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NEW DELHI: England skipper Harry Brook admitted he was surprised by the way Nepal’s batters went after lead spinner Adil Rashid during their T20 World Cup campaign opener on Sunday.

Former champions England survived a massive scare before edging past Nepal by four runs after setting them a challenging target of 185.

"It wasn't easy at all, thankfully got over the line. They played extremely well and not many teams take Adil Rashid like they did. I thought we were in a very good position to defend that. I wish them all the best for the rest of the competition," Brook said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Also READ: Fans salute Nepal after their Spirited fight against England despite the loss

England’s batting depth makes the difference

England leaned on attacking half-centuries from Jacob Bethell and Brook, along with Will Jacks’ explosive 39 off just 18 balls, to post 184 for seven.

"Beth played outstanding, the way he was rocking back and hitting the spinners into the stands was great. I just said we put 2-3 wickets and it all changes. We have so many options. I don't think Sam (Curran) bowled until a lot later.

"Rashid got a tap there and it's not often that he doesn't bowl four overs. I am sure he will bounce back. He knew exactly what he was going to bowl," Brook added.

Nepal show they are here to compete

Nepal captain Rohit Paudel made it clear that his side has come to the World Cup with ambitions beyond mere participation, something they underlined with their spirited showing against England.

"I think the boys gave it all. I am very proud of them. We had the belief when we came to this World Cup. We didn't come here just to participate. The result didn't go our way but effort wise we gave 100% in every department. Last over Sam Curran bowled really well. We will improve from there." Rohit said.

Regarding the chase, he added, "We were calculating. We wanted to wickets in hands with 10 runs per over in the last few overs. It wasn't a plan to take on Adil Rashid and it just happened. We will not take any team lightly.

"We as a team need to be at our 100%. They are very passionate. The whole of Kathmandu, Nepal came here to support us. I think all of Nepal will be proud of us."

Jacks credits Nepal’s fight, stresses adaptability

Man of the Match Will Jacks was quick to acknowledge Nepal’s effort after they pushed England all the way.

"I think full credit to Nepal. They were absolutely brilliant. We saw that this was tricky when we batted, but they played against us really very well and they really took us close there," Jacks said.

On his own contribution, he added, "It's nice to spend some time in the middle (on his batting). I've been a bit short over the last month or so and by keeping it simple, the guys in the middle have described to me what it's like out there, so just let the ball come, nice and easy to do it."

Asked whether Nepal missed a trick by opting for pace in the final over, which went for 21 runs, Jacks said, "I saw they were debating. I think the helmet ran out and then ran off, so obviously in hindsight they might have done that, but all in all they were tactically very good.

"They've obviously pushed us right to the edge there. I think if the surfaces are going to continue to behave like that, then that's going to be crucial going forward."

Adaptability to the conditions, Jacks felt, will be key as the tournament progresses.

(With PTI Inputs)