Nepal scripted a landmark moment in their cricketing journey, registering their first-ever T20 World Cup victory as they defeated Scotland at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on February 17. After keeping Scotland to 170 for 7, Nepal came out with intent in the chase, producing a collective batting effort.

Asked to bat first, Scotland made a steady start, with the opening stand setting the tone before the first breakthrough arrived at 80 as George Munsey departed. Michael Jones held the innings together with a well-paced 71 off 45, striking at 157 and carrying the bulk of the scoring.

However, support around him was limited as Nepal’s bowlers tightened the screws through the middle overs. Brandon McMullen chipped in with a brisk 25 off 19, but regular wickets prevented Scotland from finding the late acceleration they were searching for. Sompal Kami and Nandan Yadav were particularly effective, sharing five wickets between them to keep the total within reach.

In response, Nepal openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh laid a solid platform, negotiating the powerplay sensibly and then giving their team some momentum. From there, the middle-order took charge, rotating strike and picking boundaries at the right moments without letting pressure creep in.

The chase was sealed in style by Dipendra Singh Airee and Gulshan Jha, whose late flourish made it a historic night for Nepal.

Top batting performance: Dipendra Singh Airee

Dipendra Singh Airee was the standout with the bat, producing a blistering 50 off just 23 deliveries that turned the game. Striking at an impressive rate of 217, Airee lit up the chase with three towering sixes and four boundaries, ensuring Nepal crossed the line.

Top bowling performance: Sompal Kami

Sompal Kami delivered a match-defining spell, picking up three wickets in his four overs while conceding just 23 runs at an economy rate of 6.2.

His ability to strike at crucial moments ensured Scotland were kept in check despite a strong start.

Records Broken and Major Milestones Achieved

• Nepal registered their first-ever victory in T20 World Cup history.
• Michael Leask picked up his ninth wicket in T20 World Cups, becoming the joint highest wicket-taker for Scotland in the competition.
• Scotland lost 17 wickets in the death overs, the most by any team in this edition of the tournament.
• Sompal Kami’s figures of 3 for 25 are the second-best bowling figures by a Nepal seamer in T20 World Cup history.
• Dipendra Singh Airee recorded the fifth-fastest fifty by an Associate batter in T20 World Cup history.
• Michael Jones’ 71 is the third-highest individual score by a Scotland batter in T20 World Cups.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Dipendra Singh Airee was named Player of the Match for his explosive 50 off 23.

His fearless stroke play and ability to clear the boundary with ease ensured Nepal crossed the line comfortably.