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T20 WC Updates: Ireland restrict Sri Lanka to 163/6

Sun, 08 February 2026

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20:55

Mendis fifty carries SL to a decent score

Sri Lanka 163-6 (20 ovs) vs Ireland | Scorecard

Barry McCarthy is back into the attack and he starts off with a high-full toss no-ball which Kamindu Mendis glances to fine leg for a boundary.

Two wides down the leg side follow. Free hit to carry over.

Six! Slower delivery on off and Kamindu smokes it over midwicket.

Follows it up with a couple through long-on. 150 up for Sri Lanka.

Another wide follows. Third wide of the over.

Mendis then picks up a couple by shuffling across and chipping a full delivery over mid-off.

Out! Kamindu Mendis departs, caught by Dockrell. The partnership is finally broken after a slew of dropped catches.

A low full toss on the pads and Kamindu chips it in the air to mid-off where Dockrell takes a safe catch.

Kamindu departs after a 19-ball 44 with 4 boundaries and two sixes.

Dasun Shanaka comes to the crease and he goes back without disturbing the scorers!

He top-edges a full-toss straight to Mark Adair at short third.

Wanindu Hasaranga joins Kusal Mendis in the middle.

A wide way outside off, and Hasaranga leave it alone. Fourth wide of the over.

A dot to end the over. 19 runs came off the 11-ball over.

Mark Adair to bowl the final over.

Four! Kusal Mendis swats across the line and punches the slower delivery through mid-wicket. He brings up fifty from 39 balls.

A dot later, Kusal drills a full delivery to the left of the bowler and gets a single.

Hasaranga then mistimes a flatted delivery to mid-off and gets off the strike.

A dot and a wide follow.

Mendis the miscues one to short of long-on but there is enough time to picks up a couple.

Sri Lanka end up on a respectable 163/6. After a middle-over wobble, they recovered to finish strongly, thanks to a fighting fifty by Kusal Mendis and a valuable 44 by Kamindu Mendis.

20:35

Kamindu, Kusal up the ante

Sri Lanka 135-4 (18 ovs) vs Ireland | Scorecard

Matthew Humphreys is back into the attack and Kusal Mendis is dropped!

Mendis dances down and slogs a juicy full toss but ends up skying it but Campher overruns and puts the catch down. There is enough time for the batters to pick up a brace.

Mendis then guides one to sweeper cover and gets a couple.

Mendis then scoops one in the air and McCarthy runs back from short fine but fails to grab it. Three runs taken.

Six! Kamindu Mendis smokes one straight down the ground.

He follows it up with a boundary through deep square leg. After a prolonged lull, runs have started flowing for Sri Lanka.

Four more! This time through long-on.

A big over for Sri Lanka as 21 runs came off it.

Mark Adair is back into the attack and starts off with a slower delivery which Kusal Mendis slaps to deep point for a single.

Three singles come off the next three deliveries.

Kusal Mendis then punches one to deep mid-wicket and gets a couple.

A four through deep backward point to end the over. 10 runs came off it.

Sri Lanka are looking for a strong finish. Can they manage 150?

20:23

Sri Lanka crawl to 100 in 16 overs

Sri Lanka 104-4 (16 ovs) vs Ireland | Scorecard

Matthew Humphreys is back into the attack and Kamindu Mendis tucks the flat delivery through midwicket for a single.

Kusal Mendis is on strike and he knocks the good length ball down to long-off and gets a single.

Two more singles follow.

Kamindu then gets a couple by swatting a flat delivery through mid-wicket.

Another brace, this time through long-off. Eight runs came off the over.

Gareth Delany is bowling out. Kusal Mendis is on strike and he steps out and goes inside-out over extra cover but gets only a single.

A dot later, a boundary comes after 57 balls!

Kamindu Mendis goes reverse and hits with the turn over short third. Hundred up for Sri Lanka 15.3 overs.

Two singles come off the next two deliveries.

A couple through deep square leg to end the over. Nine runs came off it.

20:13

Wellalage departs

Sri Lanka 88-4 (13.5 ovs) vs Ireland | Scorecard

Gareth Delany is back into the attack with his third over and Wellalage squeezes the overpitched delivery to long-on for a single.

Mendis then cuts a good length delivery but fails to find the gap.

Mendis is given out for LBW and he reviews it. Ball-tracking confirms it was drifting down the leg.

He then gets off the strike with a single to long-on.

Out! Wellalage departs, caught by Dockrell. A googly from Delany and Wellalage tries to hack it through mid-wicket but top-edges and finds Dockrell.

He departs after making 10 off 13 balls. Sri Lanka lose their fourth.

Kamindu Mendis comes to the crease and gets off the mark with a brace through long-off.

4 runs came off the over.

20:05

Sri Lanka 3 down; Ireland on top

Sri Lanka 84-3 (13 ovs) vs Ireland | Scorecard

Harry Tector comes into the attack and Wellalage glances a good length ball to short fine and gets off the strike.

Mendis then dabs one to short third and gets a single.

A dot later, Wellalage punches one through covers and picks up a single.

A dot later, Mendis pulls one to deep square leg and gets a couple.

Five runs came off the over. Sri Lanka are currently scoring at a rate of 6.33.

They have not scored a single boundaries in the last six overs.

George Dockrell with his third over and Wellalage cuts the short and wide delivery through backward point for a single.

Two singles through deep extra cover and long-on follow.

Mendis then pats one to mid-wicket for another single.

A wide outside off follows.

Wellalage then pulls a shortish delivery through square leg and gets a couple.

A single through mid-wicket to end the over. 8 runs came off it.

19:55

Sri Lanka 3 down; Ireland on top

Sri Lanka 71-3 (11 ovs) vs Ireland | Scorecard

Gareth Delany with his second over and Pavan Rathnayake dances down the wicket and drives the low full-toss towards long-on for a single.

A single through long on follow before Rathnayake gets a couple by square driving one.

Two dots and single to end the five-run over.

Sri Lanka are 68-2 at the half-way mark.

George Dockrell with his third over and he cleans up Pavan Rathnayake!

The ball keeps low and Rathnayake attempts to scoop it towards third man but the ball keeps straight and shatters the timbre.

He departs for a 9-ball 5.

Dunith Wellalage comes to the crease and nudges one towards mid-off. No run on offer.

A dot later, he gets off the mark by dragging one to deep mid-wicket.

Mendis then drives a loopy delivery to long-off for a single.

Another single to end the over. 3 runs came off it.

19:47

Sri Lanka lose both openers

Sri Lanka 63-2 (9 ovs) vs Ireland | Scorecard

George Dockrell continues and Kusal Mendis punches the shortish delivery through the off-side for a single.

Out! Nissanka departs, caught by Stirling. A lot slower delivery outside off and Nissanka slaps it towards cover and Sterling takes a sharp catch to his left.

He goes for a 23-ball 24 with a boundary and a six each.

Pavan Rathnayake is the new man in and he plays out two dot before opening his account by driving a tossed up delivery towards long-on for a single.

A dot to end the 2-run over.

19:41

SL in control despite early blow

Sri Lanka 61-1 (8 ovs) vs Ireland | Scorecard

George Dockrell comes into the attack and Nissanka opens the bat face and steers the shortish delivery towards short third man. No run on offer.

