a good length, on middle and leg, Brook tucks it down to deep backward square leg for one.
15:42 IST:
Nandan Yadav returns. 1-0-4-1 so far.
Score 64/3
BatsmanJacob Bethell 28(15b 3*4 2*6)
BowlerSandeep Lamichhane 1-0-7-1
15:40 IST:
6.6: Sandeep Lamichhane to Jacob Bethell, Outside off, pushed towards backward point. A wicket and 7 runs to kickstart Sandeep Lamichhane's World Cup.
15:40 IST:
6.5: Sandeep Lamichhane to Harry Brook, Around off, Harry tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.
15:39 IST:
6.4: Sandeep Lamichhane to Harry Brook, FOUR! JUST PAST! Wow. Nearly the second wicket in the over. A quicker ball, outside off, pretty full, Harry Brook went for the reverse sweep. He did not quite connect it cleanly and the ball went slightly off the edge of the bat. But it flew. There was first slip stationed. But the ball was an express train. Before the fielder could even react, the ball was past. He did dive to his left but that was more of a belated reaction. The ball was already racing towards the deep third fence.
15:38 IST:
6.3: Sandeep Lamichhane to Jacob Bethell, Another googly, shortish in length around off, Jacob Bethell works it towards wide long on for a run.
15:38 IST:
6.2: Sandeep Lamichhane to Harry Brook, Nerves straightaway. Full, around off, Harry Brook leans and works it through mid-wicket. Should have been just a single but Brook wants the suicidal second. Is sent back just in time.
15:40 IST:
And then they were three. And we have just started the post-Powerplay phase! Captain Harry Brook walks in next, at number 5, replacing Tom Banton.
15:37 IST:
6.1: Sandeep Lamichhane to Tom Banton, OUT! LBW! If the debutant can strike on the first ball, how can the senior pro be far behind? But hang on, Banton has taken the review. Tossed up, around off, Tom Banton got down to play the reverse but missed and was hit on the pads. Lamichhane went up in an appeal for LBW and the umpire agreed almost instantaneously, given how straight it was. Banton walked across to his partner Bethell and after a bit of discussion signalled for the review. Height seemed to be the only factor involved but Ball Tracking projected the googly to hit the leg stump! England lose a review and Banton for 2 (5) and from 43/1, England are now 57/3!
15:42 IST:
Amar Panicker says

ENG vs NEP Live: What a start!

What a moment for Nepal cricket! Sandeep Lamichhane has delivered absolute box-office magic, striking again to give Nepal another crucial breakthrough.

Yes, England are rattling along at a fair clip with the scoreboard ticking over nicely, but these regular wickets will inevitably put the brakes on their momentum. You can score as quickly as you like, but losing wickets at this rate changes everything.

15:34 IST:
DRINKS BREAK. Action-packed half an hour so far. One would have expected England to hammer 10 boundaries - which consist of 8 fours and 2 biggies - but Nepal have also fairly contributed their share in that action, by getting rid of both the openers. There hasn't been any danger sign yet, as in, ball stopping or holding as yet, but there is extra bounce available, should the bowler bend his back. Sandeep Lamichhane gets the ball in his hand now.
Score 57/2
BatsmanTom Banton 2(4b 0*4 0*6)
BowlerSher Malla 2-0-27-1
15:31 IST:
5.6: Sher Malla to Tom Banton, DROPPED! Nepal nearly end the Powerplay with 3 wickets, but Sher Malla is unable to cling onto a very difficult return catch. This is floated up around off, Tom Banton advances and converts it into a full toss, flat-batting it to the left of the bowler. Malla extends that left arm in the followthrough but the ball hits his wrist and deflects behind. Single taken.
15:30 IST:
5.5: Sher Malla to Jacob Bethell, Flatter and on middle, tucked away through mid-wicket for a single.
15:30 IST:
5.4: Sher Malla to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! Classy shot. Pushed through a bit fuller and around off, slides on. Bethell plays the drive a bit late and right under the eyes, stroking it through cover-point for a boundary.
15:29 IST:
5.3: Sher Malla to Jacob Bethell, SIX! Jacob Bethell is taking Sher Malla to the cleaners in this game. On the shorter side and around off, Bethell rocks back and pummels the pull deep over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
15:29 IST:
5.2: Sher Malla to Tom Banton, Full again, angled into the stumps, Banton looks to play the lofted shot but ends up miscuing it through the vacant mid-wicket region for a single.
15:28 IST:
5.1: Sher Malla to Tom Banton, The in-drifter, full and angled into off and middle. Banton blocks it off.
15:29 IST:
Final over of the Powerplay coming up. Sher Malla finally gets his second over. 1-0-14-1 so far.
Score 44/2
BatsmanJacob Bethell 16(10b 2*4 1*6)
BowlerNandan Yadav 1-0-4-1
15:28 IST:
4.6: Nandan Yadav to Jacob Bethell, A good delivery to close out the over. Back of a length and on leg, tucks the batter up for room. Jacob Bethell looks to pull but misses and wears it on the thigh pad.
15:27 IST:
4.5: Nandan Yadav to Jacob Bethell, Full and straight, Jacob Bethell defends.
15:26 IST:
4.4: Nandan Yadav to Tom Banton, Nandan hammers the hard length and darts it into the pads. Tom Banton misses the flick and gets it off the thigh pad. The ball rolls behind square leg and England get a leg bye.
15:26 IST:
Nepal are fighting fire with fire. 8 boundaries conceded in 27 balls, but 2 wickets snared as well. Tom Banton walks in next, at number 4, replacing Jos Buttler.
15:27 IST:
4.3: Nandan Yadav to Jos Buttler, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! And both openers are back in the pavillion inside the 5th over! Nandan bends his back, landing it outside off and getting it to move away. Buttler pushes at it but the delivery was bowled seam up and generated extra bit of movement and bounce. Only manages a thick outside edge to the keeper behind and Aasif Sheikh makes no mistake. Buttler departs after a fiery 26 (17) and England are 43/2 after 4.3 overs!
15:31 IST:
Amar Panicker says

