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The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 witnessed one of its most unforgettable debut moments on Sunday as Nepal’s youngster Sher Malla announced himself on the global stage in stunning fashion. Playing his first-ever international match, Malla struck gold on the very first delivery of his career by dismissing England’s explosive opener Phil Salt, sending fans into raptures at the packed Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
England choose to bat on a lively Mumbai evening
The 5th match of Group C between England and Nepal had all the makings of a one-sided contest on paper. England won the toss and opted to bat first, banking on their power-packed top order to dominate the proceedings on a typically batting-friendly surface. With thousands in attendance and millions watching worldwide, the spotlight was firmly on England’s aggressive approach at the top.
Nepal, however, had other plans — and an unlikely hero waiting in the wings.
Sher Malla’s first ball magic stuns England
Tasked with bowling his first over in international cricket, Malla looked calm beyond his years as he marked out his run-up. The very first ball he delivered will be replayed for years in Nepal cricket folklore.
Bowling full and drifting down the leg side, Malla tempted Salt into an ambitious flick early in his innings. Salt, known for his fearless strokeplay, swung hard but mistimed the shot. The top edge ballooned straight up, and stationed at short fine leg, Sandeep Lamichhane judged it perfectly. He reverse-cupped the ball with ease to complete the catch, triggering wild celebrations.
Malla punched the air in delight, momentarily losing his balance in a comical but joyous celebration that perfectly summed up the emotion of the moment — disbelief, excitement, and pure happiness.
Stadium erupts as fans celebrate a fairytale debut
The Wankhede crowd, largely neutral but deeply appreciative of cricketing moments, erupted in applause. Social media lit up instantly, with fans hailing the dismissal as one of the best debut wickets in T20 World Cup history. From Nepal supporters back home to cricket lovers across the globe, praise poured in for the youngster who had just dismissed one of England’s most dangerous batters.
For Nepal, the wicket was more than just a breakthrough — it was a statement. On the biggest stage in world cricket, their debutant had shown he belonged.
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Tim Seifert stars as New Zealand outclass Afghanistan in Chennai
Here’s how fans reacted:
Beautiful scenes at the Wankhede Stadium. All of Nepal in Mumbai is here. And Sher Malla has just lived the dream every cricketer craves for.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 8, 2026
Sher Malla 🇳🇵✨
A dream debut for the Nepali youngster.
Straight into the biggest tournament, and on the very first ball of his career—he strikes!
Removing a dangerous batter like Phil Salt first up… moments like these are what dreams are made of.
From debutant to headline-maker… pic.twitter.com/Dj9F3FK5Uv— Usman Shaikh 🇮🇳 (@shaikhusman_7) February 8, 2026
Sher malla strikes 🔥 pic.twitter.com/cTbDvH4enf
— Subas🇳🇵⭐. (@suiirawal180) February 8, 2026
Dream debut moment 🌟🇳🇵
Nepal’s Sher Malla makes it count on his first outing at the T20 World Cup, picking up his maiden wicket by sending back the dangerous Phil Salt 🔥🎯#SherMalla #PhilSalt #ENGvNEP #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/8rap8gYDyd
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 8, 2026
Two players with wicket on their first ball in T20i debut for Nepal. What a start for Sher Malla.
