Rohit Paudel finished the contest with a six, and Nepal's cricket dreams surged forward. In a decisive World Cup League 2 match at Kirtipur, the home nation defeated Scotland by six wickets, seizing control of the tri-series with a performance that blended steady batting and clinical bowling. For Nepal, still building its credentials in international cricket, each victory in this tournament matters — these World Cup qualifiers determine which nations get closer to a berth in global championships.
Scotland had posted a respectable 194 all out after winning the coin toss and batting first. Brandon McMullen's aggressive 73 from just 44 balls provided the backbone of their innings, while Michael English contributed a steadier 51. But it was Nepal's bowling that set the tone for what would follow. Lalit Rajbanshi proved the standout performer, taking four wickets including those of Scotland captain Richie Berrington, who managed only 12 runs, and Michael Leask, caught for just one. That disciplined bowling performance meant Scotland's innings never quite gathered the momentum needed for a total that might have seemed challenging on a ground like Kirtipur.
Nepal's chase began with characteristic aggression. Opening batsman Khushal Bhurtel was caught lbw by McMullen for 28, but the damage came from an unexpected quarter when Aasif Sheikh, after striking a succession of early boundaries, was run out for 29. At that point, Scotland might have sensed an opening. Instead, the match tilted decisively Nepal's way. Ishan Pandey, the middle-order batter, anchored the innings with a composed 55, building a partnership that kept the run rate steady and the pressure firmly on Scotland's bowling attack.
But it was Paudel who seized the moment. The young batsman's unbeaten 74 was the knock that separated the two sides — not flashy, but authoritative, the kind of innings that shifts momentum in a chase. Nepal reached 199 for the loss of just four wickets, finishing the contest with Paudel striking a six that spoke to both his confidence and Nepal's growing self-assurance in this format.
For context, this tri-series has already proven competitive. Scotland had arrived at Kirtipur with two victories in their pocket, having beaten both Nepal and the United States earlier in the tournament. That made this Nepal victory all the more significant — it demonstrated that the hosts are capable of competing against and defeating established cricketers. Now, with two wins in the tri-series, Nepal sit in a strong position before their final match against the United States on Friday. Scotland, meanwhile, face the Americans again on Wednesday, needing to recalibrate after this home-soil disappointment.
These World Cup League 2 matches represent more than just trophies — they are stepping stones toward the global stage, chances for emerging nations to prove their mettle. Nepal's six-wicket victory is exactly the kind of result that builds momentum heading into the final stretch.