NEW DELHI: Jacob Bethell (55) and captain Harry Brook (53) struck fluent half-centuries to power England to a solid 184 for seven in their T20 World Cup Group C opener against Nepal on Sunday.

The young left-handed Bethell impressed on his T20 World Cup debut in front of a partisan crowd, racing to a 35-ball fifty that included four sixes and as many fours. Skipper Brook, meanwhile, returned to form with a timely knock as he looked to reshape the narrative around his recent performances.

Brook departed after a crucial 32-ball innings featuring four sixes and three fours. Alongside Bethell, he added 71 runs for the fourth wicket, stabilising England after early setbacks as Nepal’s bowlers kept things tight.

Nepal strike early, England rebuild

Sher Malla sparked loud celebrations when he had Phil Salt (1) caught off the very first ball of his second over, while Nandan Yadav removed the key wicket of Jos Buttler (26) just as he was beginning to rebuild with Bethell.

Yadav drew Buttler into edging one outside off to the wicketkeeper for Nepal’s second wicket in the fifth over. The third breakthrough followed in the seventh, when spinner Sandeep Lamichhane trapped Tom Banton leg-before as he attempted a reverse sweep.

It was at this stage that Bethell, who had already struck two fours and a six off his first four balls, joined hands with Brook to repair the innings for England.

Late surge lifts England past 180

On the same surface where title favourites India had slumped to 77 for six on Saturday night, England negotiated the two-paced wicket with far fewer issues. Their batters found ways to score, even though none truly dominated the bowling like India captain Suryakumar Yadav had done earlier.

Nepal, to their credit, bowled with discipline and avoided handing out easy runs, but for the second successive match at the Wankhede Stadium, the batting side finished on a high.

England added 45 runs in the final three overs, with Will Jacks smashing four sixes and a four in an unbeaten 39 off 18 balls.

Fans wearing blue jerseys mixed with red filled the stands, cheering every dot ball and each positive effort from their players on the iconic ground.

The sheer volume of Nepal supporters, who comfortably outnumbered England fans, highlighted the passion for cricket in the Himalayan nation, and their players matched that enthusiasm on the field.

Nepal’s fielders were sharp, holding on to their chances, while Dipendra Singh Airee (2/23) and Nandan Yadav (2/25) picked up two wickets each. Sher Malla and Sandeep Lamichhane were also among the wickets.

(With PTI Inputs)