KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 8

Nepal, famously known as the "Cardiac Kids" in the cricketing fraternity for their nail-biting finishes, suffered a heartbreaking four-run defeat to England in their opening fixture of the T20 World Cup in Mumbai on Sunday.

Chasing a competitive target of 185, Nepal fell agonisingly short at the packed Wankhede Stadium, missing victory by just four runs against the former world champions.

Needing 10 runs in the final over with set batter Lokesh Bam at the crease, Nepal's hopes were dashed by Sam Curran's pinpoint yorkers. Bam was unable to find room to free his arms as Curran delivered a tense and disciplined over to seal the match for England.

Earlier, opener Kushal Bhurtel provided a flying start with a brisk 29. Skipper Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee then steadied the innings with an 82-run partnership for the fourth wicket. However, both fell while attempting to accelerate, caught at long-on and deep mid-wicket respectively.

A late cameo from Bam nearly turned the game in Nepal's favour. His whirlwind 39 off just 20 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes, brought Nepal within touching distance of a memorable win.

For England, Will Jacks was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance with both bat and ball.

Earlier, England posted 184 for seven after half-centuries from Jacob Bethell and captain Harry Brook, while a late flourish from Jacks boosted the total.

Nepal made an impressive start with the ball, as their mystery spinner removed the dangerous Phil Salt in the second over. Airee and Nandan Yadav claimed two wickets each, while Sher Malla and Sandeep Lamichhane chipped in with one apiece.

Nepal will next face debutants Italy on February 12 at the same venue.

In the post-match presentation, Nepal's skipper Rohit Paudel said, 'We had the belief when we came to this world cup. we didn't came here just to participate. The result didn't go our way but effort wise we game cent percent in every department.