GLASGOW — Scotland fell agonizingly short in a tense, low-scoring T20 clash against Nepal, losing by one run in the penultimate ball of their Tri-Nations Series match at Titwood in Glasgow. A late fightback from the hosts wasn’t enough as Nepal held their nerve to secure a thrilling victory in a game dominated by bowlers.
Chasing a modest target of 153, Scotland’s innings stuttered early before a middle-order resurgence brought them back into contention. However, with two runs needed off the final two deliveries, Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee held his nerve, conceding just a single to seal the win. "It was a game of small margins, and unfortunately, we couldn’t get over the line," said Scotland captain Richie Berrington in the post-match press conference.
A Bowling Masterclass on Both Sides
The match was a showcase of disciplined bowling, with both teams struggling to build momentum. Nepal, batting first, posted 152/8 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to a composed 48 from opener Kushal Bhurtel. Scotland’s bowlers, led by Mark Watt (2/22) and Brad Wheal (2/28), kept the tourists in check with tight lines and clever variations.
Scotland’s reply got off to a shaky start, losing opener George Munsey for just 5 in the second over. Nepal’s seamers, particularly Sompal Kami (3/25) and Karan KC (2/30), exploited the early movement, reducing Scotland to 45/3 inside the powerplay. "We knew the pitch wasn’t easy, but we needed one big partnership to take control," admitted Berrington.
Late Drama as Scotland Fight Back
A 54-run stand between Berrington (38) and Matthew Cross (29) revived Scotland’s hopes, but Nepal’s spinners struck at crucial moments. Sandeep Lamichhane, Nepal’s star leg-spinner, removed Cross in the 14th over, while Airee dismissed Berrington soon after to swing the momentum back.
With 19 needed off the last two overs, Scotland’s lower order nearly pulled off a miracle. Chris Greaves (18* off 10) smashed a six in the penultimate over, leaving the hosts needing 5 off the last 6 balls. However, Airee’s composure under pressure proved decisive.
Key Moments That Shaped the Match
- Nepal’s Powerplay Control: Reduced Scotland to 45/3, setting the tone for a defensive chase.
- Berrington-Cross Partnership: The 54-run stand kept Scotland in contention before Nepal’s spinners broke through.
- Greaves’ Late Heroics: His cameo nearly stole the game, but Nepal’s death bowling held firm.
Post-Match Reactions
Nepal captain Rohit Paudel praised his team’s resilience: "We knew it would be tight, but the way our bowlers handled the pressure was exceptional. This win gives us great confidence for the rest of the series."
Scotland’s coach, Shane Burger, acknowledged the missed opportunities: "We had chances to win, but credit to Nepal for holding their nerve. We’ll take the learnings and come back stronger."
Looking Ahead in the Tri-Nations Series
With this win, Nepal move to the top of the table, while Scotland will need to regroup quickly before their next fixture. The Tri-Nations Series, also featuring the Netherlands, serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Scotland’s next match is against the Netherlands, a must-win game to keep their finals hopes alive. Nepal, meanwhile, will look to maintain their momentum as they aim for a series clean sweep.
"Every game in this format is a learning curve," said Berrington. "We’ll analyze where we fell short and make sure we’re sharper next time."
The match, though low-scoring, provided plenty of drama and highlighted the competitive nature of Associate cricket. For Nepal, it was another step forward in their rise as a T20 force, while Scotland will rue a missed opportunity to close out a tight game.