{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreic32ffyjqhgtft7wciqobesgvpzpr7vxbe6mtc7jwqkcztmxx7qoa",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:oznbnvgr7dmvddiyvr7dih52/app.bsky.feed.post/3mee3oqwutzz2"
  },
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreia2zmwdwpolnvkkulus6o6amosddx6emst473rmv6bnau5haodnzq"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/jpeg",
    "size": 93531
  },
  "path": "/sport/cricket/england-nepal-t20-world-cup",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-08T13:39:26.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "@T20WorldCup",
    "https://t.co/mOHOKi4lxY",
    "pic.twitter.com/L6mhoOekk7",
    "February 8, 2026",
    "Luke Littler at loggerheads with girlfriend Faith Millar as darts star reveals dream plan",
    "Lindsey Vonn update emerges after horrific crash at Winter Olympics left star screaming in pain",
    "Laura Woods refuses to defend Eni Aluko as pundit goes on another rant about men taking women's jobs",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter",
    "@englandcricket"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\n\nEngland scraped through their T20 World Cup opener against Nepal in Mumbai, securing a nerve-shredding four-run triumph that prevented what would have been the most significant victory in Nepalese cricket history.\n\nJust weeks after concluding a disappointing Ashes campaign, the English side found themselves requiring Sam Curran to protect 10 runs in the final over.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe recently-recalled all-rounder delivered when it mattered most, executing precise yorkers under immense pressure to deny the underdogs.\n\nAt the close, there were no exuberant celebrations from the English camp - only visible relief at having avoided a humiliating defeat that would have sent shockwaves through the tournament.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\nLokesh Bam came agonisingly close to delivering an extraordinary upset for his nation, finishing unbeaten on 39 from just 20 deliveries.\n\nThe Nepalese batsman appeared destined to guide his team to glory after launching two maximums off Jofra Archer, plundering 22 runs from the 18th over alone.\n\nHe maintained his assault in the penultimate over, striking Luke Wood for a pair of boundaries.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n> Victory in Mumbai 🦁\n>\n> A nail-biter in our @T20WorldCup opener with Nepal 🏏\n>\n> Match Centre: https://t.co/mOHOKi4lxY pic.twitter.com/L6mhoOekk7\n>\n> — England Cricket (@englandcricket) February 8, 2026\n\nWith six needed from the final ball to complete the fairytale, Lokesh could only manage a single, sinking to his haunches in despair as English players approached to acknowledge his remarkable effort with handshakes.\n\nEngland's total of 184-7 owed much to Will Jacks, whose three sixes in the closing stages proved invaluable in setting Nepal a challenging target.\n\nLiam Dawson also made a significant contribution, claiming figures of 2-21 from his four-over allocation.\n\n### LATEST SPORTS NEWS:\n\n\n\n\n  * Luke Littler at loggerheads with girlfriend Faith Millar as darts star reveals dream plan\n  * Lindsey Vonn update emerges after horrific crash at Winter Olympics left star screaming in pain\n  * Laura Woods refuses to defend Eni Aluko as pundit goes on another rant about men taking women's jobs\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe 35-year-old's economical spell was particularly noteworthy given it marked his maiden appearance at a World Cup.\n\nDespite the anxious finish, England deserve credit for holding their nerve in circumstances where previous English teams have faltered.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe victory maintains their impressive recent form in the shortest format, having claimed success in 10 of their previous 11 T20 internationals.\n\nHead coach Brendon McCullum and skipper Harry Brook have avoided the ignominy of presiding over one of the World Cup's greatest upsets in their tournament debut together.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHad Curran failed to secure the win, McCullum's position would have faced renewed scrutiny following the Ashes disappointment.\n\nInstead, that examination has been postponed as England turn their attention to Wednesday's fixture against West Indies at the same Mumbai venue.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nDespite the alarming nature of this opening encounter, England remain among the tournament favourites heading into their second group match.\n\nThe three-day gap before facing the Caribbean side offers time to regroup after this uncomfortable start.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards:The GB News Editorial Charter **",
  "title": "England survive major scare to beat Nepal in opening match of T20 World Cup"
}