By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Jun 21, 2025 03:34 AM • 49 views
In a contest that served as the crescendo of a fiercely contested triangular T20I series, Scotland delivered when it mattered most, defeating Nepal by 36 runs on Friday to lift the tournament trophy. Fueled by George Munsey's explosive half-century and backed by a clinical bowling display, the Scots proved just too sharp for a Nepal side that struggled to stitch partnerships in the decisive moments. The victory not only handed Scotland the final match but also ensured they topped the points table on net run rate, edging out both Nepal and the Netherlands, who finished with identical records of two wins and two losses.
Munsey's Fireworks Set the Tone
Scotland, winning the toss and batting first under clear skies at Teeut Stadium, immediately went on the offensive. Opener George Munsey lit up the evening with a blistering 79 off 39 balls, peppering the field with five fours and six towering sixes. His controlled aggression neutralized Nepal's early bowling threat and set the platform for a formidable total.
Brendon McMullan, playing second fiddle early on before accelerating, added 42 from 30 deliveries. The pair stitched together a 100-run partnership that left Nepal's bowlers gasping for control.
Though Nepal clawed back with a flurry of wickets—removing Munsey, McMullan, Finn McCreath, and Richie Berrington in quick succession—the damage had been done. A tidy, unbeaten 48-run stand between Michael Leask (26) and Matthew Cross (17)** saw Scotland finish at a daunting 193/5 in 20 overs.
Kushal Bhurtel was the most effective with the ball for Nepal, claiming 2 wickets for 20 runs in two overs, while Rupesh Singh, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Lalit Rajbanshi chipped in with a wicket each.
Nepal's Response Falters Under Pressure
Nepal's run chase began with a sense of optimism but quickly unravelled under Scotland's relentless pressure. Kushal Bhurtel, Thursday's hero against the Netherlands, lasted just four deliveries before falling to McMullan. It was the kind of early blow Nepal couldn't afford to take. From there, the innings never found rhythm. Asif Sheikh was run out in unfortunate fashion, Bhim Sharki perished cheaply, and despite a gritty 42-run stand between captain Rohit Paudel (27) and all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee (34), wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Lower-order batter Rupesh Singh emerged as Nepal's lone beacon, smashing an unbeaten 43 off 22 balls with a mix of elegance and brute force. His cameo included three towering sixes and a four, but with wickets falling around him, the task grew insurmountable. Scotland's bowling was disciplined and diverse. Chris Greaves led the charge with 3 for 27, while Safyaan Sharif's pace fetched two scalps. Brendon McMullan, Mark Watt, and Michael Leask each picked up a wicket as Nepal were bowled out for 159 in 18.5 overs.
