If the first three matches of the T20 World Cup 2026 were any indication.. an upset was around the corner. Netherlands gave a major scare to Pakistan while the latter needed only 148 to win, and the USA had reduced India to 77/6 in 12.4 overs, before Suryakumar Yadav unleashed himself.
Nepal, remember the name
So now, in the Nepal vs England Group C battle in Mumbai, the inevitable almost happened. Harry Brook’s team was in line to be the first casualty by a lower-ranked team in the tournament, as Rohit Paudel & Co. came tantalisingly close to chasing down 185. Such was the pressure of a win on England, that Sam Curran ended with a loud ‘Yes’ after defending 10 in the last over.
But all the credit and accolades to Nepal. For they not only won the hearts of the fans, but also pace legend Dale Steyn, who virtually offered his services, after seeing the effort put in by the team. In fact he took to social media and wrote, “I offer my services to you if you ever need em! Up, up and UP.”
Can they make T20 World Cup Super 8?
A lot of performances to remember still, for Nepal. Dipendra Singh Airee, of course was the star with the bat and the ball. First, he ended with figures of 2/23, and then scored 44 from 29. Nandan Yadav was brilliant with the ball and bagged 2/25, and Sandeep Lamichhane bagged 1/25.
Kushal Bhurtel gave a strong start to the chase and scored 29 from 17, followed by 39 from Paudel, and 39 by Lokesh Bam as well. In short, they looked like a well-gelled unit, who would definitely get the better of Scotland and Italy, and who knows West Indies as well.
