Scotland collapse late as Nepal chase neatly at Wankhede in T20 World Cup dead rubber

Scotland looked set for a much larger total before a dramatic late collapse left them on 170-7, and Nepal began their chase in confident fashion at the Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday evening (ET). Michael Jones's 71 from 45 deliveries provided the backbone of Scotland's innings, but incisive bowling in the slog overs swung momentum back to the bowlers and set up an intriguing finish.

Scotland roar then unravel

Put into bat, Scotland raced away in the powerplay, reaching 52 without loss as openers laid a brisk platform. The partnership accelerated further into the middle overs and Scotland were 131 for 1 after 15, with Jones driving the scoring through a mixture of crisp boundaries and well-timed big hits. Jones's innings — eight fours and three sixes among them — looked like the foundation for a competitive 190-plus total.

But the balance shifted sharply from the 16th over. Nepal's bowling unit, buoyed by a vociferous following in the stands, used change of pace and accurate lengths to great effect. Sompal Kami emerged as the pivotal figure, producing a game-changing 16th over that included the wicket of Jones. A superb caught-and-bowled later removed Brandon McMullen and the tail lurched under pressure. Scotland tumbled from 132-1 to 170-7, losing six wickets in the final five overs and surrendering the initiative just when the late slog might have bolstered their total.

Michael Jones reflected on the innings: "I thought initially we were on par for slightly more. Conditions got more difficult, so 170 is probably around where we need to be. Pace on, it's nice to bat. Pace off, it's quite tricky. They used their change-ups really well. It's tough out there to finish the innings. Unbelievable atmosphere. I was trying my best to soak it in. " His cameo nonetheless gave Scotland a platform they will hope their bowlers can defend.

Nepal openers set the tone in chase

Nepal replied positively from the outset. Openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh carved out a fluent powerplay, adding 56 in the first six overs and allowing their side to settle into the chase with minimum fuss. Boundaries came early and often; the pair punted loose balls away and rotated strike efficiently to keep scoreboard pressure on Scotland's bowlers.

With the target modest but tricky on this pitch, that early momentum was crucial. The large contingent of Nepal supporters at the Wankhede made their presence felt, creating an atmosphere that clearly buoyed the chase and gave the bowlers a reminder that runs on the board would be chased under a charged stadium environment.

While the match carries little bearing on progression from the group, both sides have shown they are playing for pride. Scotland's batting showed the potential that has made them dangerous in T20s, but their failure to consolidate after the 15th over underlined the fine margins of this format. Nepal, for their part, demonstrated that their opening pair can take the game away early and that their seam attack has the skill to force a collapse when momentum shifts.

Key moments and what lies ahead

Two clear turning points decided the contest so far: Jones's dismissal in the 16th over and the subsequent double blow that pulled Scotland back from the cusp of a much larger score. Kami's return of three for 25 will be hailed as the decisive bowling performance, while the Nepal opening stand provided the perfect platform for a chase of 171.

With the tournament moving forward, both teams can take positives despite failing to reach the Super Eight stage. Scotland will want to tighten their death-over batting, while Nepal will be encouraged by a performance that combined calm starts with incisive finishing bowling. The evening at the Wankhede has delivered the drama expected of T20 cricket — and for a full-throttle crowd, pride remains squarely on the line.