Kathmandu, June 3: Powered by an outstanding innings from Karan KC, Nepal edged past host Scotland by one wicket in a nail-biting one-day match of the ICC World Cup League-2, Round 4 triangular series.
In the match held at Forthill Cricket Ground, Scotland, Nepal successfully chased down a challenging target of 297 runs, reaching 298/9 in 49.5 overs.
Karan KC was the hero of Nepal’s victory, scoring an unbeaten 65 runs off just 41 balls, smashing 3 fours and 4 sixes to guide his team to a thrilling one-wicket win over Scotland.
Earlier in the chase, opener Kushal Bhurtel gave Nepal a strong start, scoring 53 runs off 44 balls with 11 boundaries, registering a 72-run partnership for the first wicket with fellow opener Aasif Sheikh, who contributed 20 off 33 balls with 2 fours.
Gulshan Jha added momentum with 42 off 30 balls (3 fours, 3 sixes), while Bhim Sharki smashed 40 off 48 balls and skipper Rohit Paudel made 37 off 56 balls.
Brandon McMullen of Scotland took 3 wickets, Michael Leask and Jack Jarvis took 2 each while Jaspar Davidson picked up one wicket.
Earlier, batting first, Scotland scored a mammoth total of 296 runs after losing 7 wickets in the allotted 50 overs. Charles Tear top-scored with 80 off 72 balls (12 fours, 1 six), Finlay McCreath added 55 off 67 balls, Captain Richie Berrington contributed 40 off 46 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes), Matthew Cross made 39, and Michael Leask chipped in with 18 off 15 balls.
Nepali bowlers Sompal Kami, Karan KC, and Rijan Dhakal each took 2 wickets while Sandeep Lamichhane took 1 wicket.
This thrilling victory gives Nepal a strong start in the tri-series. Nepal will now face the Netherlands in their second match of the series. #nepal #cricket #CAN #Scotland
