Nepali Fans Turn Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium into Home Ground During Thrilling T20 World Cup Clash Against England

Mumbai. That warm, breezy Sunday afternoon in Mumbai felt much closer to Kathmandu than to India's southern metropolis. Thousands of Nepali supporters were singing, dancing, and dreaming in the stands as Nepal took on the formidable England in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Every corner of the iconic stadium, which has a capacity of 33,000 spectators, was filled with a sea of red and blue jerseys. Nepali supporters had effectively turned this famous Indian venue into their home ground.

A banner hanging in the parapet reading 'Feel the Thrill' perfectly captured the atmosphere, where Nepali cheers, music, and rhythms echoed throughout the stadium.

From young children with the Nepali flag painted on their cheeks to elderly people proudly wearing Dhaka topi on their heads—the presence of supporters from all age groups made the environment resemble a cricket festival steeped in Nepali culture.

• 'We Almost Won'

On the field, Nepal's players delivered one of their most memorable performances in recent years. However, the end of the match was heartbreaking. Nepal's courageous chase fell just short on the final ball, forcing them to concede the result.

Entering the field carrying the mountain of a challenge, Nepal knew there was a vast difference in experience and legacy compared to two-time world champion England. Nevertheless, their hunger, intensity, and fearless style kept the hope alive of gaining a strong foothold in the game.

Chasing a challenging target of 185 runs, the 'Rhinos' (Nepal) proved why they are considered the most promising team in associate cricket. The late-game heroics of Lokesh Bam, coupled with aggressive innings from Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee, stretched the match to the very last ball.

'We almost won, but the lack of experience among the players prevented us from securing the result,' Nepali supporter Subodh Dhakal, who traveled from Kathmandu to Mumbai, told Al Jazeera. 'Experience will come with time, but the team played exceptionally well.'

Dhakal, a doctor by profession and a staunch cricket supporter, planned a short two-day trip with his wife after watching the Nepal Premier League (NPL) to attend the match. The development of the NPL plays a central role in the progress of Nepali cricket.

Satyam Pokhrel also traveled from Kathmandu to Mumbai, just like Dhakal. Pokhrel, who came with a group of friends, shared his plan to stay in Mumbai to watch all three remaining matches of Nepal, as all games will be held at this venue.

'Nepal had a very good chance to win, but unfortunately, it didn't happen,' he said. 'The game was very competitive; I am proud of the team. They showed excellent energy and are capable of winning the upcoming matches.'

This courageous performance against England on Sunday is not the first time Nepal has pushed a strong opponent to the brink. Five months before the World Cup, Nepal defeated West Indies 2-1 in a three-match series, securing their first bilateral series win against an ICC Full Member nation. Similarly, in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Nepal narrowly missed defeating South Africa by just 1 run.

When Nepal debuted in the World Cup in 2014, they also caused a sensation by defeating the highly-regarded Afghanistan.

• 'Don't Underestimate Us'

For many, participating in the stadium atmosphere was a journey as unforgettable as the game itself. Bhuwan Rawal, who came from Tikapur in the far-western region, undertook a three-day bus journey to reach Mumbai.

'It doesn't matter to me how long or how much money it took to get here. Getting to watch Nepal play in the World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me,' said the 26-year-old Rawal.

'I came with about 200 to 300 supporters from Nepal. We knew the schedule since last year and were excited to be present at the Wankhede Stadium... Mumbai is our second home now!'

Rawal, who previously played cricket and currently works as a gym trainer, believes that lower-ranked teams like Nepal in this 20-team T20 World Cup have not come merely to make up the numbers.

'We may be a small country, but Nepal is very beautiful and its cricket is amazing. I understand there is a gap between ICC Full Members and Associate teams, but do not underestimate us.'

He added, 'No team is so small that it cannot challenge the giants.'