Nepal delivered a stunning performance at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium, successfully chasing down a challenging target of 170 runs to defeat Scotland by seven wickets in their final Group C match of the Men's T20 World Cup. This victory marks Nepal's first triumph on this global stage since 2014 and provides a measure of redemption following their heartbreaking last-ball loss to England earlier in the tournament.
The hero of the hour was Dipendra Singh Airee, whose blistering unbeaten half-century came off just 23 deliveries, transforming a tense run chase into a memorable victory with four balls to spare. His explosive batting display overshadowed Scotland's Michael Jones, who had earlier crafted a fluent 71 from 45 balls to give his team hope of finishing their campaign on a high note.
Scotland's innings began with promise but ultimately fell victim to a dramatic collapse that saw them lose six wickets for just 30 runs. After being invited to bat first, the Scottish side appeared destined for a formidable total when they reached 132 for the loss of just one wicket. However, the dismissal of Jones triggered a devastating middle-order failure that left them with a total that proved insufficient on a batting-friendly surface.
Jones and George Munsey opened the innings, but their partnership struggled to find rhythm initially. Munsey, typically Scotland's aggressive catalyst at the top of the order, labored to 27 from 29 balls, unable to find the middle of his bat with any consistency. In stark contrast, Jones looked in sublime touch from the outset, elegantly piercing the off-side field and demonstrating powerful striking down the ground.
The turning point arrived in a single over from Nepal's Sompal Kami, who removed both Jones and Brandon McMullen (25) in quick succession. This double blow completely derailed Scotland's momentum, and what had seemed like a platform for a 190-plus total rapidly disintegrated. Captain Richie Berrington managed only 10 runs, while Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross, and Mark Leask all departed in a cluster of wickets that exposed the fragility of Scotland's middle order.
Kami's mastery of pace-off variations during the death overs proved particularly effective, as he finished with impressive figures of 3-25. Mark Watt's six from the final delivery of the innings offered a late boost, but the prevailing feeling was that Scotland had fallen at least 10 runs short of a truly competitive total on a pitch that offered little assistance to bowlers.
Nepal's response began with a powerplay that saw them reach 56 without loss, though fortune smiled on the openers on multiple occasions. Brad Currie put down a tough return catch when Kushal Bhurtel offered a chance, while Brad Wheal hit the stumps without dislodging the bails. Wicketkeeper Matthew Cross also failed to cling on when Aasif Sheikh gloved one down the leg side.
Bhurtel capitalized on his reprieve to score 43 runs, while Sheikh contributed 33, but both fell to the ever-competitive Mark Leask as Scotland fought back. When the off-spinner also removed captain Rohit Paudel, Nepal were behind the eight ball at 117-3 in the 14th over, requiring 53 runs from 38 deliveries.
This crucial juncture brought Gulshan Jha to the middle with Airee, and the pair launched a calculated assault that swiftly turned the tide. Airee's innings was characterized by clean hitting and intelligent shot selection, as he targeted the boundary with remarkable precision. The defining moment came when he struck three consecutive sixes off Olly Davidson, effectively extinguishing Scotland's hopes.
The victory holds special significance for Nepal, who entered this tournament with high expectations but suffered a demoralizing defeat to England in their opening fixture. This win allows them to conclude their campaign on a positive note and demonstrates their growing competitiveness in the shortest format of the game. For a team that has fought hard to establish itself on the global stage, this performance serves as validation of their progress and potential.
Scotland, meanwhile, depart the tournament with mixed feelings. As late replacements for Bangladesh, their participation itself was something of an achievement, but finishing with just one victory from four group-stage matches will disappoint a team that has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the competition. Their inability to capitalize on strong positions, exemplified by this collapse, remains an area requiring attention.
The result had no bearing on the Group C standings, with West Indies and England having already secured the two Super 8 qualification spots. Nevertheless, the match provided a thrilling conclusion to the group stage and showcased the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket, where momentum can shift dramatically within a matter of deliveries.
For Nepal, this victory will be remembered as a statement performance, one that announces their arrival as a team capable of competing with established cricketing nations. Airee's match-winning innings will undoubtedly be replayed for years to come, serving as inspiration for the next generation of Nepalese cricketers dreaming of similar heroics on the world stage.