Nepal Clinch Last-Ball Victory in Thrilling Finish Against Scotland
In a dramatic climax to a thrilling one-day international, Nepal edged past Scotland with a last-ball victory in the Cricket World Cup League 2 encounter at Forthill, Dundee.
Chasing Scotland’s formidable total of 296-7, Nepal found themselves needing five runs off the final three balls with just one wicket remaining. In a stunning turn of events, a wide delivery from left-arm spinner Mark Watt sealed the match in Nepal's favor, prompting wild celebrations and a pitch invasion by jubilant Nepalese fans.
Nepal, who are languishing near the bottom of the eight-team standings, had lost to a second-string Scotland A side in a warm-up just days earlier. But they bounced back in spectacular fashion.
After being put in to bat, Scotland appeared to be in command. Opener Charlie Tear impressed with a solid 80, supported by Finlay McCreath’s 55, to set what seemed like a winning target.
Nepal’s chase started strong with Khushal Bhurtel contributing 53, but a mid-innings collapse saw them fall from 152-2 to 192-7. Enter Karan KC—coming in at number nine—who played a heroic unbeaten knock of 65 off just 41 balls, smashing four sixes and leading the late charge.
With 18 runs needed from the penultimate over, Karan kept Nepal in the hunt. The final over was pure drama: Sandeep Lamichhane was dismissed first ball, but a wide and a single brought Karan back on strike. Two well-run twos followed, and then Watt’s second wide of the over handed Nepal a breathtaking one-wicket win.
Though there were suggestions that the decisive wide may have brushed Karan’s pad, the umpire stood by the call—securing a crucial win for Nepal over a Scotland side that sits four places above them in the world rankings.
The tri-series continues at the same venue on Wednesday, with Nepal facing the Netherlands.
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