Nepal's record chase falters as Scotland clinch 2-run thriller

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, June 10: Nepal almost pulled off a record-breaking chase against Scotland in the Cricket World Cup League 2 Triangular Series match held in Dundee. Despite fighting until the last ball, the Rhinos narrowly missed out on victory, falling short by just two runs in a nail-biting contest.

Needing a daunting target of 324 for victory, Nepal got off to a shaky start and were 34/3 early on. Kushal Bhurtel (17) was run out, while Aarif Sheikh (8) and captain Rohit Paudel (3) fell cheaply. 

Bhim Sharki and Aarif Sheikh stabilized Nepal’s innings by putting together a vital 94-run stand for the fourth wicket. Aarif was dismissed as the fourth wicket in the 26th over after scoring 39 runs—including five boundaries off 55 balls. Bhim scored a classy 73 off 85 deliveries, hitting eight fours, before being dismissed on the final ball of the 32nd over.

Gulshan Jha (11 off 13 balls) did not last long and was dismissed shortly thereafter. The situation looked grim after Nepal were reduced to 183/6 in the 36th over.

Nevertheless, Dipendra Singh Airee and Sompal Kami forged a fighting 105-run partnership for the seventh wicket, pushing Nepal closer to the target. In their fightback, Airee scored 56 off 51 balls, while Sompal smashed 67 off 44 balls, including three fours and four sixes. 

Needing 16 runs from the final two overs, Nepal still looked in the hunt. Karan KC, a reliable finisher, was at the crease. The 49th over yielded only 9 runs, leaving Nepal 7 runs short in the final over. Tension peaked when Karan fell with three balls to spare. Nepal required 3 runs off the last ball, but Lalit Rajbanshi was bowled by Safyaan Sharif, handing Nepal a thrilling 2-run loss against the hosts.

Mackenzie Jones was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Safyaan Sharif and Michael Leask claimed two wickets each. Brandon McMullen and Charlie Cassell also took the wicket of one Nepali batter each.

Although Nepal failed to win the match, the Rhinos recorded their highest-ever total in a One Day International match. This is the second time Nepal has managed to cross the 300-run mark; their previous best was 310/8 against Oman at TU Cricket Ground in April 2023. 

Interestingly, Nepal achieved their highest-ever successful ODI run-chase of 297 against Scotland last Monday at Forthill, Dundee.

Earlier, Scotland opted to bat first and set a mammoth target by scoring 323/6. Nepal’s Karan KC snagged two early wickets, but Scotland rebuilt with a steady 94-run partnership between Charlie Tear and skipper Richie Berrington for the third wicket. Charlie chipped in with 68 off 65 balls, including nine fours, while skipper Richie smacked a determined 102 off 114 balls, with six fours and four sixes. Captain Richie later joined Michael Leask to put on a handy 125-run stand for the seventh wicket. Leask remained unbeaten on 96 off just 62 balls, and Mark Watt finished with a quick-fire 21 off 9 balls, helping Scotland post a commanding total.

For Nepal, Karan and Dipendra each grabbed two wickets, while Lalit picked up one.

Now, Nepal will square off against the Netherlands in the final game of the Scotland tour on June 10. Nepal currently sits in 7th place in the League 2 standings with 10 points from four wins and nine defeats, while Scotland stand third with 24 points from 11 wins and six defeats.