T20 thrills: Nepal’s last-ball fight, Italy’s debut, NZ & Sri Lanka’s victory

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 delivered another thrilling day of cricket on Sunday , with three Group stage matches providing high-octane action, tight finishes, and moments of historic significance . In Chennai , New Zealand overcame a competitive Afghanistan total of 182/6 to win by five wickets . Tim Seifert starred for the Kiwis, anchoring the chase with a vital 60‑plus knock, while Glenn Phillips provided solid support in the middle overs. Afghanistan’s spirited batting, led by Gulbadin Naib , gave them a strong total, but New Zealand’s clinical chase ensured an early points boost in Group D .

At the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, England survived a heart-stopping finish to edge Nepal by just four runs . England posted 184/7 , with key contributions from Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell . Nepal, often seen as underdogs, staged an impressive chase, scoring 180/6 and taking the game to the final ball. Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee led the Nepalese effort, showing remarkable skill and courage. Though they fell agonizingly short, their performance won them accolades from fans and experts alike, signaling their rapid rise in world cricket .

In Colombo , Sri Lanka defeated Ireland by 20 runs . The hosts posted a competitive total and then controlled the chase effectively to secure a comfortable victory. Their disciplined bowling and fielding restricted Ireland’s batting line-up, giving Sri Lanka an early edge in Group B .

Off the field, cricket fans also celebrated Italy’s historic first appearance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The European side qualified through regional tournaments, marking their maiden entry into a Cricket World Cup event . Italy’s debut adds a new layer of excitement to the competition, highlighting cricket’s growing global reach . They are set to face Scotland in their opening match tomorrow, drawing attention from fans eager to see the newcomers in action.

Sunday’s matches offered a blend of experience and emerging talent, with New Zealand , England , and Sri Lanka securing wins, Nepal showing immense fighting spirit, and Italy stepping onto the world stage for the first time. The tournament promises more thrilling encounters and historic moments in the days ahead.