Nepal’s balanced squad and aggressive approach make them one of the most exciting teams at the T20 World Cup 2026.
From the rugged peaks of the Himalayas to the grand stages of global cricket, Nepal cricket team have scripted a remarkable ascent. Debuting in 2014, Nepal defied odds by securing two stunning victories against stronger Asian rivals, Hong Kong and Afghanistan, before a loss to hosts Bangladesh ended their campaign. Since then, Nepal have been learning and growing in all spheres.
In T20 World Cup 2026, they’re roaring back as fearless underdogs in Group C. Their opening thriller against England showcased a team that’s not just participating, but contending with raw grit and homegrown talent.
Nepal kicked off their 2026 campaign on February 7 in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium against defending contenders England, marking their first match in Group C alongside West Indies, Scotland, and debutants Italy. Although it ended in a loss, it was no ordinary defeat. Nepal pushed the two-time champions to the brink, falling short by just four runs in a last-ball nail-biter that electrified fans.
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Heroic effort against England
Chasing 185, Nepal’s openers Kushal Bhurtel and skipper Rohit Paudel laid a solid platform before early wickets tested resolve. Paudel (39) and all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee forged an 82-run stand from 54 balls, blending caution with calculated aggression to keep the required rate in check.
As pressure mounted with 60 needed off five overs, Paudel and Airee fell in quick succession, but tailender Lokesh Bam unleashed a blistering 39 off 20, smashing boundaries to bring the equation to 10 off the final over. Sam Curran held his nerve for England, conceding just five as Nepal ended at 180/6.
Nepal bowlers had earlier rattled England too, Sher Malla snared Phil Salt early, Sandeep Lamichhane trapped Tom Banton lbw, leaving England at 57/3.
This near-miss echoed Nepal’s history of heartbreak against full members, yet amplified their threat level heading into clashes with Italy on February 12 and beyond.
Unyielding fighting spirit
What sets Nepal apart is their inherent, never-say-die mentality. Unlike anxious sides, Nepal charge into battles without fear, their skills honed in high-altitude nets translating to fearless displays.
Take the England chase: needing 46 off three overs, they didn’t crumble. Airee’s sweep off Adil Rashid for sixes in an over costing 19 runs exemplified this audacity, no bowler was safe, Rashid leaking 42 runs wicketless for the first time in 28 T20Is. Paudel’s composure under pressure mirrored Rashid Khan’s Afghanistan, turning mismatches into marathons.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar lavished praise on the Rohit Paudel-led Nepal team. “It’s inherent, something that is God-given. I dare say, India used to be nervous for a number of years. I used to be part of a team in the ’90s that was anxious when it went abroad. I don’t see that anxiety in Afghanistan or Nepal. So that’s great. The other thing is that they have skills, very important,” Manjrekar said at an event hosted by TCM Sports.
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Exploding viewership & global buzz
Nepal’s exploits have triggered a digital frenzy. Data reveals a staggering 442% rise in Nepali users on their app during the opening weekend, outpacing UAE’s 196% and USA’s 49%. Tournament-wide, video views hit 647 million (up 53%), with app users surging 83%, Nepal driving much of it.
Back home, streets emptied for the England match; Kathmandu cafes replayed Bam’s sixes. Wankhede transformed into a Nepali outpost, flags fluttering amid chants of “Nepal! Nepal!” Social media buzzed with #RhinosRoar, memes comparing their grit to Everest climbers. This echoes Afghanistan’s ascent, where passion hooked billions, Nepal, with untapped talent, are scripting a similar saga, boosting cricket’s footprint in the Himalayas.
Much like Afghanistan’s 2020s surge, beating England, West Indies, Nepal channel that underdog blueprint: spin-heavy attacks, explosive all-rounders, zero intimidation. Lamichhane can be their Rashid Khan; Airee can do a Gulbadin Naib with bat and ball. Both nations punch above weight through adaptability.
With one loss but massive momentum, Nepal still have a chance to secure a spot in Top 8 of the ongoing tournament. However, things ahead are much bigger than this for Nepal. Currently, Nepal position themselves as spoilers. But their fighting ethos, evident in every boundary hunted and wicket clawed, makes them a force no team can ignore.
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