MUMBAI (Kashmir English): Nepal had been impressive throughout their opening match of the T20 World Cup against England on Sunday.
They won the hearts of not only cricket fans but also former South African great Dale Steyn with their splendid performance at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Recognising the class of Nepal team, former South African player Dale Steyn has offered his coaching to the team.
He expressed his offer on social media site X saying, “I offer my services to you if you ever need em! Up, up and UP!.”
The cricket fans and experts hailed Nepal after they almost pulled off a miracle in the T20 World Cup 2026 match against England.
A valiant fight at the Wankhede Stadium almost offered Nepal their greatest moment, but they fell short by just 4 runs.
English captain Harry Brook decided to bat first, but early jolts – Phil Salt out cheap to Sher Malla, Jos Buttler for 26 – tested their nerve.
Jacob Bethell’s hit 55 off 35 and Brook’s 53 off 32 provided a key stand, before Dipendra Singh Airee’s strikes sparked a wobble at 137/5. Will Jacks’ fiery 39 off 18 then blasted them to 184/7 on the juicy Mumbai pitch.
For Nepal, Kushal Bhurtel scored 29 off 17, but Liam Dawson’s spin wizardry (2/21) snared Aasif Sheikh and Rohit Paudel.
An epic 82-run rescue from Paudel (39) and Airee (44) kept hopes alive, only for Sam Curran to break through. Enter Lokesh Bam’s heroic 39* off 20 pure firepower that nearly scripted glory.
But with 10 off the last over, Curran’s ice-cool yorkers held firm; Bam’s final six-hunt ended in a long-off catch, stranding Nepal on 180/6.
Cricket pundit Harsha Bhogle said on social media.” Nepal won hearts but had a heartbreak.
“Outstanding game of cricket,” wrote Former India player Ravichandran Ashwin. He thinks Nepal are one of the best among the emerging nations.
T20 World Cup 2026 is just the beginning
Yuvraj Singh heaped praises on the Nepal team and believes they will be rising in the coming years.
Nepal’s prime minister Sushila Karki also hailed the national team, writing, “Win-loss is the rule of the game. How we played is what matters. Today’s performance of the Nepali team is praiseworthy. Hope is still alive.”