T20 World Cup Live: Game-changer for Nepal

This is the big fish they were looking for, and now it is Nandan Yadav who gets the breakthrough. Wankhede is up in full support for Nepal here and they sure are not dissapointing by any means.

15:23 IST:
4.2: Nandan Yadav to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Too much width on offer and Jos Buttler isn't going to miss out on that. Shortish length, well outside off, Buttler waits back before tapping it down perfectly between point and backward point for a boundary.
15:23 IST:
4.1: Nandan Yadav to Jos Buttler, On a length, around off, Jos Buttler pushes it towards cover.
15:23 IST:
Karan KC has already bowled 2 overs. Should be a bowling change from this end. Change of ends for Malla, perhaps? It is a change for sure, but not Malla. Here comes Nandan Yadav.
Score 39/1
BatsmanJacob Bethell 16(8b 2*4 1*6)
BowlerDipendra Singh Airee 1-0-11-0
15:21 IST:
3.6: Dipendra Singh Airee to Jacob Bethell, Nagging length, not completely full and on middle. Bethell opts to go back in his crease and blocks it off.
15:27 IST:
Amar Panicker says

ENG vs NEP Live: Vintage Buttler

Time and again, we have seen Jos Buttler squeeze the gap over covers in one way or another. Looks like he is in good touch at the moment and England will need him to get going. 