He then drags one through mid-wicket for a single.

Two more singles follow.

A dot later, Mendis taps one to sweeper cover to retain the strike. Four runs came off the over.

Gareth Delany comes into the attack and Mendis attempts a sweep but top-edges the full toss to deep square leg for a couple.

Five singles come off the next five deliveries of the seven-run over.

19:31

Nissanka, Mendis steady Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka 50-1 (6 ovs) vs Ireland | Scorecard

Matthew Humphreys is back into the attack and Nissanka is on strike.

The batters pick up two singles off the first two deliveries before Nissanka goes down on his knee and smashes a short delivery over the square leg boundary for six.

Two singles and a dot to end the over. 10 runs came off it.

Barry McCarthy is back into the attack and Kusal Mendis punches the first delivery towards the cover. No run on offer.

Four! Back of a length delivery and Mendis whips it through square leg for his first boundary of the game.

A dot later, Mendis hits another boundary, this time by beating the fielder at mid-on.

A short delivery follows and Mendis tries to cuts it but gets beaten.

Four! Mendis plays late and cuts it through deep backward point for another boundary.

12 runs came off the over.

19:23

Ireland strike early; Sri Lanka 1 down

Sri Lanka 28-1 (4 ovs) vs Ireland | Scorecard

Barry McCarthy comes into the attack and Kamil Mishara greets him with a boundary. Pitched up delivery and Mishara drills it right past the bowler.

A wide outside off follows.

Two dots later, Mishara gets a reprieve! He flicks a length delivery towards mid-wicket and Ross Adair dives to his left but could not hold on to the catch. The batter picks up a single.

Nissanka then drags a short delivery through the on-side for a couple of runs.

A single through backward square leg to end the over. Nine runs came off it.

Mark Adair continues and Nissanka cuts the first delivery firmly to the fielder at cover point.

Two dots later, Nissanka pulls a shortish delivery towards square leg and picks up a single.

Another dot follows.

Out! Mishara is out caught by McCarthy. Slower delivery and Mishara pokes at it tentatively but ends up giving a simple catch to McCarthy at mid-off.

Mishara departs for a 11-ball 14 with two hits to the fence.

Just a single came off the successful over.

Kusal Mendis comes to the crease.

19:10

Sri Lanka off to a solid start

Sri Lanka 18-0 (2 ovs) vs Ireland | Scorecard

Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara are out in the middle to open for Sri Lanka.

Matthew Humphreys will open the attack for Ireland. Nissanka is on strike.

Humphreys starts with a shortish delivery on middle and leg and Nissanka pulls it through mid-wicket for a couple.

Two dots later, Nissanka gets off the strike by flicking one through mid-wicket for a single.

Mishara then taps the next ball back to the bowler before punching a shortish delivery outside off to covers for a couple of runs.

Five runs came off the first over.

Mark Adair to operate from the other end.

Four! Nissanka punches a shortish delivery outside off towards cover and the fielder there moves to his right but fumbles and the ball races away to the boundary.

A single through point brings Mishara back on strike.

A wide outside off follows.

Mishara then steers one towards third man and picks up a couple.

Four! Poor delivery drifting on the pads and Mishara flicks it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

A single through mid-wicket follows.

A dot to end the over. 13 runs came off it.

18:49

Ireland opt to field vs Sri Lanka

Welcome to the coverage of the Match No. 6 of the T20 World Cup between Sri Lanka and Ireland at the D Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Ireland have won the toss and they have opted to bowl first.

Let's have a look at the Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana.

Ireland: Paul Stirling (Captain), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (Wicketkeeper), Curtis Campher, Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys.

Co-hosts Sri Lanka would be keen to dish out a solid effort in front of home fans when they take on an unpredictable Ireland in their opening Group B match.

Sri Lanka had a disappointing preparation for the showpiece as they were whitewashed 0-3 by England in a home T20 series, which was the final tune-up to the tournament.

Sri Lanka, champion of the T20 World Cup in 2014, enter this edition with home advantage and what appears, on paper, to be a decent squad, which needs to deliver in crunch situations.

Ireland, on the other hand, will hope to build on recent wins and become the giant-killer of its group, but inconsistency will be a concern.

They will be relying on the experience of veteran Paul Stirling and key players like Harry Tector and Josh Little.

This tournament will be Irelands eighth appearance in the T20 World Cup, having featured in every edition since its debut in 2009.

The Irish are coming on the back of impressive series wins against Italy and the UAE, and they would look to maintain their winning run in the tournament.

Ireland has a realistic chance of coming out of the group if it can upset Sri Lanka.

18:40

England edge Nepal in nail-biting finish

Nepal 180-6 (20 Ovs) vs England 184-7 | SCORECARD

Another quick huddle for England. The tension is unbearable. It's six or bust for Nepal!

Lokesh swings hard' just a single! Heartbreak for Nepal!

The chase falls agonisingly short. England hold their nerve in the final over.

Nepal lose by 4 runs in a thriller of a contest.

18:34

Nepal need 6 from 1

Nepal 179-6 (19.5 Ovs) vs England 184-7 | SCORECARD

Lokesh sneaks two more runs, bringing Nepal closer. England's Curran and Brook huddle quickly, planning the last delivery. A dot ball! The crowd holds its breath. Nepal now need 6 runs from the final ball. The stage is set for a nail-biting finish -- everything rides on this one delivery.

18:31

Nepal need 8 from 3

Nepal 177-6 (19.3 Ovs) vs England 184-7 | SCORECARD

Sam Curran takes the ball for the final over. He starts with a beautiful yorker -- Lokesh swings but misses! The pressure is on. He manages a quick single off the next delivery to keep the chase alive.

Karan Jha is on strike now. He takes a single off the first ball, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Nepal need just 8 runs from 3 balls. The tension is palpable.

18:28

Nepal need 10 from 6

Nepal 175-6 (19 Ovs) vs England 184-7 | SCORECARD

Wood comes back into the attack. Lokesh Bam wastes no time, smashing a boundary off the first ball. But Wood is under pressure -- two wides follow, and then a swing and a miss. Wood adjusts his line, but Lokesh pounces again with another boundary.

Nepal now need just 14 runs to win. Even Buttler and Brook are talking to Wood, trying to steady him, but the pressure is mounting. Another wide gives Nepal extra breathing space. Lokesh skies one next ball -- and it's dropped by Will Jacks! They sneak two runs. A quick single follows, with Jacks scrambling to stop the strike -- every run counts. Then the drama peaks.

WICKET! Bowled! Gulsan Jha departs for 2 off just 2 balls, leaving Nepal needing 10 runs from 6 deliveries.

18:19

Archer strikes, England back in control

Nepal 161-5 (18 Ovs) vs England 184-7 | SCORECARD

Sam Curran continues. Lokesh Bam and Aarif keep things simple at first, rotating strike with a couple of singles. Then Lokesh shifts gears -- back-to-back boundaries, timing both beautifully to find the fence and inject some life into the chase. A handy over for Nepal. Ten runs come off it. Nepal move to 139/4 after 17 overs.

Jofra Archer is back for a crucial spell. He starts with a wide, gifting Nepal an extra. Aarif takes full advantage next ball -- a huge six, launched cleanly into the stands. But Archer responds immediately. EDGE --AND GONE!

