The scotland vs nepal clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 delivered one of the most memorable moments in Nepal’s cricketing history. Under the bright lights of the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Nepal stunned Scotland with a commanding seven-wicket victory, successfully chasing down 171 runs in just 19.2 overs.
What began as a routine Group C fixture turned into a landmark occasion for Nepalese cricket. After restricting Scotland to 170/7, Nepal responded with fearless intent, scripting their first-ever win in a T20 World Cup and sending their supporters into scenes of jubilation.
This result reshaped the narrative of Group C and marked a turning point for a team that had struggled earlier in the tournament.
Match Overview: Scotland vs Nepal – Key Details
| Match | Scotland vs Nepal |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Group | C |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| Scotland Score | 170/7 (20 overs) |
| Nepal Score | 171/3 (19.2 overs) |
| Result | Nepal won by 7 wickets |
| Player of the Match (Unofficial Highlight) | Dipendra Singh Airee |
Group C Context Before Scotland vs Nepal
Heading into the encounter, both sides had contrasting campaigns.
Scotland had secured one win in three matches and maintained a positive net run rate. Nepal, meanwhile, had endured three defeats and were desperate to end their campaign on a high.
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 both Scotland and Nepal were out of qualification contention, pride and momentum were firmly at stake in this scotland vs nepal showdown.
First Innings: Scotland Post 170/7 After Strong Start
Scotland began confidently. Openers George Munsey and Michael Jones laid a solid platform, rotating strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries.
Powerplay Momentum
After five overs, Scotland were 46/0. Michael Jones appeared in sublime touch, piercing the off-side field with precision while also clearing the ropes when required.
By the 10-over mark, Scotland had reached 80/1. Jones brought up a well-compiled half-century off just 31 deliveries, blending timing with calculated aggression.
Scotland’s Acceleration: 80/1 to 131/1
Between overs 10 and 15, Scotland surged forward. Jones continued to dominate, while Brandon McMullen offered explosive support at the other end.
At 15 overs, Scotland were cruising at 131/1. A total well beyond 180 looked imminent.
Turning Point: Sompal Kami’s Double Strike
The match swung dramatically in the 16th over when Sompal Kami delivered a game-changing spell.
He dismissed Michael Jones for 71 and removed Brandon McMullen shortly after in the same over. Scotland’s commanding 131/1 suddenly became 134/3.
This breakthrough ignited Nepal’s resurgence.
Middle-Order Collapse
Scotland lost five wickets for just 24 runs in a dramatic slide.
Nandan Yadav executed pinpoint yorkers, while disciplined fielding tightened the screws. Michael Leask fell after a successful review, and Matthew Cross was cleaned up by a sharp delivery targeting leg stump.
Despite a late six from Mark Watt, Scotland were restricted to 170/7 — a competitive total, but well short of what seemed possible earlier.
Scotland Batting Scorecard
| Batsman | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Jones | 71 | 45 |
| George Munsey | 10 | 14 |
| Brandon McMullen | 24 | 17 |
| Others | 65 (combined) | — |
| Total | 170/7 (20 overs) |
Second Innings: Nepal’s Historic Chase
Chasing 171 in a high-pressure scotland vs nepal contest, Nepal began assertively.
Explosive Opening Partnership
Kushal Bhurtel and Asif Sheikh put on Nepal’s first-ever 50+ opening stand in T20 World Cup history.
After 5 overs: Nepal 49/0
After 10 overs: Nepal 78/1
Bhurtel struck 43 off 35 balls, including four towering sixes. Asif Sheikh added a fluent 33 from 27 balls.
Nepal even plundered 23 runs off a single over from Mark Watt, signaling their fearless intent.
Michael Leask Sparks Scotland Hope
Just as Nepal looked comfortable, Michael Leask struck twice in quick succession.
- Bhurtel dismissed at 43
- Asif Sheikh caught at short third
- Rohit Paudel removed for 16
Nepal slipped to 100/3, and the contest tightened.
Dipendra Singh Airee: The Match-Winner
Enter Dipendra Singh Airee.
With calm authority and fearless strokeplay, Airee seized control. In the 16th over, he smashed Leask for back-to-back sixes, reversing the pressure instantly.
He raced to a blistering half-century in just 23 balls, shifting the momentum entirely in Nepal’s favour.
Final Flourish: Gulshan Jha Seals It
Gulshan Jha provided the finishing touch.
A crucial six in the 19th over narrowed the equation. Then came the decisive boundary — a powerful stroke that initially required a tense rope check but was confirmed as four.
Nepal finished at 171/3 in 19.2 overs.
Nepal Batting Scorecard
| Batsman | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Kushal Bhurtel | 43 | 35 |
| Asif Sheikh | 33 | 27 |
| Rohit Paudel | 16 | 14 |
| Dipendra Singh Airee | 50+ | 23 |
| Gulshan Jha | Match-finishing cameo | — |
| Total | 171/3 (19.2 overs) |
Tactical Breakdown: Why Nepal Won
1. Death Bowling Discipline
Nepal’s bowlers executed yorkers and slower deliveries brilliantly in the final five overs.
2. Fearless Powerplay Batting
A 50+ opening stand set the tone for the chase.
3. Momentum-Shifting Over
Airee’s assault in the 16th over broke Scotland’s resistance.
4. Composure Under Pressure
Despite slipping to 100/3, Nepal never panicked.
Captain’s Reflections
Rohit Paudel opted to bowl first, backing his bowling unit to exploit early conditions. His decision proved justified.
Scotland captain Richie Berrington admitted his side fell short in the death overs after dominating much of the innings.
What This Means for Nepal Cricket
This scotland vs nepal encounter will be remembered as a defining chapter in Nepal’s cricketing journey.
For a nation still building its presence in global cricket, defeating an experienced Associate powerhouse like Scotland on a grand stage is monumental.
The victory:
- Boosts Nepal’s international credibility
- Demonstrates depth beyond star performers
- Inspires the next generation of cricketers
Statistical Highlights from Scotland vs Nepal
- Nepal’s highest successful chase in T20 World Cup history
- First T20 World Cup win for Nepal
- Michael Jones’ 71 – highest individual score of the match
- 23-run over against Mark Watt – turning momentum point
Conclusion: Scotland vs Nepal Delivers Classic Contest
The scotland vs nepal showdown at Wankhede was far more than a group-stage fixture. It was a story of belief, resilience, and breakthrough.
Scotland dominated for large stretches but faltered at critical moments. Nepal, on the other hand, absorbed pressure, capitalised on opportunities, and played fearless cricket when it mattered most.
For fans in Mumbai and viewers across the globe, this contest encapsulated everything thrilling about T20 cricket — momentum swings, dramatic collapses, explosive batting, and emotional celebrations.
As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 progresses, Nepal’s seven-wicket triumph will stand out as one of the tournament’s most inspiring highlights.
And for those who witnessed it, the scotland vs nepal clash will forever symbolize the night Nepal made history.
