India, Feb. 8 -- For the second day in a row, an associate nation pushed a former world champion to the brink. But unlike the earlier near-misses, Nepal genuinely jolted England and came within touching distance of one of the biggest upsets in T20 World Cup history.

Chasing 185 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where Nepal supporters turned out in numbers and rallied behind the side throughout, the ICC associate reduced the equation to just 10 required off the final six balls. Sam Curran, however, held his nerve at the death to deny England a shocking start to their campaign. Even in defeat, Nepal's fearless display earned widespread praise from former cricketers.

A mismatch appeared on the cards after half-centuries from captain Harry...