A clever slower ball moving away from the right-hander draws the outside edge, and Jos Buttler makes no mistake behind the stumps. A timely breakthrough for England. Aarif departs for 10 off 8 balls.

Nepal slip further under pressure.

Gulsan Jha walks in as the new batter and starts with a single to get off the mark.

A wide follows, giving Nepal an extra, and then Lokesh Bam takes charge -- back-to-back massive sixes! The crowd erupts as the chase comes alive. A quick single at the end keeps the strike moving.

What a game-changing over -- 22 runs and a wicket!

After 18 overs, Nepal are 161/5, needing 24 from 12 balls.

18:10

Dawson strikes again as Nepal lose another

Nepal 129-4 (16 Ovs) vs England 184-7 | SCORECARD

Exactly the over England were hoping for -- just two runs and a big wicket. The momentum has shifted. Nepal now need calm heads. Their captain Rohit Paudel remains at the crease, and much rests on his shoulders to guide the chase home.

Liam Dawson comes back into the attack. Aarif nudges a single to get off strike. Paudel follows with one of his own as Nepal try to rebuild quietly. But England strike again. WICKET! Brilliant catch! Paudel looks to go big towards deep midwicket, but Phil Salt runs in and pulls off an excellent low catch, clinging on just inches from the turf. The pressure is telling.

Wickets are starting to tumble and England are right back in the contest. Paudel departs for 39 off 34 balls.

Lokesh Bam walks in as the new batter and gets off the mark straightaway with a single.

Nepal keep things low-risk, picking up a couple more runs through smart rotation, but England's bowlers continue to squeeze.

It's another tight over with the pressure firmly on the chasing side.

Just four runs and a wicket from it. After 16 overs, Nepal are 129/4, needing 56 from 24 balls.

18:05

Massive blow for Nepal as Airee departs for 44

Nepal 125-3 (15 Ovs) vs England 184-7 | SCORECARD

Sam Curran comes back into the attack. He starts with a full toss and Paudel calmly knocks it away for a single. Then comes the big moment.

WICKET! Airee holes out! Trying to keep the pressure on, Airee goes for the big hit but doesn't quite middle it. The ball hangs in the air and Tom Banton settles under it to complete the catch. A huge blow to Nepal at a crucial stage. Airee looked set to take the game deep and do serious damage, but his fine knock comes to an end. Dipendra Singh Airee departs for 44 off 29 balls. Curran strikes when England needed it most.

Aarif Sheikh walks in as the new batter. Just 2 runs and a wicket came off it.

17:57

Airee ignites Nepal's run hunt

Nepal have been here before -- and they still remember the pain. At the 2024 T20 World Cup, they came within a single run of beating South Africa. One hit, one moment, one breath away from history. It slipped through their fingers. But that heartbreak didn't break them -- it hardened them.

Since then, this group has grown in belief and maturity, even scripting a landmark 2-1 series win over West Indies before the tournament. For a team that once just wanted to compete, they now expect to win. There's no fear, no baggage -- just quiet confidence.

Now, on another big stage, with the chase alive and the crowd behind them, the question is simple: Can Nepal finally hold their nerve and finish the job?

17:54

Airee ignites Nepal's run hunt

Nepal 123-2 (14 Ovs) vs England 184-7 | SCORECARD

Jofra Archer returns for a key spell. Paudel starts cautiously -- beaten first up and nearly undone by the extra pace. Archer follows with another sharp delivery that zips past the edge. A slower short ball then gets tucked fine for a single. Airee is beaten as well but manages to sneak a run next ball. A couple more singles round it off. A tight, disciplined over from Archer. Just three runs from it. Nepal crawl to 104/2 after 13 overs.

Adil Rashid is back -- and the momentum shifts. Paudel takes a quick single before Airee nudges another off a flatter one. Then Paudel goes big -- a clean six down the ground! He follows it with a single.

Now it's Airee's turn to attack. Cracked for four' and then launched for six! Airee is timing it beautifully, taking Rashid apart with fearless strokeplay. A massive over for Nepal. Nineteen runs come off it.

After 14 overs, Nepal surge to 123/2, needing 62 from 36 balls.

Drinks taken with the chase well and truly alive.

17:46

Nepal cross 100 as Airee, Paudel steady chase

Nepal 102-2 (12 Ovs) vs England 184-7 | SCORECARD

Liam Dawson continues. Airee charges down the track first ball but swings and misses. He makes amends immediately, hammering the next delivery to the fence for four. A single to the leg side follows as Nepal keep the scoreboard ticking. Paudel stays watchful, defending one before nudging a single to close out the over.

Six runs from it. Nepal move to 91/2 after 11 overs.

Sam Curran comes into the attack. He begins with a wide, gifting Nepal an extra. Paudel then pounces on a loose ball, cracking a boundary to keep the pressure on England. The batters settle into smart rotation, picking up singles and keeping the chase steady.

100 comes up for Nepal, a solid platform in the pursuit.

After 12 overs, Nepal are 102/2, needing 84 from 48 balls.

17:38

Nepal need 100 in tense run hunt

Nepal 85-2 (10 Ovs) vs England 184-7 | SCORECARD

Liam Dawson returns, replacing Rashid. Paudel works one neatly into the gap for a couple and looks for two again next ball, but settles for a single. The pair continue to rotate strike with a few low-risk singles as England keep things tight. Airee defends the final two deliveries to close out a quiet over. Just five runs from it. Nepal move to 75/2 after nine overs.

Adil Rashid is back into the attack. Paudel cuts straight to point for no run but nudges a single soon after. Rashid fires in a googly that's pushed back to the bowler. Then Airee breaks the shackles -- a powerful boundary through the off side. He follows it up with a single, and Nepal finish the over strongly with another crisp four to keep the chase alive. Ten runs come off it.

At halfway, Nepal are 85/2, needing 100 from 60 balls.

17:32

Nepal keep chase alive

Nepal 70-2 (8 Ovs) vs England 184-7 | SCORECARD

Adil Rashid is introduced into the attack. He starts with a gentle loosener and Dipendra Singh Airee doesn't miss out -- rocking back and putting it away for four. Airee follows it up with a single, while Paudel works one towards cover and rotates strike. Another single for Airee keeps things moving. Paudel caps off the over in style, smashing a six, and with little turn on offer, Nepal look keen to target Rashid. Thirteen runs come off it. Nepal move to 60/2 after seven overs.

Will Jacks continues from the other end. Airee greets him aggressively, cracking a boundary first ball. He defends the next, then both batters calmly exchange singles to keep the chase on track. Airee finishes strongly again, piercing the field for another boundary.

Ten runs from the over. Nepal reach 70/2 after eight overs, needing 115 from 72 balls.

17:24

Jacks strikes, Bhurtel falls after quickfire 29

Nepal 42-2 (6 Ovs) vs England 184-7 | SCORECARD

Rohit Paudel, the captain, walks in after the breakthrough and begins watchfully, defending his first ball.

Jofra Archer switches ends. He starts cleverly with a slower ball on off stump, and Bhurtel can only defend. The pace is taken off again, forcing a mistimed push for just a single. Paudel remains cautious, blocking a couple before Archer slips one down the leg side for a wide. A quiet finish to the over with another single. A strong comeback from Archer after being taken on earlier. Just three runs from it. Nepal 40/1 after five overs -- 145 needed from 90 balls.

