Kathmandu: Nepal concluded their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign in style, registering a remarkable seven-wicket victory over Scotland in their final group-stage encounter on February 17. Chasing 171 runs, Nepal reached the target with four balls remaining, marking their first T20 World Cup win in 12 years.
After being asked to field first, Nepal restricted Scotland to 170 for 7 in 20 overs. Michael Jones led Scotland’s charge with a well-crafted 71 off 45 balls, while George Munsey scored 27 and Brandon McMullen added 25.
Sompal Kami spearheaded Nepal’s bowling effort with figures of 3 for 25. Nandan Yadav picked up two wickets, and captain Rohit Paudel also made a key breakthrough to keep Scotland within reach.
In reply, Nepal made an aggressive start. Openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh stitched together a 74-run opening stand, Nepal’s highest first-wicket partnership in a Men’s T20 World Cup. Bhurtel played an attacking knock, striking four sixes, the most by a Nepali batter in a single T20 World Cup innings.
Scotland spinner Michael Leask claimed three wickets, including both openers and Rohit Paudel, briefly shifting momentum. However, Dipendra Singh Airee and Gulshan Jha steadied the innings with a match-winning, unbeaten 73-run partnership off just 36 deliveries.
Airee remained not out on a blistering 50 from 23 balls, while Jha contributed an unbeaten 24 off 17 balls to guide Nepal home in emphatic fashion.
