Nepal ended their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign on a high with a thrilling win over Scotland in Mumbai. It was their first victory in the tournament and their first T20 World Cup win in 12 years. A strong bowling spell from Sompal Kami and a stunning unbeaten fifty from Dipendra Singh Airee helped Nepal pull off a dramatic chase in front of a loud and emotional crowd at the Wankhede Stadium.
Scotland starts strongly but loses control.
Scotland made a confident start after being asked to bat. Openers George Munsey and Michael Jones put Nepal under pressure early. Jones looked in great touch and found the boundary with ease. Scotland raced past 50 inside the power play without losing a wicket and looked set for a big total.
Nepal struggled to find help from the pitch, and their spinners could not slow the scoring early on. Jones continued to attack, and Scotland crossed 130 with just one wicket down after 15 overs. At that stage, they were in full control of the match.
Kami turns the match around
The game changed quickly when Sompal Kami returned to the attack. He removed Jones with a clever slower ball that hit the stumps. Two balls later, he produced a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Brandon McMullen. Kami struck again in his final over as Scotland lost wickets in a rush.
From 131 for 1, Scotland slipped to 161 for 7. They lost six wickets for just 30 runs. Despite a late six, Scotland finished with a total that suddenly looked chaseable. Kami finished with three key wickets, firmly shifting the momentum towards Nepal.
Nepal wobble after a strong start
Nepal began their chase well. Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh gave them a solid start and reached 56 without loss in the power play. Bhurtel attacked the spinners, especially Mark Watt, and the crowd sensed something special.
Scotland fought back through Michael Leask. The experienced all-rounder picked up three quick wickets and pushed Nepal into trouble. Nepal slipped from 74 without loss to 100 for 3, and the required run rate climbed sharply.
Airee seals famous win
With 71 needed from 36 balls, Dipendra Singh Airee walked in and changed the game. He played fearless cricket, hitting boundaries from the start and running hard between the wickets. Airee smashed four fours and three sixes and barely wasted a ball.
He received strong support from Gulsan Jha, who remained calm under pressure. The pair added an unbeaten stand that broke Scotland’s fight. Jha hit the winning runs as Nepal completed an emotional win that meant more than just points.
Nepal closed their T20 World Cup journey with pride, while Scotland were left to rue a collapse that cost them a well-earned win.