Will Jacks comes on with spin. He begins with a wide before Paudel nudges a single. Then comes the big moment. WICKET! Caught and bowled! Bhurtel looks to hit through the line but doesn't get the elevation. The ball pops straight back, and Jacks reacts quickly to complete a sharp return catch. A fine all-round impact from Jacks -- runs with the bat and now a crucial wicket with the ball.

Bhurtel departs for a brisk 29 off 17 balls. Nepal lose their second, and spin strikes again.

Dipendra Singh Airee walks in next.

He gets going quickly, picking up a couple of runs to open his account. With the field still up, both batters focus on rotating the strike, nudging singles and keeping the scoreboard ticking without taking risks.

Its a steady rebuild after the wicket.

Seven runs and a breakthrough come from the over. At the end of the powerplay, Nepal are 47/2, needing 138 more from 84 balls.

17:17

Dawson strikes, England end Nepal's fast start

Nepal 37-1 (4 Ovs) vs England 184-7 | SCORECARD

Wood continues. Bhurtel stays aggressive, piercing the field for another boundary. He swings hard at the next one and misses, but the following delivery flies -- helped over the ropes for six!

The Nepal supporters find their voice as the openers keep attacking. He then guides one down to third man for a single, and Aasif joins the charge with a crisp boundary of his own before Wood finishes the over with a dot. Fifteen runs from it. Nepal surge to 31/0 after three overs.

Brook turns to spin early, bringing on Liam Dawson. Bhurtel looks to go big again but gets a thick top edge -- it just clears short fine leg running back. Two wides follow as Dawson struggles with his line. Aasif nudges one to midwicket for a single, Bhurtel pushes another to mid-on. Then the breakthrough.

Dawson tosses one up, sliding onto the pads. Aasif tries to work it away but gets a faint edge -- taken safely by Sam Curran. The celebrations erupt, and the noise dips around the ground.

Aasif Sheikh departs for 7 off 9 balls. Nepal lose their first wicket.

17:04

Bhurtel's boundaries give Nepal flying start

Nepal 16-0 (2 Ovs) vs England 184-7 | SCORECARD

Aasif Sheikh and Kushal Bhurtel walk out to open, with Bhurtel on strike. Mark Wood has the new ball in hand. Wood starts sharply. Bhurtel is beaten first up by extra pace. Another dot follows as the pressure builds. Bhurtel finally nudges one towards point to get Nepal off the mark, and Aasif closes the over with a single. A tight start -- just two runs from the first over. Nepal 2/0.

Jofra Archer from the other end. Aasif flicks one fine for a single before Bhurtel takes charge. He latches onto the pace, cracking back-to-back boundaries through the off side. Archer bangs one in short and Bhurtel misses, but the next ball races away again for four. He's batting smartly, using the pace rather than forcing it. Archer keeps targeting the stumps, but Bhurtel's quick hands are making the difference.

Fourteen runs from the over. Nepal move to 16/0 after two overs.

16:45

Will Jacks' late sixes power England to 184

England 184-7 (20 Ovs) vs Nepal | SCORECARD

Karan KC takes the ball for the final over. Will Jacks on strike. Short to begin with and Jacks pulls it away for a couple. He's just getting started. BANG! Six! Jacks clears the ropes with a stunning strike. And he follows it up immediately with another towering six, putting Karan under serious pressure.

The bowler tries the slower ball, and Jacks adjusts well, pulling it along the ground for a single. Archer now on strike. He swings hard but misses. Aasif Sheikh is quick behind the stumps, firing in a sharp throw to Karan at the bowler's end -- direct hit and Archer is run out! A smart bit of sacrifice as Archer gives himself up to get Jacks back on strike. Archer departs for 1 off 3 balls.

Liam Dawson walks in for the final delivery. Full and wide -- right in the slot -- and Jacks absolutely smashes it into the stands for six to finish in style.

Twenty-one runs come off the last over. England post a strong 184/7 after 20 overs.

16:34

Brook falls after fifty as Nepal hit back

England 163-6 (19 Ovs) vs Nepal | SCORECARD

Nandan Yadav returns for a crucial over. Brook doesn't hold back. SIX! He stands tall and nonchalantly lofts it over the ropes -- a clean, effortless strike that brings up a well-crafted half-century off just 32 balls. A captain's knock under pressure.

But the celebration is short-lived. WICKET! Brook holes out! He looks to go big again, this time targeting deep point, but doesn't get the distance. Sher Malla settles under it safely, with good communication between the fielders to complete the catch.

A timely breakthrough for Nepal. Harry Brook departs for 53 off 32 balls.

Jofra Archer walks in as the new batter.

He has a wild swing first up but connects with thin air. The next ball is safer -- nudged away for a quick single to get off the mark.

Will Jacks takes over the scoring, freeing his arms and smashing a boundary to keep England moving in the death overs. A single to finish keeps the strike rotating.

Twelve runs and a wicket come off the over. England reach 163/6 after 19 overs.

16:28

Airee strikes again, England 5 down

England 151-5 (18 Ovs) vs Nepal | SCORECARD

Sandeep Lamichhane returns to bowl a crucial over. Will Jacks looks to press forward but is beaten by sharp turn. He tries again with the drive-- and misses once more. Dot ball. The pressure builds as Lamichhane tightens the screws with another tidy delivery. A slight misfield finally allows England to sneak a single, bringing Brook back on strike. Just one run from the over -- a superb spell of control. England crawl to 139/5 after 17 overs.

Kushal Bhurtel comes back into the attack. Jacks pushes one straight back and settles for a single. Brook rotates strike with another. Then Brook decides to up the tempo -- dancing down the track and launching a big six into the stands. He follows it up with a couple of hard-run twos, while Jacks chips in with two more to keep the momentum going.

Twelve runs come off the over. England move to 151/5 after 18 overs.

16:23

Airee strikes again, England 5 down

England 138-5 (16 Ovs) vs Nepal | SCORECARD

Kushal Bhurtel continues. Brook wastes no time, latching onto a loose delivery and cracking it to the fence for four. The batters then rotate strike with a couple of easy singles to keep the scoreboard moving. After 15 overs, England are 134/4.

Dipendra Singh Airee returns. The over begins quietly with the batters nudging singles, but Airee strikes soon after. WICKET! Curran bowled! Curran rocks back to cut, but gets a thick inside edge that drags back onto the stumps. The timber is disturbed and Airee is delighted, punching the air in celebration. A soft dismissal for England. Sam Curran departs for 2 off 8 balls. Will Jacks walks in and gets off the mark immediately with a single. Four runs and a wicket from the over.

England slip to 138/5 after 16 overs.

16:13

Airee ends Bethell's blitz, Nepal fight back

England 128-4 (14 Ovs) vs Nepal | SCORECARD

Dipendra Singh Airee comes into the attack. Bethell eases into the over, nudging one to the on side for a single. But the very next ball, he goes big -- clearing his front leg and launching a towering six deep into the stands. Brook keeps the strike moving, driving straight back past the bowler for a single. Then comes the breakthrough. WICKET! Bethell holes out! He looks to go big again but doesn't quite get all of it. The ball hangs in the air, and Lokesh Bam settles under it to complete a safe catch. Bethell knows instantly -- head down, no complaint -- and begins the walk back.

