MUMBAI/TOKYO
A day of high drama unfolded across the worlds of sport and politics as England narrowly avoided a major upset against Nepal at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, while thousands of miles away Japan’s prime minister moved closer to a decisive electoral victory, signaling a strong mandate for her government.
At the T20 World Cup, defending champions England were pushed to the limit by an inspired Nepal side, eventually edging the contest by just four runs in a thrilling Group C encounter. Batting first, England posted a competitive 184 for 7, recovering from early pressure through composed innings by Jacob Bethell and captain Harry Brook, both of whom crossed the half-century mark. A late burst from Will Jacks added crucial momentum, lifting England to a total that looked strong on paper but proved anything but comfortable.
Nepal’s reply stunned the packed stadium and millions watching worldwide. Showing no signs of intimidation, the associate nation chased with confidence and discipline. Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee built a vital partnership that shifted the pressure squarely back onto England, while late hitting kept the equation alive deep into the final over. With 10 runs needed from the last six balls, England turned to Sam Curran, who held his nerve under immense pressure, conceding only five runs and sealing a narrow escape.
The result sparked praise for Nepal’s fearless approach and reignited discussion around the rapidly closing gap between cricket’s traditional powers and emerging nations. For England, the win delivered early points but also raised questions about consistency and execution as the tournament progresses.
While cricket fans digested the shock-filled contest, political attention turned to Japan, where Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi appeared poised for a commanding victory in a snap general election. Early results and exit polls indicated that her ruling Liberal Democratic Party and coalition partners were on course to secure a large majority in the lower house, strengthening her grip on power and clearing the path for key legislative reforms.
Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, called the election seeking a stronger mandate for her economic and security agenda amid rising living costs and regional tensions. The projected outcome suggests voters have endorsed her promises of economic relief, increased defense spending, and a firmer foreign policy stance. A supermajority would allow her government to advance controversial reforms with reduced reliance on opposition support.
International reaction has been swift, with global leaders offering congratulations and signaling expectations of continued diplomatic engagement with Tokyo. Analysts say the scale of the win could reshape Japan’s political landscape for years, giving Takaichi unprecedented leverage both domestically and abroad.
From a tense final over in Mumbai to decisive ballot counts in Tokyo, the day underscored how narrow margins and sweeping mandates can define outcomes on the global stage whether measured in runs or votes.
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