MUMBAI: Nepal suffered a narrow four-run defeat to two-time champions England in their opening match of the ICC T20 World Cup on Sunday. Chasing a target of 185, Nepal finished on 180 for 6 in 20 overs.

Nepal made a strong start through Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh, but both openers were dismissed early, leaving the team at 42 for 2. Bhurtel scored 29 off 17 balls with four fours and a six. Captain Rohit Paudel and vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee then steadied the innings with an 82-run stand for the third wicket, putting England under pressure.

Dipendra was dismissed in the 15th over after scoring 44 off 29 balls, including six fours and a six, becoming Nepal’s first player to reach 2,000 T20I runs. Rohit followed for 39 off 34 balls. Lokesh Bam stayed set at the crease till the end, but Nepal could not get the required 10 runs in the final over.

Earlier, England posted 184 for 7. Jacob Bethell top-scored with 55, Harry Brook made 53, and Will Jacks remained unbeaten on 39. For Nepal, Dipendra Singh Airee and Nandan Yadav took two wickets each, while Sher Malla and Sandeep Lamichhane claimed one apiece.