A fine knock comes to an end. Jacob Bethell departs for 55 off 35 balls.

After the drinks break in the hot and humid Mumbai conditions, Sam Curran makes his way to the crease.

He takes a moment to settle in, watchfully defending the final two deliveries of the over as Nepal keep things tight.

At the end of 14 overs, England are 128/4.

16:11

Bethell blasts 28-ball fifty to lift England

England 120-3 (13 Ovs) vs Nepal | SCORECARD

Kushal Bhurtel continues. Brook starts the over with a gentle flick to point for a single. A wayward delivery down the leg side is called wide, and then Bethell takes charge. He clears his front leg and launches one high and handsome for six. The next ball disappears too -- back-to-back maximums! Bethell is in complete control. And with that second six, he races to a superb half-century off just 28 balls, a counter-attacking knock that keeps England firmly on top. Bhurtel tightens up for the rest of the over as Bethell defends out the final deliveries. Fourteen runs come off it.

England surge to 106/3 after 12 overs.

Sandeep Lamichhane returns to the attack.

Brook starts confidently, flicking one into the leg side and hustling back for a couple. There's a loud shout for lbw soon after, but Nepal show little interest in reviewing.

Bethell steps forward next, driving neatly down to long-on for a single to keep the strike rotating. Then Brook breaks free -- a crisp stroke through extra cover races away for four.

And he's not done yet.

Brook finishes the over in style, smashing a clean six straight down the ground, right off the middle of the bat.

Thirteen runs come off it. England accelerate to 120/3 after 13 overs.

15:59

Brook, Bethell steady England after early blows

England 92-3 (11 Ovs) vs Nepal | SCORECARD

Sandeep Lamichhane continues. Brook and Bethell are content to deal in singles, rotating the strike without taking risks. Brook stays watchful, defending a couple and respecting the turn on offer. A single to close out the over keeps things steady. Just three runs from it. England crawl to 76/3 after nine overs.

Kushal Bhurtel is introduced into the attack. Brook greets him positively, driving crisply to the fence for four. He follows it up with a couple of well-run twos to keep the momentum going. England pick up handy runs without much fuss. Eight more added. England move to 84/3 after 10 overs.

Sher Malla returns. Bethell starts quietly, jabbing one to cover for no run, then nudges a single. Brook leans forward to flick one to deep mid-wicket for another run. Bethell cuts to sweeper cover for one more, and Brook collects an easy single on the leg side. Bethell finishes the over in style, carving a boundary to keep the scoreboard ticking. Eight runs come off it. England reach 92/3 after 11 overs.

15:50

Nepal celebrate as Lamichhane removes Banton

England 73-3 (8 Ovs) vs Nepal | SCORECARD

Harry Brook gets going straightaway, nudging a single to open his account. Bethell follows with a gentle clip to the leg side for one before trying something inventive -- a reverse that flies past the diving slip for runs. Brook keeps things ticking with another single as the strike rotates steadily.

The noise from the stands keeps rising.

Seven runs and a wicket come off the over. England move to 64/3 after seven.

Nandan Yadav returns to the attack. Brook and Bethell exchange singles early. One down the leg side is called wide. Bethell then pushes hard for two -- and there's almost a mix-up! Unsighted by the bowler in his path, Bethell hesitates midway before scrambling through safely, helped by a poor throw from the field.

Nandan keeps it short outside off, and Bethell pulls firmly toward deep square leg, where Bhurtel cuts it off with sharp fielding. Another wide follows before a dot ball wraps up the over.

Nine runs from it. England are 73/3 after eight overs.

15:40

Nepal celebrate as Lamichhane removes Banton

England 57-3 (6.1 Ovs) vs Nepal | SCORECARD

Sher Malla returns to bowl the final over of the powerplay. Banton begins cautiously with a solid defence before being beaten by a beauty, though he scrambles through for a single. Bethell, meanwhile, keeps the pressure on -- launching a clean strike over the ropes for six. He follows it up with a cracking boundary, threading the gap with precision. A single rotates the strike, and then a half-chance goes down -- a tough return catch for Malla in his follow-through. England cash in. Thirteen runs come off the over.

Time for drinks in the heat, with England 57/2 after six overs.

Sandeep Lamichhane into the attack. WICKET! Banton trapped in front! Lamichhane strikes almost immediately, pinning Banton lbw. The batter reviews, hoping for some relief, but the replay shows it crashing into the top of leg stump. The decision stands, and Lamichhane races away in celebration as Nepal's fans erupt.

Tom Banton departs for 2 off 5 balls.

Captain Harry Brook walks in next.

15:31

Yadav sends Buttler packing early

England 44-2 (5 Ovs) vs Nepal | SCORECARD

Dipendra Singh Airee is handed the ball. Buttler wastes no time, nudging one into the gap for a quick single. Bethell follows with a firm drive down to long-on for another run as England keep the board ticking. Then Buttler switches gears -- cracking back-to-back boundaries with authority, first through the off side and then square of the wicket. He adds a single before a dot ball closes the over. A productive one for England -- 39/1 after four overs.

Nandan Yadav comes in from the other end. Buttler starts watchfully with a defence but responds in style, smashing the next ball to the fence. However, the bowler hits back immediately.

WICKET! Buttler falls! Extra bounce does the trick Buttler --goes for the cut but only manages a thick edge, and Aasif Sheikh completes the catch safely behind the stumps. Nandan Yadav is pumped, punching the air and leaping in celebration. A timely breakthrough for Nepal. Buttler departs for 26 off 17 balls.

Tom Banton walks in as the new batter.

15:19

Sher Malla strikes first ball, Salt falls

England 28-1 (3 Ovs) vs Nepal | SCORECARD

Phil Salt and Jos Buttler walk out to open for England, with Salt taking strike. Karan KC has the new ball in hand.

Salt gets England underway immediately, nudging a single to get off the mark. Buttler begins watchfully with a solid defence before freeing his arms -- angling one sweetly past the infield for a boundary. Karan responds well, tightening his line, as Buttler can only flick one towards point for no run. Another dot ball follows to wrap up a tidy opening over. Five runs come off it.

Sher Malla is introduced into the attack and what a moment it turns out to be. WICKET! Full and drifting down the leg side, not the best delivery, but Salt helps it on and finds Lamichhane in the deep. First ball in international cricket and Sher Malla has a wicket! A dream start for the youngster. Salt departs for 1 off 2 balls, and Jacob Bethell walks in as the new batter.

Jacob Bethell settles in cautiously, flicking his first delivery towards midwicket for no run. He doesnt wait long to counterattack though slaps the next ball hard through deep point for four.

The youngster is up and running.

Moments later, Bethell goes big, launching one cleanly over the ropes for a towering six. Nepal try the short ball again, but it sits up nicely and Bethell punishes it, cracking another boundary. A dot ball ends the over, but the damage is done.

Fourteen runs and a wicket come off it. England move to 19/1 after two overs.

Karan KC continues.

