Nepal pip Scotland in tense low-scorer

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Jun 17, 2025

Nepal survived a late scare to clinch a hard-fought two-wicket win over Scotland, registering their first victory in the Scotland T20I Tri-Series at the Clydesdale Cricket Club in Glasgow on Tuesday.

Chasing a modest target of 98, Nepal got home with one ball to spare despite losing wickets at regular intervals, thanks to disciplined bowling from the hosts that kept them under pressure throughout the innings.

Opting to bowl first, Nepal rolled over Scotland for just 97 with two balls left in the innings. The spinners were at the heart of the effort, led by Sandeep Lamichhane, who finished with impressive figures of 4 for 11 from his four overs.

Dipendra Singh Airee picked up two, while Lalit Rajbanshi added one. Karan KC, the only frontline pacer used, took two wickets for 20 runs. Rupesh Singh remained unused and Nandan Yadav missed out due to a thumb injury sustained against Netherlands.

Michael Leask was the lone warrior for Scotland with a fighting 46 off 46 balls that included four fours and a six, but lacked support at the other end as the rest of the line-up failed to get going.

The chase, however, was far from straightforward. Nepal lost opener Lokesh Bam early for nine, while Anil Sah managed just three before being bowled by Jack Jarvis. Skipper Rohit Paudel struggled for fluency and fell for 7 off 14, his middle stump knocked back by Safyaan Sharif.

Kushal Bhurtel top-scored with 30 from 35 balls, striking four boundaries, and shared a brief stand of 22 with Dipendra Singh Airee, who contributed 14. The lower order kept the scoreboard ticking despite the mounting pressure.

With four runs required in the final over and three wickets in hand, Karan KC and Kiran Thagunna took singles off the first three balls.

KiranThagunna, who made 10, perished on the fourth delivery trying to clear the infield. Sandeep Lamichhane then ran a risky single off the fifth to seal the win for Nepal.

Scotland’s bowlers kept the match alive till the very end. Michael Leask led the effort with 2 for 21, while Safyaan Sharif also bagged two from 2.5 overs. Brandon McMullen, Mark Watt, Jack Jarvis, and Jasper Davidson picked up a wicket apiece.