Nepal captain Rohit Paudel commended his team’s fearless display and fighting spirit despite a close four-run loss to England in their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 opener at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Chasing 185, Nepal fell short at 180/6, with Paudel’s 82-run partnership with Dipendra Singh Airee pressuring the two-time champions.
Expressing disappointment but pride, Paudel lauded his team’s dedication against England, emphasizing their commitment to giving their all on the field. He highlighted Nepal’s arrival at the World Cup with a strong belief in their ability to compete and win against any opponent.
While the match outcome was not in Nepal’s favor, Paudel noted the team’s progress on the global stage, emphasizing the need for improvement in handling pressure situations. Looking ahead to their next match against Italy on February 12, Paudel stressed the importance of not underestimating any team and maintaining peak performance.
Paudel also conveyed gratitude to Nepal’s passionate fans who supported the team at the Wankhede, acknowledging their motivation and belief. Nepal, having topped the Asian Qualifiers, is participating in its second T20 World Cup, aiming to continue their strong performance in the tournament.
