The Nepali national cricket team is making waves in the coastal city of Dundee, Scotland, as they embark on their journey to improve their standings in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. Their schedule includes two matches each against Scotland and the Netherlands, starting this Tuesday. This series marks Nepal’s fourth appearance in League 2 and their third visit to Scotland, a country where they’ve faced off against the Scots on several historic occasions. Let’s take a closer look at four memorable encounters that have defined Nepal’s cricketing narrative against Scotland.
Memorable Encounters Between Nepal and Scotland
Anil’s Ton in a Narrow Defeat
One striking match took place on July 29, 2015, at Cambusdoon New Ground in Ayr. Following a lackluster performance in the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers, Nepal faced Scotland in the ICC World Cricket League Championship. The match was marred by rain, reducing it to 36 overs. Scotland set a challenging target of 236 runs, thanks to Captain Preston Mommsen’s fine knock of 78 runs off 62 balls and Con de Lange’s unbeaten 55.
Despite early setbacks, with opener Mahesh Chhetri and Gyanendra Malla being dismissed cheaply, Anil Mandal and captain Paras Khadka showcased extraordinary resilience. Mandal’s century (100 runs off 93 balls) marked a significant milestone as the first by a Nepali player in the World Cricket League Championship. Khadka contributed a solid 70 runs, bringing Nepal to an edge of victory. However, the team fell short by just three runs, suffering a heartbreaking defeat, yet Mandal’s achievement became an inspiring moment for upcoming Nepali cricketers.
Historic Win on Scottish Soil
Fast forward to July 13, 2022, when Nepal experienced an unforgettable victory over Scotland in Glasgow. In a dominant bowling performance, Sompal Kami and Mohammad Adil Alam each claimed three wickets, leading to Scotland’s collapse at a mere 144 runs in 42.5 overs. While Gavin Main attempted to salvage the innings with a defiant 64, it was not enough to withstand Nepal’s attack.
Aasif Sheikh emerged as the hero with the bat, scoring 71 runs and guiding the chase, which Nepal completed successfully in just 25.1 overs. This match not only marked a significant win on foreign soil but also served as a historic moment for Nepali cricket—recording their first victory against Scotland in their home turf. Aasif’s exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Match accolade, solidifying his place in the annals of Nepali cricket history.
Rohit’s Roar of Triumph
On February 21, 2023, Nepal found itself in a precarious position during a vital match in League 2. Facing Scotland in Kirtipur, Nepal was under immense pressure to retain their One Day International (ODI) status, needing to win nine out of their final twelve matches. With Scotland setting a target of 213 runs, Nepal struggled early in their chase, teetering at 138 for 8 in the 32nd over.
At this critical juncture, skipper Rohit Kumar Paudel composed an impressive unbeaten innings of 95 runs, leading Nepal to a remarkable victory. Paudel shared an unbroken partnership of 75 runs for the ninth wicket with Karan KC, who also contributed 31 runs. When Paudel struck the winning runs, his exuberant celebration—flexing muscles and roaring in triumph—resonated with fans, establishing this innings as one of the highlights of his cricketing career.
A Win That Could Revive the Campaign
In another thrilling encounter on October 29, 2024, Nepal faced Scotland in Dallas. After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Scotland collapsed to 154 runs, a testament to Nepal’s superb bowling display led by Sandeep Lamichhane, who took three wickets. Other bowlers like Karan KC, Sompal Kami, and Gulshan Jha contributed significantly, each claiming two wickets in a cohesive effort.
Chasing down the modest target, Aarif Sheikh led the way with an unbeaten 51 runs, securing the win and being awarded the Player of the Match. His performance, along with a vital partnership shared with Jha, revitalized Nepal’s campaign in the 2024-27 League 2 cycle, infusing the team with renewed hope and momentum.
Conclusion
As the Nepali cricket team prepares for their upcoming matches against Scotland and the Netherlands, fans and supporters will undoubtedly reflect on these historical encounters that have defined the spirit and resilience of the Nepali team. Each match serves not just as a test of skill but as a glimpse into the growth and determination of cricket in Nepal. The team’s journey in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 continues to inspire a new generation of cricketers and suggests that the coming encounters in Scotland could lead to even more memorable moments in Nepali cricket history.
With their eyes fixed on victory, the Rhinos hope to build on their past performances, transforming hard-fought battles into fruitful outcomes and continuing to uplift the spirit of Nepalese cricket on the world stage.
