England’s Sam Curran celebrates after wining against Nepal during the T20 World Cup (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

England captain Harry Brook admitted he was surprised by the way Nepal’s batters attacked senior leg-spinner Adil Rashid during their T20 World Cup opener on Sunday. The former champions were pushed to the limit before eventually sealing a narrow four-run victory after posting a challenging target of 185.

“It wasn’t easy at all, thankfully got over the line. They played extremely well and not many teams take Adil Rashid like they did. I thought we were in a very good position to defend that. I wish them all the best for the rest of the competition,” Brook said at the post-match presentation ceremony. England’s total of 184 for seven was built around aggressive half-centuries from Jacob Bethell and Brook, along with a late burst from Will Jacks, whose 39 came off just 18 balls. “Beth played outstanding, the way he was rocking back and hitting the spinners into the stands was great. I just said we put 2-3 wickets and it all changes. We have so many options. I don’t think Sam (Curran) bowled until a lot later. “Rashid got a tap there and it’s not often that he doesn’t bowl four overs. I am sure he will bounce back. He knew exactly what he was going to bowl,” Brook added. Nepal skipper Rohit Paudel said his side arrived at the tournament with the intention of competing strongly and challenging top teams, something reflected in their performance against England. “I think the boys gave it all. I am very proud of them. We had the belief when we came to this World Cup. We didn’t come here just to participate. The result didn’t go our way but effort wise we gave 100% in every department. Last over Sam Curran bowled really well. We will improve from there.” Rohit said. Discussing the chase, he added, “We were calculating. We wanted to wickets in hands with 10 runs per over in the last few overs. It wasn’t a plan to take on Adil Rashid and it just happened. We will not take any team lightly. “We as a team need to be at our 100%. They are very passionate. The whole of Kathmandu, Nepal came here to support us. I think all of Nepal will be proud of us.” Man of the Match Will Jacks also praised Nepal’s effort after they pushed England deep into the final stages of the contest. “I think full credit to Nepal. They were absolutely brilliant. We saw that this was tricky when we batted, but they played against us really very well and they really took us close there,” Jacks said. Speaking about his own batting, he added, “It’s nice to spend some time in the middle (on his batting). I’ve been a bit short over the last month or so and by keeping it simple, the guys in the middle have described to me what it’s like out there, so just let the ball come, nice and easy to do it.” On Nepal’s decision-making late in the innings, particularly around the final over that cost 21 runs, Jacks said, “I saw they were debating. I think the helmet ran out and then ran off, so obviously in hindsight they might have done that, but all in all they were tactically very good. “They’ve obviously pushed us right to the edge there. I think if the surfaces are going to continue to behave like that, then that’s going to be crucial going forward.” Jacks also stressed that teams will need to adjust quickly to pitch conditions in the upcoming matches, saying adaptability will play a crucial role as the tournament progresses.

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NEW DELHI: Researchers have confirmed the discovery of a new species of dragonfly, Lyriothemis keralensis, from the low-lying coastal regions of Kerala. Commonly called the Slender Bombardier, the species was formally identified after more than ten years of research, according to news agency PTI.The breakthrough study was carried out by a team led by Dr Dattaprasad Sawant, Dr A Vivek Chandran, Renjith Jacob Mathews and Dr Krushnamegh Kunte, and has been published in the International Journal of Odonatology.

Initially mistaken for a known species

The dragonfly was first spotted in 2013 in the Varappetty area of Kothamangalam. At the time, scientists believed it belonged to Lyriothemis acigastra, also known as the Little Bloodtail, a species commonly found in northeast India.Detailed examination in later years, however, showed that the Kerala specimen had distinct physical and behavioural features, prompting researchers to classify it as a separate species.

Distinct physical features set it apart

According to the research paper, Lyriothemis keralensis differs from the Little Bloodtail in several ways. It has a slimmer abdomen along with a unique tail and genital structure.Male dragonflies have a deep blood-red abdomen with black markings, while females are slightly broader and display yellow and black colouring. The species measures about three centimetres in length and was also confirmed through the study of century-old museum specimens.

Thrives in plantations, not forests

Unlike many dragonfly species, Lyriothemis keralensis does not inhabit protected forest areas. Instead, it thrives in human-modified irrigation landscapes such as pineapple and rubber plantations.Researchers found it mainly in shaded canals and seasonal pools within agricultural land, making its habitat preference unusual and highly specific.

