Airee’s late charge helps Nepal seal famous win
With their maiden World Cup victory Nepal fold their World Cup journey with two points
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MUMBAI: Nepal held their nerves under lights at the Wankhede Stadium to seal a seven-wicket victory over Scotland in Group C of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Tuesday, chasing down 171 with four balls to spare.
An unbeaten 23-ball 50 from Dipendra Singh Airee proved decisive as Nepal reached 171/3 in 19.2 overs, overturning a competitive Scottish total of 170/7 built around Michael Jones’s fluent 71.
After electing to field, Nepal’s bowlers kept Scotland in check despite a brisk start. George Munsey struck four boundaries in his 27 before falling at the end of the 10th over with the score on 80.
Jones anchored the innings with authority, striking eight fours and three sixes in his 45-ball knock. He combined effectively with Brandon McMullen (25) to push Scotland past 130 in the 16th over.
But Nepal fought back through Sompal Kami, who removed Jones and McMullen in the same over to stall the surge. Kami finished with figures of 3-25 from four overs while Nandan Yadav chipped in with 2-34.
Scotland’s middle order faltered under pressure, losing four wickets for 24 runs between the 15th and 19th overs. Mark Watt’s late unbeaten 10 off four balls lifted them to 170/7.
Nepal’s chase began confidently, with Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh putting on 74 for the opening wicket. Bhurtel struck four sixes in his 43 before falling to Michael Leask who briefly revived Scottish hopes with three wickets.
Leask dismissed Bhurtel, Aasif (33) and captain Rohit Paudel (16) to reduce Nepal to 98/3 in the 14th over.
However, Airee turned the tide emphatically. The right-hander launched four fours and three sixes in a blistering counterattack, bringing up his half-century in just 23 balls. He shared an unbroken 73-run stand with Gulsan Jha, who contributed a steady 24 not out.
Nepal crossed 150 in the 18th over, and Airee fittingly sealed the victory with a boundary as they finished on 171/3.
Summarised Scores
Scotland 170/7 (20 overs), Michael Jones 71 (45), Brandon McMullen 25 (19), George Munsey 27 (29), Sompal Kami 3-25
Nepal 171/3 (19.2 overs), Dipendra Singh Airee 50* (23), Kushal Bhurtel 43 (35), Aasif Sheikh 33 (27), Michael Leask 3-30
Result: Nepal won by 7 wickets (with 4 balls remaining),
Venue: Wankhede Stadium Mumbai
Player of the Match: Dipendra Singh Airee
