England narrowly escaped what could have been one of the biggest upsets of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, edging past Nepal by just four runs in a nerve-racking Group C encounter at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Despite entering the match as heavy favourites, England were pushed to the limit by a fearless Nepal side that refused to back down until the very last ball. The contest went down to the final over, with Nepal needing 10 runs to pull off a historic win. England eventually held their nerve, but only just, as tension gripped players and fans alike in the stadium.
Will Jacks Opens Up on Nerves and Pressure
England all-rounder Will Jacks did not shy away from admitting how intense the final moments were. Reflecting on the closing stages, Jacks confessed, “My heart was thumping”, highlighting just how close the game came to slipping away. He acknowledged that the pressure was immense but backed Sam Curran to deliver under stress.
Jacks explained that situations like these are what international cricket is about, where execution under pressure becomes crucial. While England managed to get over the line, Jacks admitted the experience was far from comfortable and served as a reminder that no match can be taken lightly at this level.
Nepal Earns Praise Despite Narrow Defeat
Although Nepal fell agonisingly short, their performance earned widespread admiration, including from the England camp. Jacks was quick to applaud the opposition, describing them as “absolutely brilliant” and crediting them for taking the game so deep.
Lokesh Bam’s unbeaten 39 was the standout effort, keeping Nepal alive till the final delivery and nearly scripting a famous upset. Earlier, England had put up 184 for 7, powered by half-centuries from Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook, while Jacks himself chipped in with a valuable late cameo.
However, Nepal’s fearless batting and disciplined approach ensured England were made to fight for every run. While the result went England’s way, the match underlined Nepal’s growing stature in world cricket and proved that on the big stage, even established teams can be made to sweat.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