Call to rethink conservation priorities

Researcher Vivek Chandran stressed the need to broaden conservation efforts beyond forests. “It is crucial that our actions for the preservation of biodiversity do not focus solely on forests,” he said, as quoted by PTI, adding that odonates occupy a wide range of habitats, including human-dominated areas.The species appears during the monsoon season and retreats once the rains subside. Since its survival depends on fragile microhabitats outside national parks, researchers warned that its future rests largely on human responsibility and the protection of local ecosystems within farmlands.

NEW DELHI: A day after a 25-year-old biker plunged to his death in a 14-foot-deep pit in Janakpuri, police have arrested the sub-contractor who dug the pit for water works. As biker Kamal Dhyani lay in the open pit, the sub-contractor came to the site at night after being alerted to the accident by his labourer, looked at the victim, and walked away without calling for rescue. Kamal lay in the pit for more than six hours before police were finally alerted in the morning.

Read also:‘Headlight was still on’: How a pit dug hours before tragedy became death trap for Delhi bikerThe accused sub-contractor has been identified as Rajesh Kumar Prajapati, a resident of Tri Nagar, who told cops he did not inform police because he was frightened.Deputy commissioner of police (west) Darade Sharad Bhaskar said they found an eyewitness named Vipin Singh who had seen a bike fall into the pit. He, along with his family, saw the accident while going home in Sagarpur after attending a wedding in Rohini. He informed a residential complex guard, who then told the contractor’s labour Yogesh.

Janakpuri Pit Dug Hours Before Tragedy; No Warning Signs PutPolice are also searching for the labourer who, after being informed about the biker, called up his boss but did not take any action to help the victim.“When Yogesh saw the victim, the motorcycle’s headlight was still on. He then informed his boss Prajapati at 12.22 am that this was confirmed through call records. The subcontractor reached the spot within 15-20 minutes from his home in Tri Nagar,” the DCP said.

Police suspect Yogesh has likely fled to his hometown Etawah in Uttar Pradesh. Police have questioned the security guard for sequence of events and also they will question main contractor who hired the sub-contractor.Police were alerted about the accident around 8.03 am on Friday by a woman who was on her way to drop her son to school.TOI spoke to the family of the woman who alerted the PCR. They said she was on her way to drop her son at school around 8 am when she noticed the motorcycle in the pit. “My wife first informed a security guard (different from the guard whom Vipin informed), but he paid no attention. As more people gathered, she asked them to alert the police, but they made excuses-one even claimed he didn’t have balance on her phone,” her husband said. Frustrated, she stayed at the scene and called the PCR herself, requesting immediate assistance.Police sources said that on the night of the incident, Prajapati made two to three calls, and those he contacted will also be questioned.Prajapati told cops that he had been in this construction work field only after COVID. “We have asked for documents from the Delhi Jal Board to verify for whom he was employed at the time of the incident,” a senior police officer said.The inquiry also revealed that the pit into which Kamal fell had been dug on the afternoon of Jan 5, just hours before the accident. There was another pit in the vicinity, which was dug earlier, and regular commuters were familiar with it. However, this was a fresh excavation, which Kamal might not have accounted for, the officer added.Police had said the on-site inspection showed the Delhi Jal Board and its contractors failed to ensure basic safety during excavation, including barricading, warning signs, reflectors and lighting. Despite knowing open pits could be fatal, they took no precautions and deployed no security guard.

In a thrilling Group C T20 World Cup 2026 clash at the Wankhede Stadium, England narrowly escaped a historic upset against a fearless Nepal side on February 8, 2026. Chasing a target of 185, Nepal pushed the 2022 champions to the final delivery, losing by a mere four runs in a contest that saw momentum swing wildly.

The associate nation matched England’s power and tactical intensity, leaving the world giants visibly rattled until the dying moments. For England, the victory was a relieved survival rather than a dominant statement, as their bowling attack struggled to contain Nepal’s aggressive middle order. This thriller has immediately become the talk of the tournament, highlighting the closing gap between cricket’s elite and its rising forces. The result keeps England’s campaign on track, but not without exposing significant vulnerabilities in their death-over execution.

