Mumbai / Chennai, February 8, 2026 – The Europe Today: England narrowly avoided an early upset in their T20 World Cup campaign, surviving a massive scare from Nepal to secure a tense victory in their Group C opener at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.
Chasing 185, Nepal finished on 180 for 6, falling just short despite a sensational unbeaten knock of 39 off 20 balls by Lokesh Bam. Bam struck two sixes and four boundaries to put England under severe pressure in the final overs. However, Sam Curran held his nerve, defending 10 runs off the final over to seal England’s win.
Earlier, England posted 184 for 7 after opting to bat. Jacob Bethell top-scored with 55 off 35 balls, including four sixes, while captain Harry Brook contributed 53 off 32 deliveries with three sixes. Will Jacks provided a late flourish, scoring an unbeaten 39 off just 18 balls, smashing four sixes to lift England from a shaky 137 for 5 to a competitive total.
In the morning match at Chennai, New Zealand made a winning start to their Group D campaign by defeating Afghanistan by five wickets. Tim Seifert played a pivotal role, scoring 65 off 42 balls as New Zealand successfully chased down 183, their highest-ever chase in T20 World Cup history, with two overs to spare.
Afghanistan had earlier posted 182 for 6 after winning the toss. Group D is considered one of the toughest in the tournament and also includes 2024 finalists South Africa.
