The scotland vs nepal encounter at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 turned into a night of celebration for Nepal as they secured a memorable seven-wicket victory over Scotland at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. Chasing a competitive target of 171, Nepal reached 171/3 in 19.2 overs, registering their first-ever win in T20 World Cup history.
While both teams were already out of the qualification race in Group C, this fixture carried enormous emotional and symbolic importance. For Nepal, it was about pride, progress, and proving their growth on the global stage. For Scotland, it was a chance to finish strongly. By the end of the evening, it was Nepal who walked away with history in their hands.
Match Summary: Scotland vs Nepal – Quick Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Scotland vs Nepal |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Group | C |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Scotland Total | 170/7 (20 overs) |
| Nepal Total | 171/3 (19.2 overs) |
| Result | Nepal won by 7 wickets |
| Key Performer | Dipendra Singh Airee |
Group C Situation Before Scotland vs Nepal
Before this contest, both sides had endured mixed campaigns.
Scotland had one win from three matches and maintained a positive net run rate. Nepal, meanwhile, had suffered three consecutive defeats and were determined to avoid finishing their tournament without a victory.
Group C Points Table Before the Match
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points | Net Run Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 | +1.820 | Qualified |
| England | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 | +0.201 | Qualified |
| Scotland | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | +0.359 | Eliminated |
| Italy | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | -0.588 | Eliminated |
| Nepal | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | -1.942 | Eliminated |
Although qualification was no longer possible, the scotland vs nepal match offered a final opportunity to leave a lasting impression.
Scotland’s Innings: Strong Foundation, Late Collapse
Scotland began their innings with confidence. Openers George Munsey and Michael Jones looked composed and purposeful, rotating strike efficiently and punishing loose deliveries.
Powerplay Control
At the end of five overs, Scotland were 46/0. Michael Jones appeared particularly fluent, driving through the covers and clearing the boundary ropes with authority.
By the 10-over mark, Scotland had advanced to 80/1. Jones brought up a well-crafted half-century off just 31 balls, combining smart placement with calculated aggression.
Mid-Innings Acceleration
Between overs 10 and 15, Scotland shifted gears. Brandon McMullen joined Jones in attacking Nepal’s bowling attack. Boundaries flowed freely, and the scoreboard ticked upward rapidly.
At 15 overs, Scotland were in a commanding position at 131/1. A total approaching 190 seemed within reach.
The Turning Point: Sompal Kami’s Crucial Over
The complexion of the scotland vs nepal clash changed dramatically in the 16th over.
Sompal Kami delivered a decisive spell, dismissing both set batters in quick succession. Michael Jones departed for 71, and McMullen followed soon after. Scotland’s momentum stalled abruptly as 131/1 became 134/3.
This breakthrough injected fresh energy into Nepal’s fielding unit.
Death Overs Drama
Nepal capitalised brilliantly on Scotland’s vulnerability. Nandan Yadav executed pinpoint yorkers, while disciplined fielding ensured no easy runs were conceded.
Michael Leask was removed after a successful review, and Matthew Cross fell attempting to accelerate. Scotland lost five wickets for just 24 runs during a dramatic collapse.
Despite a late six from Mark Watt, Scotland finished on 170/7 — competitive, but significantly below their earlier projection.
Scotland Batting Card
| Batsman | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Jones | 71 | 45 |
| George Munsey | 10 | 14 |
| Brandon McMullen | 24 | 17 |
| Others | 65 combined | — |
| Total | 170/7 (20 overs) |
Nepal’s Chase: Confidence from the Start
Chasing 171 under pressure in the scotland vs nepal contest, Nepal showed remarkable composure.
Solid Opening Stand
Kushal Bhurtel and Asif Sheikh laid a strong foundation, registering Nepal’s first 50-plus opening partnership in a T20 World Cup match.
After five overs, Nepal were 49/0.
After ten overs, they stood at 78/1.
Bhurtel struck 43 from 35 balls, including four powerful sixes. Asif Sheikh contributed 33 off 27 balls, playing controlled yet aggressive cricket.
Nepal also collected 23 runs in a single over against Mark Watt, a moment that significantly shifted momentum.
Scotland Fight Back Through Leask
Just as Nepal looked comfortable, Michael Leask sparked hope for Scotland with a pair of key wickets.
Bhurtel was dismissed attempting a slog sweep, followed by Asif Sheikh. Rohit Paudel soon departed for 16, reducing Nepal to 100/3 and reigniting tension in the contest.
Dipendra Singh Airee Changes the Game
At this critical juncture, Dipendra Singh Airee stepped forward.
Displaying composure and fearless intent, Airee took control of the chase. In a defining 16th over, he struck Leask for consecutive sixes, instantly swinging momentum back in Nepal’s favour.
He reached his half-century in just 23 balls, playing with confidence and precision under pressure.
Gulshan Jha Applies the Finishing Touch
Gulshan Jha ensured there would be no late twist.
A crucial six in the 19th over reduced the equation dramatically. Shortly after, a powerful boundary — confirmed after a brief rope check — sealed Nepal’s victory.
Nepal completed the chase at 171/3 in 19.2 overs, sparking jubilant celebrations.
Nepal Batting Card
| Batsman | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Kushal Bhurtel | 43 | 35 |
| Asif Sheikh | 33 | 27 |
| Rohit Paudel | 16 | 14 |
| Dipendra Singh Airee | 50+ | 23 |
| Gulshan Jha | Quick cameo | — |
| Total | 171/3 (19.2 overs) |
Tactical Analysis: How Nepal Outplayed Scotland
1. Effective Death Bowling
Nepal’s disciplined yorkers and variations in the final overs restricted Scotland’s scoring potential.
2. Positive Powerplay Approach
The aggressive opening stand set a confident tone for the chase.
3. Momentum-Shifting Partnership
Airee’s calculated aggression dismantled Scotland’s comeback hopes.
4. Calm Under Pressure
Even after slipping to 100/3, Nepal maintained composure and stuck to their strategy.
Captain’s Decisions
Nepal captain Rohit Paudel opted to bowl first, believing early assistance could be exploited. His bowling unit justified the decision by containing Scotland effectively in the latter stages.
Scotland skipper Richie Berrington acknowledged that the side fell short during the death overs, a phase that ultimately defined the match.
Key Statistical Highlights from Scotland vs Nepal
- Nepal’s first victory in T20 World Cup history
- Highest successful run chase for Nepal in a T20 World Cup
- Michael Jones’ 71 – highest individual score of the match
- 23-run over off Mark Watt – pivotal moment in the chase
- Scotland lost five wickets for 24 runs in the final phase
What This Victory Means for Nepal
The scotland vs nepal clash will be remembered as a landmark moment in Nepal’s cricketing journey.
For a team striving to establish itself among established Associate nations, defeating Scotland on a major ICC stage represents significant progress. It showcases the depth of talent in Nepal’s squad and signals their growing competitiveness.
The win also offers invaluable confidence heading into future global tournaments.
Conclusion: Scotland vs Nepal Becomes a Tournament Highlight
The encounter at Wankhede encapsulated the drama and unpredictability of T20 cricket. Scotland dominated early phases, only to be pegged back by disciplined bowling and fearless batting from Nepal.
Nepal’s seven-wicket triumph stands as one of the most inspiring stories of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Beyond the statistics, it symbolised belief, resilience, and growth.
For supporters across Nepal and cricket fans worldwide, this scotland vs nepal contest will be remembered as the night Nepal etched its name into T20 World Cup history.