Nepal pull off historic run-chase to defeat Scotland by 1 wicket

cricnepal Staff

June 3, 2025, 2 min read

In one of the most thrilling and historic victories in their cricketing history, Nepal defeated Scotland by one wicket in a nail-biting encounter at Dundee, registering their highest-ever successful ODI run-chase.

Chasing a big target of 297, Nepal sealed the win in dramatic fashion on the final delivery, marking a triumphant return to League 2 action after a long gap.

Nepal reached 297/9 in 50 overs, with Karan KC emerging as the match-winner with an unbeaten 65 off 41 balls, including 3 fours and 4 sixes. His late heroics, supported by a crucial 60-run eighth-wicket partnership with Gulshan Jha (42 off 30), turned the tide after a middle-order collapse.

Nepal won by 1 wicket

Earlier in the innings, openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh gave Nepal a solid start, adding 76 runs for the first wicket. Bhurtel was particularly aggressive, smashing 53 off just 44 balls, while Aasif contributed 20.

Bhim Sharki (40) and skipper Rohit Paudel (37) steadied the innings before a flurry of quick wickets put the chase in jeopardy. Once at 152/2, quick wickets had left Nepal reeling at 192/7.

With 38 required from the final three overs, Karan KC kept his composure, scoring vital boundaries and rotating the strike. He collected 13 from the 48th over and 18 from the 49th over. Karan also brought his maiden half-century in just 35 balls, including two boundaries and four sixes and remained unbeaten on 65 runs.

The equation came down to 1 run needed from the final ball, which turned out to be a wide, handing Nepal a dramatic and unforgettable win.

Earlier, after being asked to bat, Scotland posted a competitive 296/7 in their 50 overs. Charlie Tear top-scored with a fluent 80 off 72 balls, supported by Finlay McCreath (55). Richie Berrington (40) and Matthew Cross (39) also made vital contributions.

For Nepal, Karan KC was impressive with the ball as well, finishing with figures of 2/43 from 10 overs, and was deservedly named Player of the Match. Rijan Dhakal and Sompal Kami picked up two wickets apiece, while Sandeep Lamichhane took one.

This marks Nepal’s third win in 13 matches of the CWC League 2 campaign, and they will look to carry this momentum into their next fixture against the Netherlands on June 4.

Karan KC Gulshan Jha Bhim Sharki Rohit Paudel