Sam Curran saves England's blushes in last-ball World Cup thriller against Nepal

It was oh so close. Chasing 184, there were few who believed that the minnows had any chance. Brave batting brought Nepal to the brink of their greatest sporting achievement, but Sam Curran came good for England.

In the chase, Nepal were far from overawed. Openers Kushal Bhutel and Aasif Sheikh took them to 37 in the fourth over before Liam Dawson grabbed the first wicket. Bhurtel was caught and bowled by Will Jacks, leaving Nepal 42/2. 

But captain Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee were on hand to take the attack to the two-time T20 World Champions. They took a liking to Adil Rashid’s tweakers and collected the odd boundary off the seamers to keep their proud nation in the hunt.

Needing 62 off 36 to win, and two set batters at the crease, the Nepal faithful were in full voice. But they lost Airee to Curran, then Paudle to Liam Dawson just six balls later, seemingly ending their chances.

But again, the game turned. Aarif Sheikh and Lokesh Bam combined to smash Jofra Archer for 22 in the 18th over, his most expensive over in his World Cup history.

Now needing 24 from 12, Nepal believed again. Bam continued on his merry way, clubbing 11 runs (to go with three extras) from Wood’s penultimate over to leave Curran defending ten off the last. The skilled seamer showed superb accuracy and poise, conceding no boundaries as Nepal fell agonisingly short of making history. 

Earlier, England put together a good total despite Nepal taking regular wickets. Nepal spinner Sher Malla struck with his first ball at a World Cup, getting rid of Phil Salt for one in the second over.

Jos Buttler (23) nicked off later and when Tom Banton was trapped in front for two, England were 57/3 in the seventh over, but didn't panic. Captain Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell smashed the inexperienced Nepal attack to all corners of the park.

The pair combined for 71 off 45 before Bethell holed out for a top score of 55. Leaving England 128/4. Brook took the lead in setting the target, striking six boundaries in his 53 to boost the run rate. Then Jacks was the chief destroyer in the final overs, bludgeoning four sixes in his undefeated 39 off 18 take England to what they thought was a healthy target.