By Sachit Subba • Football • Jun 18, 2025 02:12 AM • 84 views
In a nerve-shredding finish at Teeut Stadium, Nepal pulled off a dramatic two-wicket win over hosts Scotland to register their first victory in the ongoing triangular T20I series involving the Netherlands.
Chasing a modest target of 98, the visitors held their nerve amid mounting pressure, sealing the win with just one ball to spare. Kushal Bhurtel anchored the top order with a composed 30, while vital contributions from Dipendra Singh Airee (14), Bashir Ahmed (13), and Kiran Thagunna (10) helped Nepal inch past the finish line after several stutters.
Scotland's bowlers, however, made Nepal work every inch of the way. Safyaan Sharif and Michael Leask both struck twice, exploiting the pitch's variable bounce. Mark Watt, Jack Jarvis, and Jasper Davidson chipped in with a wicket each, keeping the hosts in the hunt until the final over.
Earlier, after being sent into bat by Nepal skipper Rohit Paudel, Scotland folded for just 97 in 19.4 overs. Only Leask stood firm with a gritty 46 off 33 balls, including four boundaries and a six. Captain Matthew Cross added 15, and Brendon McMullen contributed 10, but none of the other batters reached double digits as Nepal's bowlers dominated proceedings.
Spearheading Nepal's attack was the irrepressible Sandeep Lamichhane, who spun a web around the Scottish batters with figures of 4 for 21. Karan KC and Dipendra Singh Airee bagged two wickets apiece, while Lalit Rajbanshi claimed one.
Karan KC reached a personal milestone during the match, claiming his 100th T20I wicket by dismissing Scotland opener George Munsey. He becomes only the second Nepali bowler after Lamichhane to enter the prestigious 100-wicket club in T20 Internationals—yet another feather in the cap of the veteran pacer.
With this win, Nepal draws level with Scotland on two points, each having played two matches. Scotland had won their opener against the Netherlands, while Nepal had fallen short in theirs. Thursday's clash against the Dutch now looms large for the Rhinos as they seek to maintain their momentum.
The thrilling contest not only marked a resurgence in Nepal's campaign but also underscored the growing competitiveness of Associate nations in global T20 cricket. For now, though, the boys from the Himalayas can breathe a little easier, having held their nerve on Scottish soil.
