Sher Malla stars for Nepal to script record [Source: AFP Photos]Debutant Sher Malla gave Nepal a moment that will be remembered for a very long time. On the biggest stage, against one of the world’s strongest teams, he delivered a dream start to his international career. His first ball in men’s T20I cricket produced a wicket. Not just any wicket, but the prized scalp of Phil Salt at a roaring Wankhede Stadium. And in the process, he scripted elite history.Sher Malla achieves a rare and historic achievementTaking a wicket with the first ball in a T20I is rare. Doing it in a men’s T20 World Cup match is even rarer. Before Sher Malla, only five players had achieved this feat in World Cup games. Fidel Edwards, Pragyan Ojha, Paras Khadka, Nadeem Ahmed, Khurram Khan and now, Sher Malla proudly join that elite list. Nepal players to take a wicket with their first ball in men's T20Is:Paras KhadkaAarif SheikhKushal BhurtelSher Malla*For Nepal, the moment carried extra weight. Paras Khadka, Aarif Sheikh, Kushal Bhurtel, and now Sher Malla have all taken wickets with their first ball in men’s T20Is. That shows how Nepal keeps producing fearless cricketers who are not overawed by the occasion. Sher’s name now sits comfortably alongside some of the most respected figures in Nepalese cricket.The delivery itself was not flashy. It did not need to be. It was full, drifted in and targeted the stumps. Phil Salt went too hard too early. The top edge flew towards the short fine leg. Sandeep Lamichhane stayed calm and completed the catch. One ball, one wicket and history was made.England is still strong despite Malla’s heroicsComing back to the match, England chose to bat first at the Wankhede, and the match came alive from the opening over. Sher Malla delivered an instant shock. On his very first ball in T20I cricket, he removed Phil Salt. Salt tried to go big early but only managed a top edge. England were 5/1 in the second over.Jos Buttler responded with intent. He found the boundary early and tried to lift the tempo. Nepal kept things tight, and Nandan Yadav struck in the fifth over. Buttler edged behind to Aasif Sheikh after a brisk 26. England slipped to 43/2.Bethell slammed useful half-centuryJacob Bethell then took charge. He looked confident from the start. He used the pace well and attacked both seam and spin. Tom Banton struggled at the other end. Sandeep Lamichhane trapped him lbw in the seventh over, and England were 57/3.Bethell continued to build. Harry Brook joined him, and the pair added momentum. Bethell played freely through the offside and cleared the ropes when needed. The partnership pushed England past 100. Dipendra Singh Airee broke the stand in the 14th over as Bethell fell for a well-made 55. But Brook stayed aggressive. He kept rotating the strike and picked his boundary options well. Sam Curran could not settle. Dipendra struck again in the 16th over, removing Curran for two. England reached 137 for 5 after 15.3 overs, with Brook unbeaten and in control.
