Nepal falls short by 2 runs against Scotland

Kathmandu: Nepal faced a narrow 2-run defeat against Scotland in a thrilling match on Sunday under the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. The match took place at the Forfarshire Cricket Club’s Forthill ground in Dundee, Scotland.

Chasing a formidable target of 324 runs set by Scotland, Nepal was bowled out for 321 runs in the full quota of 50 overs.

Despite half-centuries from Bhim Sharki, Sompal Kami, and Dipendra Singh Airee, Nepal fell just two runs short of what could have been a historic victory.

At one point, Nepal was struggling at 183 for 6. However, Dipendra Singh Airee and Sompal Kami stitched a remarkable 105-run partnership for the seventh wicket, bringing Nepal close to the target.

For Nepal, Bhim Sharki top-scored with 73 runs, while Sompal Kami contributed 67 and Dipendra Singh Airee added 56 runs. From Scotland, MacKenzie Jones took 3 wickets, while Safyaan Sharif and Michael Leask claimed 2 wickets each. Brandon McMullen and Charlie Cassell took a wicket apiece.

Nepal had been reduced to 183–6 after Arif Sheikh was dismissed for 39 and Gulshan Jha followed soon after for 11 runs.

Earlier, Scotland posted 323 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 50 overs, powered by a century from captain Richie Berrington and an explosive finish by Michael Leask. Berrington scored 102 runs off 114 balls, including 6 fours and 4 sixes, before being run out. Michael Leask remained unbeaten on 96 off 62 balls, hitting 12 fours and 3 sixes. Opener Charlie Tear also contributed with 68 runs.

For Nepal, Karan KC took 2 wickets for 74 runs in 10 overs, and Dipendra Singh Airee also claimed 2 wickets, conceding 37 runs in 7 overs. Lalit Rajbanshi picked up 1 wicket.

Earlier in the series, Nepal had defeated Scotland in the first match and the Netherlands in the second. Nepal, having played 15 matches in League 2, remains at 10 points, while Scotland has 22 points from 17 matches.

Nepali version of the news