Nepal's "Incredible" Fight vs England Wins Global Cricket Praise

"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 champions rise. The cricketing world is watching!" Yuvraj Singh wrote in an Instagram story.

Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin shared on X, "Incredible from Nepal. They are surely among the best of the emerging cricketing nations. Huge potential and upside."

"So the finishing touches were missing, but Nepal are clearly on the right path. Great to see them put England under the pump," tweeted Irfan Pathan.

Dale Steyn also expressed admiration for the team, writing on X, "Nepal, I offer my services to you if you ever need 'em! Up, up and UP!"

England narrowly defeated Nepal by four runs in a T20 World Cup match full of twists and turns.

For Three Lions, Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook contributed with crucial half-centuries, while Jos Buttler climbed past Mahela Jayawardene to become the third-highest run-scorer in T20 World Cup history.

Nepal's chase was powered by strong partnerships from Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee, but England's bowlers struck at crucial moments, leaving the underdogs just short of the target.

Batting first, Jacob Bethell and captain Harry Brook's crucial 71-run partnership for the fourth wicket helped the Three Lions reach a total of 184.

Bethell scored 55 off 34 balls after the left-handed batter fell to the bowling of Dipendra Singh Airee.

Harry Brook completed his half-century, a knock of 53 off 32 balls, before Nandan Yadav got his second wicket of the match by dismissing the English skipper. Jack's blistering, unbeaten knock of 39 off 18 helped England reach a total of 184.

For Nepal, Sher Malla (1/35), Dipendra Singh Airee (2/23), Nandan Yadav (2/25), and Sandeep Lamichhane (1/25) were among the wicket-takers.

Chasing 185, Nepal started brilliantly, racing to 31/0 in three overs, thanks to Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh.

England struck back as Liam Dawson picked up the wicket of Aasif Sheikh, followed soon after by Will Jacks dismissing the dangerous Kushal Bhurtel for 29 off 17 balls. Nepal slumped to 47/2 in the powerplay.

Skipper Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee then piled on the pressure on the England bowlers.

However, during the 15th over, Sam Curran got the much-needed wicket as he removed Dipendra Singh Airee (44 off 29, with six fours and one six) as Nepal reached 125/3. Curran also broke the 82-run stand for the third wicket.

In the very next over, skipper Rohit Paudel (39 off 34) fell to Liam Dawson as Nepal lost their two wickets in quick succession.

Towards the end, Lokesh Bam's unbeaten 20-ball 39, with four boundaries and two sixes, went in vain as Nepal made 180/6 in 20 overs, losing the nail-biter by just four runs.

For England, Liam Dawson (2/21), Luke Wood (1/31), and Sam Curran (1/27) were among the wicket-takers.

- ANI