Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Nepal’s fearless performance against two-time champions England in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener earned admiration from across the cricketing world, including high praise from former South Africa pace great Dale Steyn.In a nail-biting contest that went down to the final ball at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, England held their nerve to escape with a four-run win, restricting Nepal to 180/6 in response to 184/7. Watching Nepal’s courageous chase that nearly produced a historic upset, Steyn took to social media to applaud the associate nation’s rise.
“Nepal, I offer my services to you if you ever need em! Up, up and UP!,” Steyn wrote, capturing the mood of a performance that pushed the former world champions to the brink.Former India allrounder also applauded Nepal’s efforts. “Huge respect to Nepal. Took on one of the best teams in the world, stayed in the fight till the very last ball and showed what belief and heart can do! This is how teams grow and this is how champions rise. The cricketing world is watching!,” Yuvraj wrote. Chasing a challenging target, Nepal began aggressively as openers Aasif Sheikh and Kushal Bhurtel scored at over ten an over against an experienced England attack. England struck back in the Power-play with Luke Wood dismissing Aasif (9), while Will Jacks produced a brilliant return catch to remove the dangerous Bhurtel.After the early setbacks, captain Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee steadied the innings with a historic 82-run partnership that swung momentum firmly Nepal’s way. The duo took on England’s premier spinner Adil Rashid, who conceded 42 runs without a wicket, rotating strike smartly and punishing loose deliveries.England finally found relief in the 15th over when Sam Curran deceived Dipendra with a slower ball, ending a superb 44 off 29 balls that included six fours and a six. Liam Dawson then removed Paudel for a composed 39, putting England back in control.Still, Nepal refused to fade away. Lokesh Ram launched a late assault, smashing an unbeaten 39 off just 20 balls, leaving England to defend 10 runs in the final over. Curran responded with a high-quality finish, sealing a tense victory for Harry Brook’s side.Earlier, England recovered from a shaky start through half-centuries from Jacob Bethell and Brook, before Will Jacks’ explosive 39 off 18 balls lifted them to a competitive total.Despite the loss, Nepal walked off with belief, momentum, and the backing of one of cricket’s greatest fast bowlers — a sign that their rise on the world stage is being noticed.
