Tri-Nation T20I: Nepal’s hard-fought victory over Scotland

Kathmandu: Nepal has registered a hard-fought victory over Scotland by two wickets in the second match of the ongoing tri-nation T20I series in Scotland.

Nepal achieved the target of 98 runs for victory in 19.5 balls for the loss of 8 wickets. Kushal Bhurtel top-scored for Nepal with 30 runs.

Dipendra Singh Airi scored 14 runs, Bashir Ahmed 13 and Kiran Thagunna 10 runs. The others failed to reach double figures. Lokesh Bam scored 9, Rohit Poudel scored 7 and Anil Sah, Rupesh Singh and Karan KC scored 3 runs each.

When Nepal was at 38-3, Kushal and Dipendra shared a 22-run partnership. Nepal then lost their fourth wicket for 60 runs, their fifth wicket for 75 runs, their sixth wicket for 77 runs, their seventh wicket for 87 runs and their eighth wicket for 97 runs.

Nepal won when Sandeep Lamichhane, who came to the crease to support Karan KC with 1 run needed in 2 balls, played lightly and completed 1 run. Although Scotland tried to run out at the striker’s end, Karan had already completed the run.

Earlier, Scotland, who had batted first after losing the toss, were all out for 97 runs in 19.4 overs. Michael Leask top-scored with 44 runs. Matthew Cross scored 15 and Brandon McMullen scored 10 runs.

For Nepal, Sandeep Lamichhane took 4 wickets for just 11 runs in 4 overs. Karan KC and Dipendra Singh Airi took 2 wickets each, while Lalit Rajbanshi took 1 wicket.

Scotland had already lost 5 wickets within 5 overs. After that, Cross and Lisk shared a partnership of 39 runs, but after Cross was out, Lisk could not score a good score as he was not supported at the crease.

Nepal had earlier lost to the Netherlands in the third super over in the first match. Nepal will now play the Netherlands on Thursday.