Nepal clinched a hard-fought 2-wicket victory over Scotland in their second match of the ongoing Tri-Nation T20I Series in Scotland.
Chasing a modest target of 98 runs, Nepal reached the finish line in 19.5 overs, losing 8 wickets along the way. Kushal Bhurtel top-scored for Nepal with a gritty 30, while Dipendra Singh Airee (14), Basir Ahmad (13), and debutant Kiran Thagunna (10) made crucial contributions. No other batter reached double figures.
At 38/3, Bhurtel and Airee stitched together a 22-run stand, stabilizing the innings briefly. But Nepal suffered a collapse, losing wickets at 60, 75, 77, 87, and 97. With 1 run required from 2 balls and 2 wickets in hand, Sandeep Lamichhane joined Karan KC at the crease. A gentle push from Sandeep sealed the win, despite Scotland’s desperate run-out attempt at the striker’s end.
Earlier, Scotland, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, were bundled out for just 97 runs in 19.4 overs. Michael Leask fought hard with 44 runs, while Matthew Cross (15) and Brandon McMullen (10) chipped in. No other batter crossed double digits.
Nepal’s bowlers dominated from the start. Sandeep Lamichhane starred with figures of 4/11 in 4 overs, while Karan KC and Dipendra Singh Airee claimed 2 wickets each. Lalit Rajbanshi picked up one.
Scotland lost five wickets within the first five overs and failed to recover despite a 39-run stand between Leask and Cross.
This win comes after Nepal’s dramatic loss to the Netherlands in the opening match, which went into a third Super Over. Nepal will next face the Netherlands again on Thursday.