Nepal secured a thrilling 2-wicket win over Scotland in their second match of the ongoing T20I Tri-Nation Series in Scotland. The team chased a target of 98 runs, winning the match in 19.5 overs with just one ball to spare.
Batting first after winning the toss, Scotland were bowled out for just 97 runs in 19.4 overs. Michael Leask top-scored for the hosts with 44 runs, followed by Matthew Cross with 15 and Brandon McMullen with 10. Nepal’s bowling unit delivered a disciplined performance, with Sandeep Lamichhane leading the attack by taking 4 wickets for only 11 runs in his 4-over spell. Karan KC and Dipendra Singh Airee picked up 2 wickets each, while Lalit Rajbanshi contributed with one.
In reply, Nepal reached 98/8 after a tense chase. Kushal Bhurtel played a key role with 30 runs, while Dipendra Singh Airee added 14. Basir Ahamad contributed 13 runs, and Kiran Thagunna scored 10. Lokesh Bam added 9, Rohit Paudel made 7, and Anil Sah, Rupesh K Singh, and Karan KC all chipped in with 3 runs each. Nepal struggled early in the chase, losing wickets at regular intervals. At 38/3, Kushal and Dipendra stabilized the innings with a 22-run stand. However, the team soon found themselves at 60/4, 75/5, 77/6, 87/7, and 97/8.
With two balls left and just one run needed, Sandeep Lamichhane came to the crease. He calmly tapped the ball to complete the winning run, despite a run-out attempt from Scotland. Karan KC had already made it across, sealing Nepal’s first win of the series.
Earlier, Nepal had lost their opening game against the Netherlands in a third Super Over. The team will face the Dutch again on Thursday in what promises to be another exciting clash.
