In the opening match of Nepal’s home series under the ICC World Cup Cricket League–2, Nepal was narrowly defeated by Scotland by 2 runs. Scotland posted a total of 243 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 50 overs, while Nepal managed 218 runs for 7 wickets in 39 overs. Sandeep Lamichhane delivered an impressive bowling performance, taking 4 wickets while conceding 41 runs, and Gulsan scored an unbeaten 61 runs. The match took place on April 29 in Kathmandu.
Due to rain interruptions, the target for Nepal was adjusted to 221 runs in 39 overs following the DLS method. Despite Gulsan’s aggressive half-century, Nepal was unable to secure the win. Vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 55 runs and shared a crucial 76-run partnership for the fourth wicket with captain Rohit Paudel, who scored 32 before being dismissed.
For Scotland, Bradley Currie took 3 wickets, Mark Watt claimed 2, and Jack Jarvis along with Oliver Davidson took one wicket each. After winning the toss and electing to bat first at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, Scotland’s opener George Munsey led the charge with the highest individual score of 75 runs. Munsey also shared a substantial 114-run opening partnership with Phil Mack.
Sandeep Lamichhane shifted the momentum by dismissing both openers in a single over. Scotland’s Matthew Cross and Michael Leask then added 44 runs for the fifth wicket. Nepal is scheduled to play their second match of the series against the United States on Saturday.