Buttler and Bethell rotate strike with a single each before Buttler shifts gears, hammering a crisp boundary through the off side. He follows it up with a couple more runs to keep the pressure on.

Nine from the over. England are 28/1 after three overs.

14:40

Here are the playing XIs

Here are the playing XIs

England: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler(w), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook(c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood

Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh(w), Rohit Paudel(c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Lokesh Bam, Gulsan Jha, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Sandeep Lamichhane, Sher Malla

14:38

NZ beat Afghanistan; England opt to bat vs Nepal

England won the toss and chose to bat first against Nepal as they kick off their T20 World Cup campaign brimming with confidence.

Backed by form and firepower, the former champions will look to set the tone early with a strong total on the board. Standing in their way is a fearless Nepal side with nothing to lose and plenty to prove.

The Asian qualifiers toppers scripted history recently by beating the West Indies in a T20I series -- their first-ever triumph over a Test-playing nation -- and arrive high on belief.

After showing grit in the 2024 edition, Nepal have only grown sharper and more dangerous.

With England opting to bat, expect early fireworks as experience meets Nepal's fearless energy in what promises to be a lively contest.

14:28

Siefert stars with 50; Naib's 50 in vain

NZ 183-5 (17.5 ovs) vs Afg 182-6 | Scoreboard

New Zealand commence their T20 World Cup campaign with a 5 wicket win over Afghanistan in Chennai on Sunday.

Tim Seifert led the Kiwi fightback with a fighting half-ton after they were rocked early by Mujeebb who took 2 wickets.

Mitch Santner and Daryll Mitchell eventually took them over the line in 17.5 overs.

Earlier, Gulbadin Naib smashed a fine fifty as Afghanistan posted a 182 for six. Apart from Naib (63), Sediqullah Atal (29) and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (27) also chipped in with useful contributions.

For NZ, Lockie Fergusen (2/32) snapped two wickets, while Jacob Duffy (1/30), Rachin Ravindra (1/14) and Matt Henry (1/27) picked up a wicket each.

Azmat continues and Mitchell starts the over with a single.

Short ball next and Santner plays it past backward point for a four!

Santner then scampers for a quick single.

Full toss next and Mitchell pulls it over mid-wicket for a six!

NZ review for high no ball, it's a legit ball.

Mitchell scores the winning runs with a single to long on as Kiwis win by 5 wickets.

Sharifi back in the attack and Mitchell starts the over with a couple to the leg side off a full ball.

Mitchell then takes a single to mid-on.

A dot later, Santner hits it to mid-off and scampers for a single. Nabi then gifts the batters a single off overthrows.

Santner then smashes it over covers for a four! New Zealand now need 19 off 19.

Santner then punishes the full toss, smacking it down the ground for a six as New Zealand now need 13 off 18 balls.

14:15

Onus on Santner and Miitchell to take NZ home

NZ 155-5 (16 ovs) vs Afg 182-6 | Scoreboard

Santner is the new man in and he is beaten as the ball moves away.

Play and miss and Santner is beaten again on the outside edge. Just four runs and a wicket come off it.

Azmat is back in the attack and he bowls a bouncer, the batters sneak a single. NZ review for height. No ball called for height.

Free-hit now and slower ball and Chapman is beaten on the pull. Dot ball.

Chapman then takes a single to long on.

Mitchell then plays the ball to square leg for a single.

Chapman then chips the ball straight to Rashid at cover. Chapman out for 28 off 17.

Mujeeb is back in the attack and Mitchell and Chapman start the over with three singles each.

Full toss next and Chapman just despatched it over mid-wicket for a six to log 2000 T20I runs.

Chapman then scoops the next ball past the keeper for a four!

He then cuts the ball down to extra cover for a couple as 15 runs come off it.

14:02

Need 47 off 36 balls

NZ 136-4 (14 ovs) vs Afg 182-6 | Scoreboard

Rashid continues and Chapman starts the over with a single.

Mitchell then brings out the reverse sweep and plays it wide of short third man for a four!

Mitchell and Chapman then take a single each.

Mitchell then takes a quick couple to mid-wicket.

Mitchell chips the last ball of the over towards mid-wicket for a single as 10 come off it.

Mitchell is the new man in and he plays the ball to the leg side to get off the mark with a quick couple. 18 runs and a wicket come off it.

Offie Nabi in the attack now and after a dot. Siefert brings up his 50 with a six over square leg.

Back-to-back sixes as Seifert pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a six!

Seifert then creams the ball down the ground for a four!

Seifert then goes to pull the short ball, it was too close to him, he plays it straight to Azmat at backward square leg. He is out for 65 off 42 balls.

13:53

Seifert gets a life

NZ 108-3 (12 ovs) vs Afg 182-6 | Scoreboard

Rashid continues and Seifert connects the full ball and smacks it over the bowler for a six!

Rashid drops the return catch as Seifert hands back the ball to the bowler who drops the ball after three attempts.

A dot later Seifert gets a single.

Chapman then takes a couple down the ground. A dot to end the over as 7 come off it.

Sharifi is back in the attack and Seifert starts the over with a single.

Chapman then swivel pulls the back of length ball through mid-wicket for a four!

Chapman then drives the next ball through covers for a couple.

A single, a dot and a single to end the over as 9 come off it.

13:46

Phillips out for 42

NZ 92-3 (10 ovs) vs Afg 182-6 | Scoreboard

Mark Chapman is the new man in and he is off the mark with a single.

The batters rotate the strike for 3 more runs as 5 runs and a wicket come in the over.

Rashid is back in the attack and Seifert takes a single off the first ball.

Rashid then bowls it on the off stump, Phillips makes room and tries to drive the full ball, misses and the ball breaks the stumps and Phillips is bowled out for 42 off 25.

Azmat is back in the attack and he is hammered for two fours in the overs by Phillips even as the batters take 4 singles. 12 come off the over.

13:34

Rashid hammered in his opening over

NZ 75-2 (8 ovs) vs Afg 182-6 | Scoreboard

Medium pacer Ziaur Rahman Sharifi is in the attack now and Phillips starts the over with a single.

The bowler then oversteps even as the batters run a couple.

A dot later, the Sharifi bowls a wide.

A dot later, Seifert edges the ball to third man for a single.

Phillips then plays the ball to deep cover for a single.

A couple to mid-wicket to end the over as 9 come off it.

Rashid Khan brings himself on after the Powerplay and the batters take three singles to start the over.

Phillips then smacks a six over the bowler.

Short ball next and Phillips pulls it over mid-wicket for a four to bring up the 50-run stand with Seifert.

Phillips then pulls it to deep mid-wicket and the ball falls short of the fielder and they take a single to end the over as 14 come off it.

13:23

Afghan bowlers under the pump

NZ 52-2 (6 ovs) vs Afg 182-6 | Scoreboard

Mujeeb continues and after a dot, he bowls it down the leg side and Phillips pulls it past short fine for a four.

Two dots later, Phillips hits a four through covers. A dot to end the over as 8 come off it.

Farooqi is back in the attack and Phillips starts the over with a single to mid-off.

A dot later, the bouncer is met with by Seifert and he pulls it over mid-wicket for a four!

Seifert then lofts the next ball over long on for a six!

Seifert then take a quick couple even as the fielder affects a direct hit. Seifert is safe home.

