Shaken by Nepal, England aim to step up game in T20WC clash against Windies
Given a scare by lower-ranked Nepal in the lung-opener itself, England would eye a more assured performance when they take on the West Indies in an evenly-matched and crucial Group C clash of the T20 World Cup, here on Wednesday. Both the teams have won the competition twice in the past and are chasing a third title win like tournament co-hosts and defending champions India. The challenge would be to remain at their best on the given day as margins can be dangerously thin in T20 cricket.
It was something which England experienced when they took on a team several rungs below them but one that gave them a tough challenge on the field. Nepal’s four-run defeat, or a narrow win which England emerged with in their opening match here a few nights ago, was a challenge the former champions overcame by a very close margin. But it certainly will keep the Harry Brook-led side on its toes going forward. Sam Curran was the hero of the game for England, who had put on an at-par total of 184/7.
He was relentless in his line and length in the final over to defend 10 runs and help his side escape unscathed in a contest which Nepal had threatened to run away with. All in all, England would feel their batting department did a better job than their bowlers collectively. Adil Rashid went wicketless after a long time and Jofra Archer, who has almost all the requisite skills for the format, was picked apart as Nepal exposed the shortcomings in this England bowling attack.
But Brook and the young Jacob Bethell hit half-centuries and the other batters also looked in rhythm, even if they could not push on after making starts. England would also be keen to improve their standing in Group C as despite a win, they are placed third with a Net Run Rate of 0.200 while Scotland are placed second with two points and NRR of 0.950. The West Indies, who have two points, have the best NRR of 1.750.
However, the West Indies will also know that there is very little room for a slip-up especially at a venue where the pitch has had something for the bowlers in the first two matches. Both India and England had to show application with the bat, while the shorter boundary limits here at the Wankhede Stadium did not exactly come into play until Nepal batted, for what was the fourth innings on the same surface where India and USA played earlier.
