Karan KC Heroics Guide Nepal to Historic Chase in CWC League 2 Opener

Photo: Cricket Association of Nepal

Kathmandu: In a dramatic start to their Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series in Scotland, Nepal pulled off a sensational victory over the hosts in Dundee, chasing down a record target of 297 with just one ball remaining.

The match ended in chaos and jubilation as a leg-side delivery from Scottish spinner Mark Watt was called wide on the final legal ball, handing Nepal the win and prompting a pitch invasion. The chase marked Nepal’s highest-ever total in ODI history and lifted them off the bottom of the League 2 standings.

Batting first after losing the toss, Scotland appeared in command with 20-year-old Charlie Tear scoring 80 runs off 72 balls and Finlay McCreath adding 55 runs off 67 balls, helping the team post a solid total of 296 from their full quota of overs.

Nepal’s response faltered at 192/7 in the 39th over despite a solid 55 runs off 44 balls from opener Kushal Bhurtel. However, the tide turned with the arrival of Karan KC at No. 9, a player known for stepping up in tough situations. He smashed an unbeaten 65 runs off 41 balls, featuring four towering sixes.

With 18 runs coming in the penultimate over, Nepal needed just seven in the final. A twist came when Karan lost his partner, Sandeep Lamichhane, on the first ball, bringing last man Rijan Dhakal to the crease. Dhakal successfully rotated the strike, allowing Karan to take charge once again.

Karan responded with back-to-back doubles, before Watt’s crucial wide sealed a stunning Nepalese win.

The tri-series resumes Wednesday, where Nepal will face the Netherlands at the same venue.