T20 World Cup: England avoid huge upset to beat Nepal by four runs

England survived an almighty scare to edge past a spirited Nepal by four runs in T20 World Cup opener in Mumbai.

England were taken to the final over and needed Sam Curran to defend 10 runs at the death to prevent what would have been the greatest victory in Nepal’s cricketing history.

Lokesh Bam almost completed the upset, requiring six from the final ball to seal a famous win, but he could only manage a single.

The 26-year-old ended unbeaten on 39 from 20 deliveries and sank to his haunches in disappointment as England players rushed to acknowledge his outstanding effort.

Nepal had surged towards victory late on, with Lokesh hammering Jofra Archer for 22 in the 18th over before following up with two boundaries off Luke Wood in the 19th.

Under intense pressure, England finally held their nerve, Curran producing pinpoint yorkers in the final over to shut the door.

The narrow escape ensures head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Harry Brook avoid the ignominy of overseeing one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.

Jack, who was named Player of the Match said: “Full credit to Nepal, they were absolutely brilliant.

“We saw the pitch was tricky. They really took us close there. I was short of a bit of time out there in the middle so it was nice to have that.

“All in all, they were tactically very good. They pushed us right to the edge there.” 

England now have three days to regroup before facing West Indies at the same venue on Wednesday.