Pokhara, 18 February | Nepal has registered a impressive victory against Scotland in their fourth match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Playing at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai India today Nepal chased down Scotland’s target of 171 runs with seven wickets in hand and plenty of balls to spare. The team completed the chase in just 19.2 overs losing only three wickets. This win marks Nepal’s first victory in a T20 World Cup after a gap of twelve long years. Last time Nepal tasted success was back in 2014 during the tournament held in Bangladesh when they defeated Hong Kong and Afghanistan.
The star of the match was undoubtedly Dipendra Singh Airee who smashed an unbeaten half-century. He scored 50 runs off just 23 balls hitting four boundaries and three massive sixes. This was Airee’s second consecutive fifty in the tournament following his 58 against West Indies earlier. With this performance he has now become the highest run-scorer for Nepal in this World Cup amassing 169 runs across four matches including thirteen fours and seven sixes. His knocks so far have been 44 off 29 against England 17 off 18 against Italy 58 off 47 against West Indies and now this explosive 50 not out. After being named Player of the Match Airee first thanked the spectators saying Nepal’s victory owes a lot to the enthusiasm of the fans who came to support.
Other contributors to the chase included opener Kushal Bhurtel who made a quick 43 runs from 35 balls with one four and four sixes. Opener Aasif Sheikh contributed 33 runs off 27 balls with two sixes while captain Rohit Paudel added 16. Gulshan Jha remained not out on 24 helping finish the game comfortably. Scotland’s bowler Michael Leask took three wickets but could not stop Nepal’s aggressive batting. Earlier after losing the toss Scotland were asked to bat first and posted 170 for seven in their allotted 20 overs. Michael Jones top-scored with a fine 71 off 45 balls studded with eight fours and three sixes. George Munsey made 27 and Brandon McMullen 25.
Nepal’s bowling was led by Sompal Kami who claimed three wickets while Nandan Yadav took two. Rohit Paudel and Kushal Bhurtel picked one each. This victory boosts Nepal’s campaign significantly and showcases their growing strength in international T20 cricket. The team has shown resilience determination and individual brilliance particularly from Dipendra Singh Airee who continues to shine brightly on the big stage. Fans back home are celebrating this historic win which brings hope for further success in the tournament.
