ENG vs NEP: Who is Sher Malla? Nepal spinner who removed Phil Salt on his first ball at debut

Sher Malla made his T20I debut in ENG vs NEP match of T20 World Cup 2026.

Nepal Cricket Team started their journey in T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday, February 8, with the encounter against England Cricket Team. The encounter got underway at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where both teams engaged in a T20I game for the first-ever time.

Nepal spinner Sher Malla made his international debut in the ENG vs NEP clash, becoming the 53rd cricketer to play for his country. Also, he became the 141st player to make his T20I debut during a T20 World Cup. He was given the national cap by former Nepal player Paras Khadka.

England captain Harry Brook won the toss and opted to bat first. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler opened the batting for the side. After the first over of Karan KC, Nepal captain Rohit Paudel gave the second over to debutant Malla.

The 23-year-old spinner rocked with his performance on the very first delivery itself, dismissing Salt for one run. He bowled a full-length delivery towards leg, and as Salt tried to go for a big shot, he got a top-edge and was caught by Sandeep Lamichhanne. Malla celebrated by punching the air, in what can be termed as a dream start to his international career.

Who is Sher Malla? All you need to know about the Nepal spinner

Sher Malla is a 23-year-old spinner who bowls right-arm off break. He was born on December 1, 2002, in Dhangadi city of Nepal. In the U19 Challenger Trophy in 2019-20, he played for Nepal A.

He gave a marvellous performance in Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2025 while representing Lumbini Lions. The team won the title by winning three games in a row in the playoffs. Malla clinched three-wicket hauls in the Eliminator and the final, playing a key role in the team’s victory in both crucial games.

With 17 scalps in 10 games at an average of 13.73 and an economy of 6.50, he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the league. He was also awarded Emerging Player of the tournament. Following his marvellous show, he earned a place in the Nepal squad for T20 World Cup 2026.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.