T20 World Cup 2026: Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook help England with a bat against Nepal

The encounter at the Wankhede Stadium was a gripping affair as Nepal’s ‘Rhinos’ pushed the former champions to their absolute limits throughout a tense afternoon. After Harry Brook won the toss and opted to bat, Nepal’s Sher Malla produced a dream start, dismissing Phil Salt for just 1 run with his very first delivery in international cricket, sending the Mumbai crowd into a frenzy. England found themselves in early trouble at 64/3 in the 7th over after

Sandeep Lamichhane trapped Tom Banton LBW, but the momentum shifted during a vital 71-run partnership between Jacob Bethell and skipper Harry Brook. Jacob Bethell was the star of the show, smashing a brilliant 55 off 35 balls with four sixes and four boundaries, becoming only the second England player after Kevin Pietersen to score a fifty on his T20 World Cup debut.

Brook matched the intensity with 53 off 32 balls before falling to Nandan Yadav. Despite a late-innings wobble where Dipendra Singh Airee removed both Bethell and Sam Curran, Will Jacks provided the final fireworks with an unbeaten 39 off 18 balls*, lifting England to a commanding 184/7. Nepal’s bowlers remained disciplined, with Dipendra Airee (2/23) and Nandan (2/25) leading the charge to keep the contest alive until the very last ball of the innings.

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026: Tim Siefert and Finn Allen’s funny collision leads to Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s lucky escape during NZ vs AGF clash

Sam Curran holds nerve in final over as Nepal falls agonizingly short of historic T20 World Cup 2026 upset

Chasing 185, Nepal launched a fearless counter-attack that stunned the England bowling attack and kept the Wankhede crowd on the edge of their seats. Kushal Bhurtel provided a rapid start with 29 runs, but it was the magnificent 82-run partnership between captain Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Airee that truly threatened to upend the world champions.

Airee was particularly destructive, scoring 44 off 29 balls and becoming the first Nepalese player to reach 2,000 T20I runs in the process, while Paudel anchored the chase with a composed 39. However, Liam Dawson (2/21) and Curran managed to break the stand just as the required rate began to climb.

Nepal refused to surrender, as Lokesh Bam played a scintillating cameo of 39 off 20 balls*, smashing Jofra Archer and Luke Wood for boundaries to bring the equation down to 10 runs needed off the final over. With the game on the line, Sam Curran showcased his experience under extreme pressure, nailing his yorkers and conceding only 5 runs. Nepal ended their innings at 180/6, losing by a heartbreaking 4-run margin in what will be remembered as one of the closest Associate challenges in tournament history.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Nepal

I offer my services to you if you ever need em!
Up, up and UP!

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) February 8, 2026

Incredible from Nepal.@NepalCricket

They are surely one of best amongst emerging cricketing nations.

Huge potential and upside.👏 #icct20worldcup2026

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 8, 2026

The comms by @CricketBadge was absolutely brilliant .. Loved the insights into all the Nepal team .. 🙌🙌🙌

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 8, 2026

Huge respect to Nepal🇳🇵Took on one of the best teams in the world, stayed in the fight till the very last ball and showed what belief and heart can do! 🫡 This is how teams grow and this is how champions rise 👏🏻 The cricketing world is watching!#ENGvsNEP #ICCT20WORLDCUP…

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) February 8, 2026

Heartbreak for Nepal. I don’t think any team will underestimate them from here. And after these first couple of days I hope no one doubts the value of having an expanded T20 World Cup.

— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) February 8, 2026

Nepal, Netherlands, Afghanistan & USA have all had a proper crack at far more fancied and resourced opponents. 20 team World Cups are good for the game in the era of franchise cricket ✅ https://t.co/nL5XkOqszV

— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) February 8, 2026

Every #T20WorldCup it just feels like Nepal are getting one step closer to the top shelf. Their massive fan base is ready for the rise. They’ve been ready & waiting for a long time. What a performance tonight in Mumbai

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) February 8, 2026

Having seen Nepal’s cricketing circuit closely late last year, I got a first hand view of how deeply they love the sport. The cultural similarity we share with them reflects in their equally deep rooted love for the game too. Saw several Nepalese fans travelling from Delhi to…

— Priyank Panchal (@PKpanchal09) February 8, 2026

All the moaning about how having a T20 WC every 2 years is overkill was coming almost entirely from Full Member player/media voices. USA played 0 T20Is v FMs since end of 2024 T20 WC. Today was Nepal’s 1st ever match v England. If not at a T20 WC, when do Associates get a chance?

