Nepal signed off their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign in style, hammering Scotland by seven wickets in a dead rubber that felt anything but meaningless at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Dipendra Singh Airee’s blazing unbeaten 50 off just 23 balls powered Nepal to a famous chase of 171 with four balls to spare, giving the Himalayan nation their first win of the tournament and sending thousands of traveling fans into ecstasy.
Airee Produces One of His Career-Best Knocks
The chase looked comfortable at 74 without loss after nine overs. Then Michael Leask ripped through the middle order with three quick wickets. Nepal suddenly slipped to 98 for 3, and the game was back in the balance.
That’s when Dipendra Singh Airee walked in and changed everything.
He smashed two monster sixes off Leask in the 16th over, turning the stadium into a cauldron of noise. Four boundaries and three sixes followed in a stunning display of clean hitting.
“This is one of my best innings ever, especially in a chase,” Airee said after collecting the Player of the Match award. “Last World Cup we didn’t win a single game. This victory means everything to us and our fans.”
Gulsan Jha played the perfect supporting role with an unbeaten 24, hitting the winning runs as Nepal finished on 173 for 3.
Scotland Post Competitive 170 Despite Late Collapse
Put in to bat, Scotland got off to a flying start thanks to opener Michael Jones.
The right-hander blazed 71 off just 45 balls, lacing ten fours and two sixes to dominate the powerplay. At one stage, 180 looked very possible.
Nepal’s bowlers fought back brilliantly in the death overs. Kushal Malla and Abinash Bohara picked up crucial wickets, while the spinners applied the squeeze.
Scotland managed 170 for 7, a total that looked challenging but gettable on a good Wankhede pitch.
Key Scotland batting:
- Michael Jones – 71 (45)
- Richie Berrington – 28 (32)
- Michael Leask – 19 (12)
Fans Turn Wankhede Into Little Kathmandu
Even though both teams were already eliminated, Nepal’s famous traveling supporters turned the stadium blue and red.
Chants of “Nepal, Nepal” echoed around the historic venue from the first ball. Drums, flags, and face paint created an atmosphere that players from both sides described as electric.
Scotland captain Richie Berrington admitted the crowd played a big part.
“The atmosphere was incredible,” he said. “We knew it would be tough with that support behind Nepal. Full credit to Dipendra the way he played, he completely changed the game.”
What This Win Means for Nepal Cricket
This victory, while it comes in a dead rubber, could prove to be a turning point for Nepal cricket.
For years, the associate nation has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled to cross the line against bigger teams. Near misses against South Africa and Bangladesh earlier in the tournament proved they belong at this level.
This win provides several positives moving forward:
- First World Cup victory since 2014
- Statement performance on a big stage against a strong Scotland side
- Dipendra Singh Airee announcing himself as a genuine match-winner
- Proof that Nepal can chase big totals under pressure
Young players like Airee, Kushal Bhurtel, and Gulsan Jha gained invaluable experience that will serve Nepal well in future tournaments.
The passion of the supporters in Mumbai shows that cricket in Nepal is not just growing, it has already arrived.
This may not have been the result that takes Nepal to the Super Eight, but it was the kind of performance that makes the cricket world sit up and take notice. The Himalayan nation served notice: they are coming, and they are coming strong.
What did you make of Nepal’s performance? Was Dipendra’s innings the best you’ve seen from an associate nation player? Drop your thoughts below and let’s discuss.