A dot to end the over as 13 come off it.

13:14

Afghan bowlers keep it tight

NZ 31-2 (4 ovs) vs Afg 182-6 | Scoreboard

Mujeeb continues and Seifert starts the over with a single to long-on.

Short ball and Phillips pulls it towards short fine leg for a dot.

Phillips then latches on to the leg side ball and glances it past short fine leg for a four!

Phillips then takes a single next ball.

Seifert then plays two dots as 6 runs come off it.

Medium pacer Azmatullah Omarzai in the attack now and after a dot, Seifert smacks a four!

A wide and dot later, Seifert takes a tight single to mid-on.

Another wide, down the leg side this time.

Short ball next and Phillips uses the pace to pull it to backward square leg for a four.

Dot to end the over as 11 come off it.

13:06

Allen and Ravindra back in the hut

NZ 14-2 (2 ovs) vs Afg 182-6 | Scoreboard

Glenn Phillps is the new man in, facing the hat-trick ball and he survives.

A dot to end the over as two wickets and 2 runs come off it.

Rachin Ravindra is the new man in and he is out first ball as the ball goes through his defenses, seam up ball, slight swing and straightens, goes through Ravindra's bat and pad and he is out for a golden duck.

Off break bowler Mujeeb Ur Rahman opens at the other end and Allen is off the mark with a single.

Seifert then takes a single next ball.

Mujeeb strikes next ball as he bowls short but quicker, Allen goes for the pull and misses as the ball crashes into the stumps and Allen is out for 1 off 2 balls.

Fazalhaq Farooqui opens the attack for Afganistan while Finn Allen and Tim Seifert come out to chase 183.

And Seifert starts with two dots as he defends and then digs out the yorker.

Seifert then goes hard towards mid-on just over a leaping Rashid for a four!

Back-to-back fours for Seifert who makes room and hits the ball past point for another four.

Seifert then defends the full ball next.

Seifert then smashes the next one wide off mid-off for a four as 12 come off the opening over.

12:47

Naib hits 50; Ferguson picks two

Afg 182-6 (20 ovs) vs NZ | Scoreboard

Afghanistan post a commendable 182 for 6 in their group opener against New Zealand.

Gulbadin Naib top-scored for the Afghans with 63 off 35 balls. Atal chipped in with a handy 29 off 24 balls.

Lockie Ferguson was the pick of the bowlers for the Kiwis with 2 for 40 in his 4 overs.

Ferguson comes out to bowl the final over, the slot ball is whipped over deep mid-wicket for a six!

A dot later, Nabi hits the ball wide off mid-off and scampers for a single.

Azmat then looks to go across the line, misses and gets a single off a leg bye.

Another slower ball and Nabi misses the attempted pull.

Nabi then hits the ball to sweeper cover for a single, the batters look for a couple, the extra doesn't count as Azmat is run out as he runs back to the bowler's end. He is run out for 14 off 7. Afghanistan put on 182 for 6.

Nabi is the new man in and he is off the mark with a single to mid-wicket.

Short bouncer next as Azmat leaves it alone.

Azmat then hacks the ball to backward square leg for a single.

Henry bowls it slow and wide and Nabi plays it to sweeper cover for a single.

Azmat then ends the over with a six! A smack over mid-wicket for a maximum as 9 come off the 19th over.

Henry is back in the attack and he strikes first ball with a slower short ball, Rasooli pulls the ball straight to deep mid-wicket and he is out for 23 off 13 balls.

12:31

Can Afghanistan get to 200?

Afg 164-4 (18 ovs) vs NZ | Scoreboard

Azmatullah Omarzai is the new man in and he is off the mark with a single to the off side.

Rasooli then takes a single.

A dot later, Azmat smacks the wide ball over long off for a six! 14 runs and a wicket come off it.

Left arm spinner Rachin Ravindra in the attack now, he overpitches, Naib latches on and smacks it down the ground for a six!

Naib looks to go big again, plays across the line, but only to mistime this time and the keeper gets under it and Naib is out for 63.

Ferguson back in the attack and Rasooli drives the ball to long on and an overthrow allows the batter 2.

Short ball and Rasooli pulls it hard over deep square leg for a six!

A dot later, Rasooli takes a single to cover.

A full toss next and Naib hacks it over mid-on for a single.

He then bowls a wide down the leg side.

Rasooli then carves the next ball over cover point for a four as 15 come off it.

12:20

Atal out after Naib gets maiden T20I 50

Afg 135-3 (16 ovs) vs NZ | Scoreboard

Santner continues and after a dot, the batters take 5 singles in the over and finishes his spell with none for 23 in four overs.

Darwish Rasooli is the new man in and he off the mark with a couple to mid-wicket.

Rasooli then takes a single to backward square leg.

Naib then gets a top edge as the ball flies over the keeper for a four! A wicket and 15 runs come off the over.

Duffy back in the attack after drinks and he starts with an overpitched ball and is rightfully punished by Naib who smacks it over long on for a maximum.

A wide later, Naib takes a single to point to bring up his maiden T20I fifty.

Slower short bouncer next, Atal goes to pull, gets an edge and is caught behind and he is out for a well made 29 off 24.

12:11

Naib, Atal put on 71-run stand

Afg 115-2 (14 ovs) vs NZ | Scoreboard

Naib-Atal have fought back well for Afghanistan after the early wickets. They have put on 71 runs for the third wicket as NZ search for a breakthrough.

Santner back in the attack and he starts with a single to long off.

A dot later, Atal takes a single to long on.

Naib then reaches for the wide one and hits it to deep cover for a single.

Atal then takes a single to long off.

Naib ends the over with a single to mid-wicket as 5 come off it.

Neesham back in the attack, he bowls slow and short and Atal flays it through the line, hammering it for a four down the ground.

Atal then take a couple to mid-wicket.

He then takes a single before Naib gets down and flicks it over short fine leg for a four!

Naib then pulls the ball over deep mid-wicket for a six! Naib is a making his intent clear.

Full again and Naib plays it to deep square leg for a single as 18 come off it.

12:01

Runs coming in good flow now

Afg 92-2 (12 ovs) vs NZ | Scoreboard

Ferguson is back in the attack, Naib starts with a flick to mid-wicket for a single.

Atal then digs out the full ball to mid-wicket for a couple.

Atal then gets a single to square leg.

The next ball keeps low and Naib pulls it to short fine leg for a single.

Atal then takes a single to backward square leg.

Naib then hammers the ball down the ground for a couple as 8 come off it.

Offie Glenn Phillips in the attack now and Nain and Atal take three singles off the first three balls.

A wide later, Atal plays the ball to mid-wicket for a single.

Naib then gets under the full ball and slogs it wide over long on for a six!

Naib then turns it around the corner for a single as 12 come off it.

11:51

Nabi looking good

Afg 72-2 (10 ovs) vs NZ | Scoreboard

Santner continues and Naib starts the over with a couple.

A dot later, Naib hits it to long on for a single.

Atal comes down the track and hits it through the line, straight down the ground for a four!

Atal then plays the next ball to the leg side for a single.

Naib then plays the ball wide of mid-wicket for a single as 9 come off it.

Neesham continues and he starts with a short one and Atal cuts it to covers for a single.

