Nepal suffered a heartbreaking 2-run defeat to Scotland in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. Chasing a massive target of 324 runs, Nepal fought hard till the last ball but were all out for 321 in 50 overs, narrowly missing out on a historic win.
The innings started on a shaky note, with Nepal losing three wickets for just 34 runs. Bhim Sharki and Aarif Sheikh then rescued the team with a 94-run partnership. Aarif scored 39 before being dismissed, while Bhim played a crucial knock of 73. However, Nepal lost quick wickets again, and soon found themselves at 183 for 6.
Dipendra Singh Airee and Sompal Kami brought Nepal back into the match with an excellent 105-run stand for the seventh wicket. Airee made a valuable 56 while Sompal added 67 runs, taking the game deep into the final overs.
With 12 runs needed off the last 12 balls, Brandon McMullen gave away only 9 runs in the 49th over. That left Nepal needing 7 runs from the final over. Karan KC took 2 runs on the first ball but couldn’t score on the second. He was then caught out on the third delivery. Lalit Rajbanshi missed the next ball but managed to steal a bye, bringing Sandeep Lamichhane on strike. Sandeep added 1 run, and Nepal needed 3 from the last ball. However, Lalit was bowled on the final delivery, and Nepal fell agonizingly short.
Despite the loss, Nepal achieved a major milestone by recording their highest-ever ODI total. The 321-run score surpassed their previous best of 310 against Oman, also making it their highest total while chasing in ODIs.
Scotland earlier posted 323 for 6 in 50 overs, thanks to captain Richie Berrington’s century and a blistering unbeaten 96 from Michael Leask. Berrington scored 102 off 114 balls, while Leask’s innings included 12 fours and 3 sixes. Opener Charlie Tear also chipped in with a solid 68.
Karan KC took 2 wickets for Nepal, conceding 74 runs in 10 overs. Dipendra Singh Airee also claimed 2 wickets, and Lalit Rajbanshi took one. This was the highest total Nepal has ever conceded against an associate nation.
Nepal had previously defeated Scotland and Netherlands in their earlier League 2 matches. However, this defeat leaves them with 10 points from 15 games, while Scotland lead with 22 points from 17 matches.
Eight associate teams are competing in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. The top four teams will directly qualify for the 2027 ODI World Cup Qualifier, making every match critical in the race for qualification.
