Cricket world applauds Nepal after fearless fight against England

Nepal may have lost the NEP vs ENG clash by the finest margin, but the cricket world responded with one clear message: respect. After England escaped with a four-run win in a match that went down to the final over, appreciation posts flooded social media from former international stars, leading cricket voices, and several IPL franchises.

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh praised Nepal’s belief and heart, calling it the kind of performance that shows “how teams grow” and that the wider cricketing world is watching. R Ashwin summed it up simply with a strong endorsement—“Incredible from Nepal!” Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle and former England captain Michael Vaughan also highlighted Nepal’s quality and the entertainment value of the contest, as Nepal’s players matched a full-strength England side shot for shot.

The praise wasn’t limited to individuals. A remarkable list of IPL franchises posted appreciation messages for Nepal’s effort, including Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and Gujarat Titans—a rare moment where rival clubs collectively tipped their hats to an Associate nation’s performance.

Nepal’s own former captain Paras Khadka captured the mood perfectly with a heartfelt “so close yet so far,” saying Wankhede “felt like home” as Nepal played a game that won admiration even in defeat. Even Iceland Cricket weighed in, calling it “an absolute thriller” and “the best match so far.” Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki also posted in Nepali, stressing that while wins and losses are part of sport, Nepal’s performance deserved praise.

On the field, the storyline was simple and brutal: England posted 184/7, Nepal chased brilliantly to finish on 180/6, and needed 10 off the last over before England held their nerve. The result will hurt—but the reaction shows Nepal’s cricket is no longer “just competing.” It’s commanding attention.

Yuvraj Singh, Former Indian cricketer

Huge respect to Nepal🇳🇵Took on one of the best teams in the world, stayed in the fight till the very last ball and showed what belief and heart can do! 🫡 This is how teams grow and this is how champions rise 👏🏻 The cricketing world is watching!#ENGvsNEP #ICCT20WORLDCUP…

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) February 8, 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, IPL team

That wasn’t just a game, it was a 𝑩𝑶𝑳𝑫 statement. 👊🔥

🇳🇵Nepal played fearless cricket, trusted their belief, and announced themselves on the world stage. Their passion for cricket is worth appreciating. Take a bow. 👏 #PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/cKotJZnyhJ

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 8, 2026

Paras Khadka

So close yet so far.Proud of the resilience and the effort put in from the boys.
We keep marching ahead.
To all our fans you are the heartbeat of everything that we believe in as a cricket loving nation marching
onwards and upwards.
Wankhede felt like home today.🇳🇵@CricketNep… pic.twitter.com/5L2nHjtIQe

— Paras Khadka (@paras77) February 8, 2026

Wisden

📍 Thousands of fans piled in to watch Nepal vs England on a big screen at Tinkune, Kathmandu 🇳🇵

Thanks to Anil for sending us these amazing pictures! 📸 #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/qvOWp0W9vl

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 8, 2026

Lucknow Supergiants, IPL franchise team

Be proud of that fight, @CricketNep! 👏 pic.twitter.com/f0KGFTedkK

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) February 8, 2026

Michael Vaughan

The comms by @CricketBadge was absolutely brilliant .. Loved the insights into all the Nepal team .. 🙌🙌🙌

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 8, 2026

Iceland cricket

The English survive but what an effort by the Nepalese. An absolute thriller, the best match so far.

— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) February 8, 2026

Mumbai Indians, IPL franchise team

Take a bow, Nepal 🫡🇳🇵

Wankhede witnessed a #T20WorldCup classic! Nepal pushed England, but fell short by 4 runs. pic.twitter.com/f00vrM1JFF

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) February 8, 2026

Rajasthan Royals, IPL franchise team

Regardless of result, always a treat to witness you guys fight it out until the very last ball, @CricketNep. What an effort! 👏🫡 pic.twitter.com/O2Xk97MAEL

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 8, 2026

Chennai Super Kings, IPL franchise team

Fought till the last ball 💪
For every fan in the stands 👏
Take a bow, Nepal 🫡💛#WhistlePodu #T20WorldCup
📷 : ICC pic.twitter.com/Bxi4uKFaHE

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) February 8, 2026

Punjab Kings, IPL franchise team

This is a Nepal Cricket appreciation post 👏🔥#T20WorldCup #ENGvNEP pic.twitter.com/boM2GmPvku

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) February 8, 2026

Ravi chandra Ashwin, Former Indian cricketer

Incredible from Nepal.@NepalCricket

They are surely one of best amongst emerging cricketing nations.

Huge potential and upside.👏 #icct20worldcup2026

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 8, 2026

Aakash Chopra

Nepal Cricket, you have our hearts 🇳🇵🫶 #Aakashvani #ENGvsNEP #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/wFWGA0HOTC

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) February 8, 2026

Harsha Bhogle

I have enjoyed watching Nepal play. Their depth and their consistency will be tested from here on, not their skill.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 8, 2026

Gujarat Titans, IPL franchise team

Courage, character and composure on the big stage. Take a bow, Nepal 🇳🇵🫡

— Gujarat Titans (@gujarat_titans) February 8, 2026

Irfan Pathan, Former Indian cricketer

Dipendra Singh Airee has lightning-fast footwork. Plays the back foot beautifully, especially against spin. And when he’s in the field, there’s an instant sense of urgency. #NepalCricket

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 8, 2026

Dale Styen, Former South African cricketer

Nepal

I offer my services to you if you ever need em!
Up, up and UP!

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) February 8, 2026

Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of Nepal

जित–हार खेलको नियम हो । हामीले कसरी खेल्यौँ, त्यो महत्त्वपूर्ण हो । आज नेपाली टोलीको प्रदर्शन तारिफयोग्य छ । आशा अझै बाँकी छ ।
(तस्बिर: क्यान)#T20WorldCup2026 #Nepal pic.twitter.com/PzkuzzID9h

— Sushila Karki (@pmsushilakarki) February 8, 2026