The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 kicked off with an exciting moment on Sunday as Nepal’s Sher Malla made a memorable debut. In his first International match, Malla took the wicket of England’s opener Phil Salt on his very first delivery, thrilling the crowd at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
England bats first on a lively Mumbai evening
The match between England and Nepal promised to be one-sided. England won the toss and chose to bat, relying on their strong batting lineup to take charge on a favorable pitch. With many fans present and millions watching globally, all eyes were on England’s aggressive strategy.
Nepal, however, had different ideas and an unexpected star ready to shine.
Sher Malla makes an impact with his first ball
As Malla prepared to bowl his first over, he appeared composed. His inaugural delivery became a memorable moment in Nepal’s Cricket history.
Bowling a full delivery towards the leg side, Malla lured Salt into making an early aggressive shot. Salt, known for his bold hitting, missed his timing, and the top edge flew high into the air. Standing at short fine leg, Sandeep Lamichhane made an excellent catch, sparking celebrations in the stadium.
Malla celebrated with joy, showing a mix of disbelief and happiness that captured the moment perfectly.
The crowd erupts as Nepal celebrates a debut success
The Wankhede audience, who appreciated exceptional cricket, erupted into applause. Social media quickly buzzed with excitement, as many labeled Malla’s wicket as one of the best debut moments in T20 World Cup history. Supporters from Nepal and cricket fans worldwide celebrated the young player for dismissing one of England’s top batsmen.
For Nepal, this wicket was not just a milestone; it was a sign that their rookie belonged on the global stage.
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