By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Jun 03, 2025 02:11 AM • 112 views
In a match that will go down as one of the most dramatic in Nepal's cricketing history, Karan KC's heroic all-round display led Nepal to a heart-stopping one-wicket victory over Scotland at Forthill, Dundee, on Monday.
With just one run required off the final delivery, the pressure was at boiling point. But in a cruel twist for the home side, a wide ball bowled under pressure handed Nepal the winning run.
The Match: A Thriller from Toss to Finish
After winning the toss, Nepal skipper Rohit Paudel opted to field first — a decision that looked questionable early on as Scotland's top order found a rhythm. The hosts piled on a challenging 296/7 in their allotted 50 overs, with their batters executing partnerships across the board.
But Nepal, known for their grit in chases, never flinched.
Opener Kushal Bhurtel provided a solid start with a fluent half-century, anchoring the early part of the innings. However, wickets at regular intervals kept the game on a knife's edge, and by the time Nepal lost their ninth wicket, they still required more than 30 runs with Karan KC left to carry the hopes of a nation.
And carry he did.
Karan KC: From Finisher to National Hero
Known for his fearless style and nerveless batting in crunch moments, Karan KC delivered one of the most memorable innings by a Nepalese cricketer. His unbeaten 65-run knock, stitched with smart running and powerful strokes, kept Nepal alive when defeat seemed imminent. The all-rounder's late assault and calm under pressure transformed a near-impossible chase into a fairy tale finish — and sealed Nepal's most significant achievement yet in 50-over cricket. The Bigger Picture: Nepal's Rise on the Global Stage With this win, Nepal moved up to seventh place in the League-2 table with 8 points from 13 matches — a modest leap but a symbolic one given the strength of their opposition and the circumstances under which they won. Scotland remain fourth with 20 points, while the United States sit atop the standings with 28. Yet it is Nepal's victory that has turned the cricketing world's eyes toward the Himalayas once again. This win is more than a result — it's a reflection of Nepal's growth, resilience, and passion. In Karan KC, the team has found a finisher. In this victory, they've discovered belief.
