Sports

England Set Nepal 185-Run Target at Wankhede

Half-centuries from Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook power England to a competitive total despite early strikes by Nepal’s bowlers

February 8, 2026

England set Nepal a target of 185 in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group match at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, February 8.

Batting first after winning the toss, England were jolted early. Opener Phil Salt was caught for 1 off Sher Malla on the very first ball of the second over, leaving England at 5/1.

Jacob Bethell, promoted to No 3, steadied the innings. He struck a fluent 55 off 35 balls, hitting four sixes and four fours, and anchored England’s recovery.

Nepali fans watch a live broadcast of the Nepal vs England match at Tundikhel, Kathmandu, on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Batting first after winning the toss in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, England were 57 for 3 in 6.1 overs.📸@sharmasunil1905 /NBA pic.twitter.com/F8Z0kpNThl
— NewBusinessAge (@newbusinessage) February 8, 2026

Jos Buttler looked in good touch but departed for 26 off 17 balls. He was caught behind by Aasif Sheikh off pacer Nandan Yadav in the fifth over, with England at 43/2.

Tom Banton failed to settle. He was trapped lbw by leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane for 2 off 5 balls in the seventh over, reducing England to 57/3.

Captain Harry Brook then took charge. His brisk 53 off 32 deliveries, including three sixes and four fours, swung momentum back in England’s favour.

Bethell was dismissed in the 14th over, caught by Lokesh Bam off Dipendra Singh Airee, but by then England had moved to 128/4 and were eyeing a big total.

Sam Curran could not capitalise. He was bowled by Airee for 2 off 8 balls as England slipped to 137/5 in the 16th over.

Brook fell in the 19th over, caught by Sher Malla off Nandan Yadav, with England at 157/6. Jofra Archer was then run out for 1.

Will Jacks provided the final surge. His explosive 39 off 18 balls, featuring four sixes, lifted England to 184/7 at the end of 20 overs.

Airee and Yadav claimed two wickets apiece. Malla and Lamichhane took one each. Karan KC and Malla were the most expensive, conceding at 11.66 an over. Nepal also gave away five extras, including four wides.