15:21 IST:
3.5: Dipendra Singh Airee to Jos Buttler, Around middle and leg, Jos works it through mid-wicket for a run.
15:20 IST:
3.4: Dipendra Singh Airee to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Another boundary from the bat of Jos Buttler. Overpitched delivery on off, Buttler hangs deep in the crease and hammers it flat over wide mid off for four more runs.
15:19 IST:
3.3: Dipendra Singh Airee to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Just a small mistake in length but even that is not pardoned. Fractionally short and wide outside off, it is enough for Buttler who goes back and punches it between cover and point for a boundary.
15:19 IST:
3.2: Dipendra Singh Airee to Jacob Bethell, Flat and full, darted into the leg stump. Jacob Bethell drives it down to long off and picks up another single.
15:18 IST:
3.1: Dipendra Singh Airee to Jos Buttler, Full and straight, around middle, Jos Buttler eases this through mid on for a single.
15:18 IST:
Another one for Malla? Not right now. Dipendra Singh Airee gets the ball in his hand. Another offie.
Score 28/1
BatsmanJos Buttler 12(10b 2*4 0*6)
BowlerKaran KC 2-0-14-0
15:17 IST:
2.6: Karan KC to Jos Buttler, Slower delivery, an off-cutter on middle, Buttler wrists it wide of mid on and picks up a quick single.
15:17 IST:
2.5: Karan KC to Jos Buttler, Excellent effort in the deep. Kushal Bhurtel is the fielder. On a length, around off, Jos came down the track and heaved it through mid-wicket. The ball went off the inner half of the bat, but still got racing through. However, Bhurtel gave it a good chase to his left from the deep, got to the ball, dove and pushed it back towards mid on who was running after the ball. Two runs taken, two saved.
15:16 IST:
2.4: Karan KC to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Belted away by Buttler. Banged in short around off, not enough pace on the ball to trouble the batter. Buttler rocks back and hoicks it flat towards cow corner for a boundary. That almost went all the way.
15:15 IST:
2.3: Karan KC to Jos Buttler, On a length, around off, angling away after pitching, Buttler pushes it towards point.
15:14 IST:
2.2: Karan KC to Jacob Bethell, Hard length, slanted back into the batter, Bethell pats it down through mid on and turns the strike over.
15:14 IST:
2.1: Karan KC to Jos Buttler, On a length, around off, coming in slightly, Jos Buttler whips it behind square leg for a single.
15:14 IST:
Pressure off? Or on? Look at one wicket in 2 overs and one would say, pressure on England. But look at 14 runs coming in the first over of spin and another would say - bring on more spin! It's pace continuing from this end for now.
Score 19/1
BatsmanJacob Bethell 14(5b 2*4 1*6)
BowlerSher Malla 1-0-14-1
15:12 IST:
1.6: Sher Malla to Jacob Bethell, Better length from Malla. Very full, drifted into the pads. Bethell gets his hands out in front and pushes it to mid on. 14 runs and a wicket off Malla's first over in T20Is.
15:12 IST:
1.5: Sher Malla to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! Again too, short. 14 runs in the last three balls. Down the leg side, Bethell swivels and pulls it past short fine leg, to his right and finds the fence.
15:11 IST:
1.4: Sher Malla to Jacob Bethell, SIX! That has been walloped into the stands. Shorter in length again, around off, Jacob Bethell picks the length early, rocks back and pulls it in front of mid-wicket for the first biggie of the game.
15:10 IST:
1.3: Sher Malla to Jacob Bethell, FOUR! Just a touch short and punished. Outside off, bit of width as well. Jacob Bethell punches it through the gap between cover and point and finds the fence.
15:10 IST:
1.2: Sher Malla to Jacob Bethell, Malla comes around the wicket to the left-hander. Serves it full on middle, Bethell lunges inside the line and clips it to short mid-wicket.
15:13 IST:
Kingshuk Says

T20 World Cup Live: Look at the support

The Nepal fans are making themselves heard and this will be good enough to put any batter under pressure.

15:10 IST:
300 or no 300, Nepal will take Phil's early dismissal without any trace of salt. Jacob Bethell walks in next, at number 3, replacing Phil Salt.
15:13 IST:
1.1: Sher Malla to Phil Salt, OUT! CAUGHT! What a start to his T20I career! Boy o boy, if dreams do ever come true, this is one of those instances. First ball in T20I cricket, and that too, in a World Cup clash. Flighted, around off, coming in with the angle, Phil Salt looks to take the offie on and goes for the big slog across the line. But the extra bounce does him in and he only manages a top edge. The ball goes straight up in the air, but only as far as short fine leg. Sandeep Lamichhane makes no mistake over there and the entire Nepal team starts to celebrate. In fact, the bowler himself starts to leap in the air in celebration but when he lands, he loses balance and trips over! Thankfully, he has not hurt himself. Salt departs for 1 (2) and England are 5/1 after 1.1 overs!
15:08 IST:
Any chance of spin from the other end? By all means. It will be the debutant Sher Malla, to bowl his off spin.
Score 5/0
BatsmanJos Buttler 4(5b 1*4 0*6)
BowlerKaran KC 1-0-5-0
15:06 IST:
0.6: Karan KC to Jos Buttler, Good-length delivery, in and around off, Buttler gets a good stride across and blocks it off. Five runs off the first over!
15:11 IST:
Kingshuk Says

T20 World Cup Live: What a start for Nepal

 What a start for Nepal! Sher Malla bowls his first ball in his maiden T20 World Cup campaign and manages to get rid of Phil Salt.

This is sensational for Nepal and the Wankhede Stadium comes alive.

This is beautiful to watch.

