Nepal stun Scotland in final group match as Airee’s late onslaught seals T20 World Cup win
Nepal produced a heart-stopping chase to beat Scotland in Mumbai, led by a blistering 50 off 23 balls from Dipendra Singh Airee that turned the game in the final overs. Scotland slipped from a commanding 132-1 to 170-7, leaving fans stunned as Nepal completed a memorable run chase and celebrated a morale-boosting victory.
How the match unfolded
Scotland looked in control after opener Jones provided a strong platform with 71 off 45, but the innings collapsed in the late stages. Scotland finished on 170-7 after a period of tight bowling from Nepal, who kept chipping away and denied Scotland the late acceleration they had been seeking.
Nepal’s chase wobbled at times, but the game turned when Dipendra Singh Airee shifted the momentum with a ferocious cameo. Airee’s 50 from 23 balls dramatically quickened the run rate and settled nerves in the stands. Gulshan Jha also played a composed role in the closing overs, helping to steer the chase home. Airée’s efforts earned him the player of the match award and were crucial in pulling Nepal over the line.
Standings impact and tournament takeaways
For followers tracking the scotland national cricket team vs nepal national cricket team standings, the result brought mixed emotions. The win was a high point for Nepal’s campaign and gave the team valuable confidence, but it was not enough to push them into the Super 8s. Nepal’s captain, Rohit Paudel, summed up the mood: "This win means a lot to me. This is my second World Cup as captain and winning my first game in the last game of this tournament. " He stressed how the fans’ support—heightened after the side’s famous showing against a top team earlier in the tournament—was instrumental and praised the composure his side showed under pressure. Paudel added that, while the team wished it had qualified for the Super 8s, the experience offered important lessons to build on.
Scotland captain Richie Berrington acknowledged the disappointment of the loss but highlighted positives from the campaign. "Atmosphere was incredible, " he said, pointing to the strong crowd and the challenge of defending against a fired-up Nepal. Berrington singled out Airee for changing the tempo late in the game and conceded that Scotland’s own bowling had been strong at times but inconsistent across the tournament. He noted lingering frustration over missed opportunities but took encouragement from his side’s ability to compete at this level.
What’s next
The T20 World Cup schedule moves on with three matches the following day, starting with South Africa against the United Arab Emirates at 12: 30 AM ET, then Pakistan against Namibia at 4: 30 AM ET, and hosts taking the field against the Netherlands at 8: 30 AM ET. Teams will use the remaining group fixtures to consolidate plans and prepare for the next phases of the competition, while Nepal can take confidence from a thrilling win that showcased the depth of talent and temperament in the squad.
Ultimately, the Nepal victory over Scotland will be remembered for a late burst of power hitting and a dramatic collapse that swung the contest. Both teams leave Mumbai with clear lessons: Nepal with renewed belief and Scotland with tangible signs that, with a bit more consistency, they can trouble any opponent in the T20 format.