Fuller ball next and Naib hammers it over the bowler for a four!

Naib then takes a single to long on before Atal plays the next one to fine leg and scampers for a couple.

Atal then guides the next one to short third man for a dot.

Neesham then bowls the next one wide down the leg side.

A misfield at square leg and a mix-up off the last ball of the over but the batters manage to complete the 2nd run. 11 come off it.

11:43

Afghanistan struggle to get going

Afg 52-2 (8 ovs) vs NZ | Scoreboard

Left arm spinner Mitch Santner in the attack now and after a dot, he bowls a wide.

Dot later, Atal pulls it to mid-wicket for a single.

Naib plays the next ball to cover and attempts a run but comes back to his crease.

Naib then brings up his 1000 runs in T20Is with a single to backward square leg.

Atal plays the next ball to long off for a single to end the over as 4 come off it.

Sediqullah Atal is the new man in as James Neesham comes into the attack now.

And Naib starts the over with a single towards third man.

Atal then gets off the mark with a single to the off side.

Naib and Atal take a single each off the next two balls.

A dot later, Naib is beaten as he goes for it and the ball holds it's line outside the off stump. Four singles come off the over.

11:35

Afghanistan lose both openers in the Powerplay overs

Afg 44-2 (6 ovs) vs NZ | Scoreboard

Gulbadin Naib comes in at No 3 and he gets off the mark with a 3 as he hits the ball to sweeper cover.

Gurbaz then clips the ball to mid-wicket and scampers for a single.

Short ball and Naib pulls it to backward square leg for a single.

Full and on middle, Gurbaz goes deep on the leg side and hits it through covers for a four!

Ferguson strikes again! He bowls a slower one that drifts in, Gurbaz inside edges it on to his leg stump and he is out for 27 off 22, a scratchy innings ends. Afghanistan two down in the Powerplay overs.

Lockie Ferguson in the attack now and he strikes first ball as Zadran cuts the ball straight to the fielder at backward point and he is out for 10 off 12.

Henry continues, he bowls it full and Zadran whips it through mid-wicket for a four.

Zadran then flicks it over mid-wicket and falls short of the incoming fielder and he gets a couple.

Zadran is then hit full on his back leg as he misses the attempted pull. Big shout for LBW, no says the umpire even as he takes a single. NZ review and the ball tracking is taking some time. Finally it shows impact in line but the ball was going just over the middle stump.

Gurbaz then chips the next one towards mid-off for a dot.

Short ball next and Gurbaz pulls it over mid-wicket for a couple.

A dot to end the over as 9 come off it.

11:19

He smacks Duffy for a six

Afg 26-0 (4 ovs) vs NZ | Scoreboard

Duffy continues and he again bowls short of length, Gurbaz miscues the pull for a dot.

Another dot later, Gurbaz is beaten on the cut as the bowler bowls it on the off stump and back of length.

Duffy then bowls the next one wide down the leg side.

Gurbaz then plays the next ball towards point where the fielder dives to deny Gurbaz any run.

Gurbaz then moves across the stumps and laps it over long leg for a six!

Gurbaz then smacks the next ball through mid-wicket for a four as 11 come off the over.

Henry continues and Gurbaz takes a single to the off side.

A dot later, Zadran miscues the pull towards short fine leg, there isa misfield and he manages to take a single.

A dot later, Gurbaz pulls, miscues and the ball flies behind, three batters converge and Finn Allen puts it down as he collides with the keeper and puts down the catch. The batters run three.

A dot to end the over as 5 come off it.

11:10

NZ bowlers keep it short and thereabouts

Afg 10-0 (2 ovs) vs NZ | Scoreboard

Duffy opens at the other end and after a dot, Zadran is off the mark with a couple to the leg side.

Zadran then guides the next one towards short third man and fielder dives to keep it down to a single.

Gurbaz then plays the ball down for a dot. The bowler is keeping it at short and back of length.

Another back of length ball, Gurbaz looks to pull and misses.

Gurbaz then plays the next ball to fine leg for a single as four come off it.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran come out to bat for Afghanistan as Matt Henry opens the attack and Gurbaz is off the mark first ball.

A dot later, Zadran takes a single off a leg bye.

Gurbaz then comes down the track and slashed it over point, he gets a couple.

He lofts the next one over mid-off and gets another couple.

A short bouncer to end the over as 6 come off the opener.

10:40

New Zealand eye all-round sharpness against tricky Afghanistan

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has won the toss and elected to bat against New Zealand in their Group D match of the ICC T20 World Cup in Chennai on Sunday.

Afghanistan play three spinners and as many pacers in their opening game.

New Zealand have a few players who played in the series against India missing out -- Ish Sodhi, Doug Bracewell, Devon Conway and Kyle Jamieson sit out due to niggles.

Playing XIs:

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert(w), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(c), James Neesham, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan(c), Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi

An underwhelming New Zealand will be hoping to rediscover their explosive game against a dangerous Afghanistan in the opening Group D match of the ICC T20 World Cup in Chennai on Sunday.

The Kiwis went through a rather unstable preparatory phase ahead of the ICC showpiece, going 1-4 down to India, and Afghanistan are no less a threat.

The arrival of Tim Seifert and Finn Allen have given their top order more firepower, but they need more substantial and consistent contributions from Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman and Devon Conway.

The sub-par effort by the middle-order was a huge missing link for New Zealand in the series against India, as they struggled to force the pace while setting or chasing.

An encore will have far reaching consequences for the Kiwis in a group that also has South Africa. Therefore Mitchell Santner and company do not want a slip-up in the first match and land in a marshy place.

Along with their batting, New Zealand will also hope for their bowlers to return to their thrifty selves after the series against India, where they proved expensive against a set of marauding home batters.

Even though he played just one match against India, Lockie Ferguson showed the virtue of having extra pace and, more welcomingly, he seemed to have added some more variations to his craft.

Ferguson will have to play a lead role to keep Afghanistan on the back foot here, along with Santner and leg-spinner Ish Sodhi.

But that's a job easier said than done. Afghanistan is a capable T20 outfit, evidenced in their rout of the West Indies in a bilateral series last week.

Their strength is in the presence of handy cricketers throughout the 11, and any of them can be a match-winner.

However, the bigger of that lot is Rashid Khan. The spinner no longer carries the mystery element as he once used to, but the will to compete has not diminished one bit, keeping him a foremost name in T20s.

But Rashid will be stretched to merge the leadership duties with his primary strike bowler role, something he seemed to struggle with a bit in the past.

He will need copious help from other bowlers such as Mujeeb ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad to make an impact.

As such, spinners from both the teams can expect some assistance from the Chepauk pitch, particularly because the match starts at 11 am and there will not be any dew.

The Afghanistan batting will revolve around Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, and the consistent Sediqullah Atal too will be one to watch out for.

They have the power and skill to give some harsh times for opposition bowlers, and it should make for an intriguing and interesting match.

Teams (from):

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner(captain), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi.

Afghanistan: Rashid Khan(captain), Noor Ahmad, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Sediqullah Atal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Ishaq Rahimi, Shahidullah Kamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Darwish Rasooli, Ibrahim Zadran, Zia Ur Rahman Sharifi.

10:17

New Zealand eye all-round sharpness against tricky Afghanistan