Rohit Paudel’s Nepal ended their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on a high, defeating Scotland by seven wickets on Tuesday, February 17, at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The win was particularly special as it marked Nepal’s first T20 World Cup victory in 4352 days, the longest gap between wins in the tournament’s history, with Ireland second at 2770 days.
At the same venue where Nepal had suffered a heartbreaking four-run loss to England in their opening game, they came out determined. Chasing 171 for their first win of the tournament, Nepal reached the target with four balls to spare, thanks to Dipendra Singh Airee’s explosive unbeaten 50 off 23 balls. Airee, who also holds the record for the fastest T20I fifty in just nine balls, once again proved to be the catalyst for Nepal’s historic triumph.
Speaking after the win, Airee said, “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.”
“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,” Airee added.
HOW NEPAL TOOK DOWN SCOTLAND
Scotland posted a challenging 170 for 7 after being sent in to bat, with opener Michael Jones leading the charge with 71 off 45 balls. He received support from George Munsey, who made 27, and Brandon McMullen, who contributed 25.
Nepal’s pacer Sompal Kami made an impact, claiming three crucial wickets for 25 runs, while Nandan Yadav chipped in with two more. Despite useful contributions from Richie Berrington, Tom Bruce, and Matthew Cross, Scotland’s middle and lower order couldn’t accelerate, leaving them short of a more competitive total.
Chasing 171, Nepal seemed 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 them wobbling at 98 for 3. Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh, who scored 33, steadied the innings before Rohit Paudel fell for 16 in the 13th over.
Dipendra Singh Airee then took charge, his explosive 50 not out, complemented by Gulsan Jha’s unbeaten 24, guiding Nepal to a confident win. Leask had been economical early, conceding only 10 runs in three overs, but went for 20 in his final over as Airee greeted him with two massive sixes.
Airee’s innings featured four boundaries and three sixes, while Gulsan Jha struck the winning runs, and Nepal celebrated with a lap of honour around the Wankhede Stadium.
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