Nepal ends 4,352-day T20 World Cup wait with seven-wicket win over Scotland
Rohit Paudel’s Nepal finally celebrated a T20 World Cup victory on Tuesday, February 17, defeating Scotland by seven wickets at Wankhede Stadium. This marked Nepal’s first win in the tournament in 4,352 days—the longest gap between victories in T20 World Cup history, with Ireland second at 2,770 days.
After a heartbreak in their opening match, where they lost to England by just four runs at the same venue, Nepal came out determined. Chasing 171, they reached the target with four balls to spare, thanks to an explosive unbeaten 50 off 23 balls from Dipendra Singh Airee, who had earlier set the record for the fastest T20I fifty in just nine balls. Airee’s innings was the decisive factor in Nepal’s historic triumph.
“First of all, I would like to thank the fans. They came to India and to Mumbai and supported us a lot. Our confidence also increased… I am very happy,” Airee said.
“In the last World Cup, we didn’t win a single match. So, that’s why this win is very important for us. It is one of my best innings, especially while chasing,” he added.
How Nepal beat Scotland
Scotland posted 170 for 7 after opting to bat. Opener Michael Jones led with 71 off 45 balls, supported by George Munsey (27) and Brandon McMullen (25). Nepal’s pacer Sompal Kami took three key wickets for 25 runs, while Nandan Yadav chipped in with two more. Despite contributions from Richie Berrington, Tom Bruce, and Matthew Cross, Scotland’s lower order couldn’t push the total further.
Chasing 171, Nepal looked in control at 74 for 0 after nine overs, thanks to Kushal Bhurtel’s brisk 43 off 35 balls. But Michael Leask struck with three quick wickets to leave Nepal wobbling at 98 for 3. Aasif Sheikh’s 33 and Bhurtel steadied the innings before Rohit Paudel fell for 16 in the 13th over.
Dipendra Singh Airee then took charge, his unbeaten 50 alongside Gulsan Jha’s 24* steering Nepal to victory. Leask had been economical early but conceded 20 runs in his final over, with Airee hitting two massive sixes to seal the win.
Airee’s innings featured four boundaries and three sixes, while Gulsan Jha struck the winning runs. Nepal celebrated with a lap of honour around Wankhede Stadium, ending a wait of over 11 years for a T20 World Cup triumph.
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