T20 World Cup Day 2: Match Reports & Key Performances
England edge Nepal in thriller (Group C)
England survived a late scare to beat Nepal by 4 runs in a gripping Group C encounter at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. England posted 184/7, powered by Jacob Bethell (55) and Harry Brook (53) after an early collapse left them struggling at 57/3. Will Jacks provided late impetus with a quick 39 off 18 balls*.
Nepal responded strongly, led by Dipendra Singh Airee (44) and Rohit Paudel (39), before late hitting from Lokesh Bam (39)* nearly pulled off a historic upset. Sam Curran held his nerve in the final over to defend the target.
Top performers:
- England: Jacob Bethell 55, Harry Brook 53, Will Jacks 39*
- Nepal: Dipendra Singh Airee 44, Lokesh Bam 39*
- Bowling: Sam Curran (England) key final-over pressure applied.
New Zealand chase down Afghanistan (Group D)
In Chennai, New Zealand chased down 182/6 set by Afghanistan, winning by 5 wickets with 13 balls to spare.
Afghanistan’s innings was anchored by Gulbadin Naib (63), giving them a competitive total. In reply, Tim Seifert’s aggressive 65 and Glenn Phillips’ 42 laid the foundation for the chase, with Mitchell Santner and Daryl Mitchell seeing New Zealand home.
Top performers:
- Afghanistan: Gulbadin Naib 63
- New Zealand: Tim Seifert 65, Glenn Phillips 42
- Bowling: Lockie Ferguson picked key early wickets for NZ.
Sri Lanka start tournament with home win (Group B)
Co-hosts Sri Lanka opened their campaign in Colombo with a 20-run victory over Ireland.
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted 163/6, thanks to a solid innings from Kusal Mendis and an impactful late cameo from Kamindu Mendis (44 off 19). Ireland’s chase never fully got going, finishing 143/9 despite efforts from Ross Adair and company. Spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga played crucial roles with the ball to restrict the Irish batting lineup.
Top performers:
- Sri Lanka: Kamindu Mendis 44, Kusal Mendis (half-century)
- Ireland: Ross Adair contributed in the chase
- Bowling: Theekshana and Hasaranga crucial in middle overs.
Day 2 snapshot – key results
- England beat Nepal by 4 runs (Group C)
- New Zealand beat Afghanistan by 5 wickets (Group D)
- Sri Lanka beat Ireland by 20 runs (Group B)
