Nepal fall agonizingly short against Scotland in CWC League 2 thriller

cricnepal Staff

June 9, 2025, 2 min read

Nepal came heartbreakingly close to pulling off a remarkable chase against Scotland in the third match of their CWC League 2 tour, but fell short by just two runs, despite a brilliant fightback.

Chasing a mammoth 324 for victory, Nepal were off to a shaky start, slumping to 34/3 early on. A stabilizing partnership between Bhim Sharki and Aarif Sheikh, who added 94 runs for the fourth wicket, brought Nepal back into the contest. Aarif was dismissed for 39, while Bhim went on to score a well-crafted 73.

However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, and Nepal were reduced to 183 for 6 by the 36th over. Just when the match seemed to be slipping away, Dipendra Singh Airee and Sompal Kami breathed life back into the chase with a stunning 105-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Airee scored 56 and Sompal struck a quickfire 67, taking Nepal close to the target.

Needing 16 runs from the final two overs, Nepal looked within reach. Karan KC, known for his finishing abilities, was at the crease. The 49th over yielded 9 runs, leaving Nepal 7 short in the final over. But the drama peaked when Karan was dismissed, and with 3 runs needed off the final ball, Lalit Rajbanshi was bowled by Safyaan Sharif, sealing a nail-biting win for Scotland.

Scotland won by 2 runs

Earlier, Scotland posted 323 for 6 after electing to bat first. Karan KC gave Nepal an early breakthrough with two wickets, but Scotland rebuilt with solid partnerships. Charlie Tear scored 68, while captain Richie Berrington played a captain’s knock of 102.

Berrington stitched a crucial 125-run partnership with Michael Leask for the seventh wicket. Leask remained unbeaten on 96 off just 62 balls, and Mark Watt added late fireworks with a rapid 21 off 9 balls to help Scotland post a commanding total.

For Nepal, Karan KC and Dipendra Singh Airee picked up two wickets each, while Lalit Rajbanshi claimed one. Nepal will now face the Netherlands in their final game of the Scotland tour on June 10, aiming to end their campaign with a victory.