Paras Khadka and Sher Malla 👏#ENGvNEP pic.twitter.com/LEr2qoN9lp
— Samraat Maharjan (@MaharjanSamraat) February 8, 2026
Dream debut for Sher MALLA
First ball – First wicket 👏 #NepvsEng #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/wcaOZYt8Xo
— Shashwat (@RakeshK80163284) February 8, 2026
Striking from the very first ball! ⚡
Sher Malla traps Phil Salt, Sandeep Lamichhane completes an easy catch — what a wicket, what a debut for Nepal’s newest T20I star! 🇳🇵
ODI Nepal | #NEPvENG | #T20WorldCup2026 | #NepalCricket pic.twitter.com/cx716xQgyb
— ODI Nepal Official (@OdiNepal) February 8, 2026
Incredible scenes here at the Wankhede. Sher Malla gets a wicket on the very first ball of his international career, and it’s that of Phil Salt. Wow, Nepal!#T20WorldCup #Nepal #England pic.twitter.com/mx1twiqFiw
— Shuvaditya Bose (@ShuvaonSports) February 8, 2026
Sher Malla first wicket of International Career is Phill Salt. #T20WorldCup #ENGvsNEP pic.twitter.com/FJcPZfXzvp
— Manakdeep Singh Kharaud (@Iam_MKharaud) February 8, 2026
🚨 DREAM START FOR SHER MALLA: FIRST BALL OF THE WORLD CUP & even INTERNATIONALS, & It’s WICKETTTTTTT!
Dangerous PHIL SALT OUT…Take a bow!!! pic.twitter.com/6CF4Pu2UVy
— Prince Jha (@PrinceJha639654) February 8, 2026
Sher Malla debut match, First ball of the over against dangerous Phil Salt.
Guess what?
He gets the wicket in his first ball in international cricket.#T20WorldCup #Nepal pic.twitter.com/RtTdx1B6Yc
— Mr. Athar🏏 (@cricdrugs) February 8, 2026
FIRST BALL. FIRST WICKET. TOTAL DISBELIEF! 😱🇳🇵
Talk about making an entrance! Sher Malla just announced himself to the world by dismissing Phil Salt with his very first delivery in international cricket. From the NPL to the #T20WorldCup stage-the dream is officially real!
A… pic.twitter.com/NxRNkke8s9— Ananda Nepali (@anandanepali99) February 8, 2026
Wonderful scenes in wankhede stadium. Whole of nepal contingent supporting their team. Sher malla will remember this wicket of phil salt fr the rest of his life. @IrfanPathan @yashoazad @MohammadKaif@cricket_x_Ashi#ENGvsNEP #icct20worldcup2026 pic.twitter.com/2mr4GaM8iz
— Akul Diddi (@akul_diddi) February 8, 2026
Sher Malla, who was just presented his cap by Paras Khadka, joins the Nepali legend as Nepali men’s bowlers to take a wicket with their first ball in both a T20I and at a #T20WorldCup.
CRAZY PARALLEL 🇳🇵
— Daniel Beswick (@DGBeswick1) February 8, 2026
Wicket for Sher Malla on his Debut. 😱😱😱
— Routine of Nepal banda (@RONBupdates) February 8, 2026
Sher Malla from Dhangadhi 🇳🇵 takes his first international wicket on his debut ball! What a way to announce yourself! 🌟#NepalCricket #T20WorldCup #RisingStar #DhangadhiPride pic.twitter.com/Xwfzpc8R4d
— Aryn Maddy 🇳🇵 (@badboy_arnn) February 8, 2026
SHER MALLA – International Debut 1st Ball 1st Wicket is Phil Salt that too in T20 WC. Dream Start to his Career.
See how the crowd came in huge numbers and enjoying every bit. I genuinely want NEPAL to win this Match. Whom are you supporting guys? #ENGvsNEP https://t.co/IiPKYud3Cs pic.twitter.com/T36uTfNwBP— Vitamin K(ohli) (@manga_varun) February 8, 2026
Sher malla you beauty🌹🌹🌹
— टुईटर मन्त्री™ (@Rocks_Suman1) February 8, 2026
A superb start in international cricket for Sher Malla as he took a wicket off his first ball.
Malla had received his cap from Paras Khadka, who also took a wicket off his very first ball in T20Is. Both were also making their T20 World Cup debut!#T20WorldCup #ENGvsNEP— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) February 8, 2026
Sher Malla from Nepal Cricket team playing his debut game, gets the new ball, picks up the wicket of Phil Salt (No.2 T20I batter) on his very first ball. What a talent!!! 🔥🔥🔥
— tandoori chicken (@81st_Century) February 8, 2026
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