— Peter Della Penna (@PeterDellaPenna) February 8, 2026

🤯 NEPAL PUSH ENGLAND TO THE LIMIT!

A nail-biter at Wankhede as England escape with a 4-run win.

One of the most thrilling games of #T20WorldCup2026 🏏🔥

Scorecard: https://t.co/nHvDdS48NF#Cricket #Nepal #NepalCricket #ENGvNEP #ENGvsNEP #Wankede #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/ANnxccHdku

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 8, 2026

Also READ: Jacob Bethell equals Kevin Pietersen with rare England feat in T20 World Cup 2026 match vs Nepal

Dalai Lama and Kiren Rijiju (Images/Agencies)

NEW DELHI: Union minority affairs minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday cautioned against linking the Dalai Lama with the recently released Epstein files. He said that the revered spiritual institution should not be dragged into unrelated controversies to malign its sanctity.In a post on X, Rijiju said, “The revered institution of ‘The Dalai Lama’ should not be casually linked with the ‘Epstein Files’ or any other issues, with the motive of damaging the sacred institution. We shouldn’t become the casualties of immoral-lifestyle, hookup-culture and unconventional-relationships.”Rijiju’s remarks came amid renewed global debate following the latest release of documents related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein by the US Justice Department. The release has brought a fresh set of prominent names into public discussion, including political leaders, business figures and public personalities, triggering widespread scrutiny and speculation.His statement followed a clarification issued by the office of the Dalai Lama, which firmly denied any association with Epstein. Responding to reports suggesting that the Tibetan spiritual leader’s name appeared in the files, the Dalai Lama’s office said there was no basis to such claims.“Some recent media reports and social media posts concerning the ‘Epstein files’ are attempting to link His Holiness the Dalai Lama with Jeffrey Epstein. We can unequivocally confirm that His Holiness has never met Jeffrey Epstein or authorised any meeting or interaction with him by anyone on His Holiness’s behalf,” the statement said.The latest tranche of documents, released in late January under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, runs into more than three million pages. It includes over 2,000 videos and around 1,80,000 images, making it the largest and final scheduled disclosure of federal material related to Epstein and his associates.The files have referenced or mentioned several high-profile individuals, including US President Donald Trump, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, billionaire Elon Musk, Britain’s Prince Andrew, former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, musician Michael Jackson and actor Kevin Spacey, among others.Legal experts and victim advocates have repeatedly stressed that being named in the documents does not imply criminal wrongdoing. They highlighted that the material includes a wide range of records such as contact lists, correspondence, travel logs and third-party references, many of which do not establish any involvement in Epstein’s crimes.Epstein was arrested in 2019 on sex-trafficking charges and later died in custody. The document release is part of efforts by US authorities to address sustained public pressure for transparency. Under the Transparency Act, the Justice Department was required to disclose relevant investigative material, with redactions to protect victims and sensitive information.

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India vs USA (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag praised Suryakumar Yadav for playing a match-winning innings against the USA in India’s opening game of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium on February 7. India won the match by 29 runs, thanks largely to their captain’s calm and powerful batting under pressure.India had a shaky start while batting first and were struggling at 77 runs for 6 wickets. At that point, things could have gone badly, but Suryakumar held his nerve and played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 84 runs off 49 balls, hitting 10 fours and 4 sixes. His innings helped India reach a respectable total of 161/9 in 20 overs.

Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma also chipped in with quick runs, while USA bowlers Shadley van Schalkwyk and Harmeet Singh impressed with the ball.Sehwag called Suryakumar’s knock one of the best of his career, explaining how important it was in the match situation. He said, “Imagine if the Indian team had been all out for just 100, we wouldn’t have said that a weak team like the USA beat India. They have also qualified for the World Cup. That’s why I feel it was one of the best knocks of Suryakumar Yadav’s career. I always say, focus on the ball and not the bowler, because if it pitches in the right area, you have to respect it. If you go for your shots on a good ball, you might get out.”Sehwag also praised the USA bowlers for putting India under pressure, saying, “Take this USA team, we had heard very little about some of these bowlers, but they were able to reduce India to 77 for 6, which I don’t think any other team has managed in the last two to two-and-a-half years. So, hats off to Suryakumar Yadav, he played extremely well.”In reply, the USA scored 132/8, with Milind Kumar, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, and Shubham Ranjane putting up a fight. Indian bowlers Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh took key wickets to seal the win.