Match Summary
Brad Currie was awarded player of the match for his outstanding bowling performance.
Scotland 243-8 (50 overs): Munsey 75; Lamichhane 4-41
Nepal 218-7 (39 overs): Jha 61; Currie 3-43
Result: Scotland won by two runs (DLS method)
Match Report
Scotland maintained composure to secure a thrilling two-run victory over Nepal in a rain-affected one-day international held in Kirtipur.
Nepal required 13 runs off the final over to complete their chase, but seamer Brad Currie, who delivered an impressive 3-43, limited the hosts to just 11 runs in that over.
Batting first on a challenging pitch, Scotland posted a total of 243-8 from their allotted 50 overs, largely due to a rapid 75 from opener George Munsey off 62 balls.
Opening partner Finlay McCreath contributed 35 runs in a 114-run opening stand, while Michael English provided stability at the end with a patient unbeaten 34.
Munsey’s aggressive innings included 12 fours and two sixes, after which Nepal’s varied bowling attack managed to contain Scotland’s scoring. Late contributions from Mark Watt (24) and Michael Leask (29) added valuable momentum to the innings.
Rain interrupted Nepal’s chase, resulting in a revised target of 221 runs from 39 overs.
Scotland began strongly with Mark Watt taking two wickets in three balls. However, Nepal’s captain Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee forged an energetic partnership that brought Nepal back into contention.
Paudel was eventually dismissed attempting a scoop shot off Currie, and shortly after, Airee was caught by short third man off spinner Oli Davidson, marking a pivotal moment in the match.
Gulshan Jha, unbeaten on 61 from 35 balls, kept Nepal in the hunt and brought the contest down to the final over. Despite hitting boundaries, Currie maintained his composure and restricted Nepal to four runs from the first five balls of the final over. Jha struck the last ball for six, but it was insufficient to secure victory.
Post-Match Comments
"We knew from the start we were going to have to work hard to get the win," said Scotland captain Richie Berrington.
"Really pleased we managed to hold our nerve under pressure. Mark Watt and Oli Davidson bowled really well and Brad Currie was excellent again.
"Brad is very clear in what he's trying to do, which makes things easy as a captain. The trust is fully there and thankfully he managed to execute."
Standings and Upcoming Fixtures
Scotland are currently level at the top of the Cricket World Cup League 2 standings with the USA, both teams having 36 points, although Scotland have played five more matches.
Scotland’s next fixture is against the USA on Thursday.
