ICC Men’s T20 World Cup The excitement is continuously increasing. Every match is proving that now no team is weak in T20 cricket. Even teams considered small in front of big names are playing without fear and are dragging the match till the last over. England, New Zealand and Sri Lanka won the matches played yesterday, but behind these victories there was a whole story of struggle, pressure and thrill, which kept the audience engaged till the end.

England vs Nepal

A major upset in cricket history almost happened last night at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. In this match of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Nepal kept the current world champion England on their toes till the last ball. Although England was successful in winning this match by 4 runs, but Nepal won the heart. Batting first, England scored 184 runs, which included brilliant half-centuries from Jacob Bethel and Harry Brook. In reply, chasing the target of 185 runs, Nepal played fearless and aggressive cricket. Captain Rohit Paudel (39) and Deependra Singh Airi (44) handled the innings, while in the end, Lokesh Bam took Nepal to the threshold of victory with his stormy batting. 10 runs were needed to win in the last over, but Sam Curran’s steady bowling saved England from defeat. England won, but Nepal’s spirit proved that it has the strength to challenge any big team.

new zealand vs afghanistan

In the match played in Chennai, New Zealand avenged the defeat of the last World Cup by defeating Afghanistan by 5 wickets. Afghanistan, batting first, scored 183 runs in 20 overs. In the reply innings, New Zealand displayed brilliant batting and achieved the target by losing 5 wickets in just 17.5 overs. On the basis of strong innings by Kiwi wicketkeeper Tim Seifert (65) and Glenn Phillips (42), New Zealand completed this challenging target with 13 balls remaining. Even the magical bowling of Mujeeb Ur Rahman (2 wickets) from Afghanistan could not stop New Zealand’s middle order.

sri lanka vs ireland

Sri Lanka, the hosting team along with India, played at Colombo’s R. Beat Ireland by 20 runs in front of home crowd at Premadasa Stadium. After winning the toss, Ireland invited Sri Lanka to bat first, in response to which Sri Lanka scored 163/6 runs in 20 overs. Kusal Mendis played an important inning of 56 not out, while Kamindu Mendis added 44 runs. Chasing the target, the Irish team never looked in rhythm and were all out for 143 runs in 19.5 overs. The lethal pair of Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga (3/25) and Mahesh Tikshina (3/23) proved to be a disaster for the Irish batsmen and Sri Lanka won the match.

These matches have made it clear that every ball, every over and every run matters in this World Cup. Teams which were considered small are now playing not with fear but with eye to eye. This is the reason why the spectators have to hold their breath till the last ball. This excitement is going to increase even more in the coming matches.