England avoid seismic shock by beating Nepal in last-ball thriller

AFP | Mumbai

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England clung on to beat Nepal by four runs in a lastball thriller in Mumbai yesterday and avoid one of the biggest upsets in the history of the T20 World Cup.

Chasing an imposing 185 to win, Nepal’s Lokesh Bam, who had bludgeoned a brave 39 off 19 balls to give his side a sniff of a famous win, needed a six off the final delivery bowled by Sam Curran but could only manage a single.

It was a breathless and agonising end to a valiant run chase by the cricketing minnows, who put England’s premier bowlers Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid to the sword.

Jacob Bethell (55) and Harry Brook (53) scored quick fifties for England but it was a late cameo by Will Jacks that took them to 184-7 in the Group C match, a total that proved just enough.

Jacks smashed three spectacular sixes off the final over from Karan KC to finish 39 not out off 18 balls.

Nepal ended a whisker away at 180-6, to the disappointment of nearly all the spectators in a three-quarters full Wankhede stadium who had been roaring them on.

Nepal’s players received a massive ovation as they did a lap of honour at the end.

“Winning ugly is a good trait to have,” a relieved Jacks told reporters after England’s 11th win in their last 12 completed T20 internationals.