Nepal’s 100th T20I match ended in a dramatic defeat against the Netherlands during the Scotland T20I Tri-Series. The match went into three Super Overs after both teams scored 152 runs in the regular 20 overs.
In the first Super Over, Nepal posted 19 runs, and Netherlands responded with the same score. The second Super Over also ended in a tie, with both teams scoring 17 runs. However, in the third Super Over, Nepal failed to score a single run. Captain Rohit Paudel was dismissed on the first ball, and debutant Rupesh K Singh followed without scoring. Netherlands sealed the win with a six on the first delivery of their turn, chasing just one run.
Earlier, chasing 153, Nepal reached 152/8 in 20 overs. Rohit Paudel was the top scorer with 48 runs from 35 balls, while Kushal Bhurtel added 34 runs. In the final over, Nepal needed 16 runs. Sandeep Lamichhane and Nandan Yadav pushed the match to a tie. Sandeep scored 2 and handed strike to Nandan, who hit a four, followed by two doubles and a four on the final ball.
Netherlands had earlier posted 152/7 after opting to bat. Teja Nidamanuru scored 35, Vikramjit Singh added 30, and Saqib Zulfiqar remained unbeaten on 24. Michael Levitt scored 20, Max O’Dowd 19, and Jack Lyan Kachette 11.
For Nepal, Sandeep Lamichhane took 3 wickets for 18 runs in 4 overs. Nandan Yadav, who made his T20I debut, picked up 2 wickets for 18 runs in 2.5 overs. Lalit Rajbanshi and Kushal Bhurtel claimed one wicket each.
This match marked the T20I debut of batter Kiran Thagunna and fast bowler Rupesh K Singh. Despite the heartbreak, it was a memorable milestone as Nepal played its 100th T20I match.
