Nepal beat Scotland by seven wickets to record a memorable win in their final Group C game of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the revered Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.
This emphatic victory — 171/3 in 19.2 overs to Scotland’s 170/7 — was Nepal’s first T20 World Cup victory since 2014 and its first over a fellow Full ICC member, providing joyous respite after 12 years of international exile for Nepali cricket enthusiasts everywhere.
Scotland Innings: Jones Stars, Nepal Comes Back Into Game
Scotland’s innings began with intent. Opener Michael Jones did most to give his side a competitive total, smashing 71 from 45 balls with eight fours and three sixes. He seemed for the taking but was eventually dismissed as Nepal regained control.
Jones put on 80 for the first wicket with George Munsey (27) to provide a solid start for Scotland. But Nepal’s bowlers came back strongly in the middle and death overs to not allow a big score.
Notable bowling figures for Nepal:
Sompal Kami: 3/25 in 4 overs — led the resurgence with crucial strikes.
Nandan Yadav: 2/34 – vital strikes in the middle overs; Ashok Menaria: 1/31 – thriving with his left-arm spin.
Rohit Paudel & Kushal Bhurtel: 1 wicket each — both put the squeeze on in the end.
Scotland ended in a challenging position but were kept in check at the most crucial times and especially fell by the wayside in those last five overs.
Nepal Chase: Brilliance Under Pressure
In pursuit of 171, Nepal’s response was propped up by:
Kushal Bhurtel: 43 off 35 balls — a belligerent beginning that set the tone.
Aasif Sheikh: 33 off 27 balls — calm support as the run rate went racing up.
The opening stand contributed 74 runs, giving the team a good start.
The contest prised open slightly when Scotland’s Michael Leask (3/30) induced a mini collapse removing Bhurtel, Sheikh and Rohit Paudel (16).
But enter Dipendra Singh Airee.
Player of the Match: Dipendra Singh Airee –T20 Classic Blitz.
Airee played match-winning innings, hammering an unbeaten fiery 50 from 23 balls smashing four boundaries and three huge sixes. His superbly timed and powerful hitting not only provided momentum to the chase, but also took wind out of Scotland’s sails in terms of any late fightback.
Teaming up with Gulsan Jha (24 not-out), the duo forged an unbeaten 73-run partnership that took them to victory in four balls to spare — a statement of intent by the Nepalese batting line.
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Fielding & Game Sense: Discipline’s Obstacle
Aside from the headline performances, it was fielding and tactical bowling changes that won it for Nepal. The team also held its discipline when the pressure built (especially in stifling Scotland’s scoring at key moments).
The Bigger Picture
Although Nepal and Scotland were both out of Super Eights contention, it was a match that bore considerable pride and resonance. For Nepal, the win means more than just another number — it represents growth, resilience and belief on cricket’s world stage.