T20 World Cup: England captain Harry Brook thankful to ‘unbelievable’ Sam Curran after narrowly avoiding shock defeat to Nepal in opener

Nepal almost chased down England's target of 185 runs for what would have been a shock defeat at the T20 World Cup on Sunday. England scored 184 in their innings at the Wankhede Stadium, giving their opponents what looked to be a tough target to achieve. However, the minnows fought with determination in their response and came close to a hugely unexpected victory in India.

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England captain Harry Brook praised bowler Sam Curran for his match-saving display against Nepal in the T20 World Cup on Sunday.

The two countries faced off at the Wankhede, and England put up what appeared to be a relatively competitive target of 184.

Jacob Bethell scored 53 off 32, and Will Jacks grabbed 39 from 18 as he was there at the end of his side's innings.

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Given Nepal are generally considered un-fancied minnows against most of the established cricketing nations, what followed was a huge surprise, as they were in with a chance on the final ball, needing six to stay in contention throughout their reply with the bat.

Nepal reached 44-2 after 5.2 overs, and then did not lose another wicket until 14.2 overs, when they had 124-3, and at 175-6 with 10 balls remaining, they needed just 10 for what would have been a famous victory - and an infamous defeat for England.

However, Curran’s nerveless bowling at the death gave them little room for manoeuvre by the time the final ball came down the track, and Brook was delighted with him, saying: "Unbelievable. We were both fairly calm out there. He executed outstandingly."

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Curran did not concede a single boundary in the final over, and while he mixed up his pace, he kept the ball full for most deliveries in order to tie up the batters with his yorkers.

Although Curran took just one wicket, he went for just 6.75 runs an over, while Adil Rashid went at 14 an over as he struggled.

Rashid was targeted by the Nepalese batters, and Brook praised their attacking instincts, adding: "It wasn't easy at all, but thankfully we got over the line.

"They played extremely well. Not many teams take Adil Rashid down the way they did - they played against him outstandingly and put us in a tricky situation for quite a few occasions."

Rashid was ultimately taken out of the firing line, with Brook explaining: "We have so many options out there.

"I don't think Sam bowled until a lot later on than usual. It wasn't ideal, Rash getting a little bit of tap. It's not often he doesn't bowl four overs. I'm sure he'll bounce back better."

He continued: "I thought we were in a good position to defend [our total]. I didn't think it would go as close as that. Hats off to the Nepalese team. They played extremely well.

"Beth [Jacob Bethell] played outstanding, the way he was rocking back and smacking the spinners into the stands was nice to watch.

"The way Jacksy [Will Jacks] just slipped into his role at No. 7. He hasn't done much of it but the way he batted at the end there won us the game."

After one game played, England have two points, and face the West Indies on Wednesday, before coming up against Scotland on Saturday, and England will then play Italy on Monday, February 16.

England are chasing a record third T20 World Cup title after beginning their campaign against Nepal.

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