15:05 IST:
0.5: Karan KC to Jos Buttler, On a length, around off, Buttler pushes it towards cover.
15:04 IST:
0.4: Karan KC to Jos Buttler, That's a peach of a delivery from Karan. Bowled with a wobbled seam, a touch fuller and on off. This one angles in and then straightens off the deck. Jos Buttler leans on to block but the ball agonizingly goes past the outside edge.
15:04 IST:
0.3: Karan KC to Jos Buttler, FOUR! There comes the first boundary of the game. Full, outside off, Jos Buttler looks to go over the top but is nowhere near the pitch of the ball. In fact, he plays early and the ball comes late. Goes off the toe end of the bat but still has enough to go wide of mid off, to his right, into the fence behind.
15:03 IST:
0.2: Karan KC to Jos Buttler, Very full again, in the blockhole this time around off and middle, Buttler jams it out to extra cover.
15:03 IST:
0.1: Karan KC to Phil Salt, Low full toss, outside off, Phil Salt drives it towards mid on for a quick single.
15:02 IST:
The national anthems have been played / sung and we are minutes away from the action to start. Just a reminder once again, that is the second game of today's triple header. New Zealand defeated Afghanistan in Chennai and after this Wankhede clash, the co-hosts Sri Lanka will play their opening fixture of this edition, against Ireland, weather permitting. Out walk the umpires once again to the middle. The Nepal team spreads itself out to the middle. Out walk the English openers - Phil Salt and Jos Buttler. It will be the pace of Karan KC to start things off. Salt to face. Here we go!
14:54 IST:
The umpires and the match referee make their way out to the middle. The two teams are in readiness to follow them, for their national anthems. It will be the Nepalese anthem to be played first, followed by England's.
15:04 IST:
'I'm not sure whether England can get to 300', quirps former Indian stumper Parthiv Patel on air. Goodness gracious, he is nearly drooling while mentioning about the names in that English batting lineup. What is it that they cannot achieve? In September 2025, they became just the second Test-playing nation and the first in the top 8 to cross the 300-mark in T20Is, with South Africa bearing the brunt of their willows of mass destruction at Old Trafford. Make no mistake, be it Australia or Nepal, this Harry Brook-led side has only one aim - Bazball, baseball, Brookball - call the technique what you want - but blast the opposition out of your way. And Wankhede is not the biggest of grounds, so the Nepalese bowlers will have their work cut out. Their only hope is with this being an afternoon game and the pitch being used for the second time in two days, there could be a bit of sluggishness to the deck.
14:45 IST:
Hmmm... all games at the same venue? Nice, if you are a Nepal fan. Remember, India played all their games at the same venue during the 2025 Champions Trophy. Result? We all know. Nepal play England today and then Italy, West Indies and Scotland. And they are the only team from Group C to be given this facility. Who knows - with due respect to Scotland and Italy - if Nepal manage to beat either of England or West Indies (or say, both) - this could also become a group of death, aye?
15:04 IST:
The skipper of Nepal, ROHIT PAUDEL, says that he would have bowled first any which ways. Explains that looking at the conditions, he feels that chasing is a better option. On the possibility of the track slowing down since it being a used wicket, Paudel agrees, stating that mostly his side loves slow tracks and because this is a used wicket, it will spin a little bit and if that happens, it will help his team. On being asked about who are the four players that Nepal have left out for this clash, Rohit smiles and struggles for a bit to remember the names. He starts by saying Sundeep Jora, Sompal Kami and Lalit Rajbanshi, but struggles to remember the fourth name. On playing all their league games at the Wankhede, RP feels that playing all the games here will always give an advantage to his side. Adds that as a team, to play in Asian conditions will help Nepal.
14:37 IST:
HARRY BROOK, the captain of England, says that they will bat first as he feels that the pitch will be in the best shape in the first innings. Hopes that they can put on a good score and defend it. Adds that there was spin and bounce in the second innings last match. Feels that those matches in Sri Lanka have boosted their confidence but you cannot take any side for granted in the T20 World Cup.
14:36 IST:
Nepal (Playing XI) - Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh(WK), Rohit Paudel(C), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Lokesh Bam, Gulshan Jha, Karan KC, Sher Malla, Nandan Yadav and Sandeep Lamichhane.
14:36 IST:
England (Playing XI) - Phil Salt, Jos Buttler(WK), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook(C), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and Luke Wood.
14:36 IST:
TOSS - We are all set for the flip of the coin. The two captains are out in the middle - Harry Brook and Rohit Paudel. Brook flips the coin and Paudel will call. Harry Brook has won the call and ENGLAND HAVE ELECTED TO BAT FIRST.
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