It would not be wrong to say that Nepal’s T20 World Cup journey this year was largely defined by all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee. The way he performed at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium surprised many. Dipendra, known as “Tiger,” played brilliantly throughout the tournament. Although Nepal won only one game, against Scotland, and lost the other three against England, the West Indies, and Italy, his individual performance was outstanding and widely praised.
Altogether, he scored 169 runs in four games, including two half-centuries—58 against the West Indies and 50 not out against Scotland. He was Nepal’s most popular player and the hero of the tournament.
Dipendra scored 50 runs off just 23 balls against Scotland to lead Nepal to a remarkable seven-wicket victory in the T20 World Cup. It was Nepal’s first World Cup win since 2014, when Nepal beat Hong Kong and Afghanistan. Nepal went winless in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Dipendra’s knock, therefore, was one of the most important innings of Nepal’s campaign. Batting first, Scotland scored 170 in 20 overs for the loss of seven wickets. In reply, Nepal chased down the 171-run target in 19.2 overs in style. Dipendra struck four fours and three sixes, much to the delight of Nepali supporters gathered at Wankhede.
Dipendra scored 44 off 29 balls against England, a match Nepal lost by just four runs in the final over. England posted 184 for seven in 20 overs. Chasing 184, Nepal made 180 for six in 20 overs. In that game, Dipendra also took two wickets.
He scored only 17 runs against Italy, as Nepal lost by 10 wickets. Against the West Indies, Dipendra played a sensible innings, scoring 58 off 47 balls. His effort helped Nepal post 133 for eight in 20 overs, but Nepal lost by nine wickets.
He scored a half-century in only 23 balls in the win against Scotland. Chasing 171, Nepal reached the target with seven wickets and four balls to spare. He was also named Player of the Match.
“I want to thank the fans for coming to Mumbai and giving us immense support and motivation. This win is very important for us, especially as it comes after 12 years. Perhaps it was one of my best innings, scoring 50 off just 23 balls. Such a chase gives us tremendous confidence. Our previous loss against England was a bitter experience, so this victory feels even more special,” Dipendra said.
Richie Berrington, the Scotland captain, praised Dipendra Singh Airee, saying: “A lot of credit goes to him, as he played a brilliant innings and completely changed the tempo of the game. The huge crowd behind the team added to the energy. I am very pleased with the performance on such a big stage. It was a great opportunity to showcase our talent on the world stage, and we are thrilled to deliver a strong performance.”
Nepal captain Rohit Paudel also praised Dipendra’s performance. “This win means a lot, especially as it is my second World Cup as captain. Winning the first game is always special, and it is very important for our fans. The last five overs were crucial; we focused on slowing the opposition down and kept our communication simple, restricting them to singles and preventing boundaries. Dipi (Dipendra) dai batted exceptionally well and truly deserved the Man of the Match award. The previous game against England helped us remain calm under pressure. The way Dipi (Dipendra) dai and Gulshan executed their innings ensured the team’s victory. We are happy to end the tournament on a winning note,” he added.
The ICC updated its T20I all-rounder rankings following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Dipendra moved up two places, from sixth to fourth, with his rating points rising from 202 to a career-best 244.
There is no doubt that, after former captain Paras Khadka, Dipendra has become another vital figure in Nepal’s cricket. His all-round displays have helped Nepali cricket move forward. The Nepali Tiger’s roar at Wankhede created a buzz in world cricket, something Nepal has benefited from as well.
