KATHMANDU, May 18: Nepal registered a commanding six-wicket victory over Scotland in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 at Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground on Monday, chasing down a target of 195 with 71 balls to spare.
A disciplined bowling performance led by Lalit Rajbanshi and a composed unbeaten half-century from captain Rohit Paudel guided the hosts to a comfortable win.
After being invited to bat first, Scotland were bowled out for 194 in 39.1 overs despite an aggressive 73 off 44 balls from Brandon McMullen, who struck six fours and six sixes. Michael Inglis contributed 51, while George Munsey and Mark Watt added 21 and 20, respectively.
Sandeep Lamichhane takes three consecutive wickets against Scot...
Rajbanshi starred with the ball for Nepal, taking four wickets for 32 runs in eight overs and earning Player of the Match honors. Sandeep Lamichhane supported effectively with three wickets, while Sompal Kami, Dipendra Singh Airee and Nandan Yadav claimed one wicket each.
In reply, Nepal reached 199 for 4 in 38.1 overs. Opener Asif Sheikh provided early momentum with 29 off 17 balls, while Kushal Bhurtel scored 28.
The match turned decisively in Nepal’s favor through a century partnership between Rohit Paudel and Ishan Pandey. Pandey made 55 off 61 deliveries, hitting five boundaries and two sixes, while Rohit anchored the chase with an unbeaten 74 off 98 balls, including five fours and two sixes.
For Scotland, Mark Watt took two wickets, but the visitors struggled to contain Nepal’s steady batting display as the home side sealed another important victory in the League 2 campaign.
