In a high-octane clash at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium, Nepal pulled off a clinical seven-wicket chase against Scotland on February 17, 2026, ending their 12-year wait for a T20 World Cup victory. Read full match breakdown in our Nepal vs Scotland Wankhede Showdown. While both teams were already out of the Super Eight race, the "Rhinos" played with the desperation of a final, rewarding their massive travelling fan base with a night to remember.
Scotland’s Power Start Fades Away
Choosing to bat on a Mumbai road, Scotland looked like they were batting on a different planet for the first 15 overs. Openers Michael Jones and George Munsey feasted on anything short or wide, racing to an 80-run opening stand. Jones was particularly brutal, smoking 71 off 45 balls and making the 200-run mark look like a certainty.
However, the game flipped on its head in the death overs. Nepal’s veteran warhorse Sompal Kami produced a masterclass in change-of-pace bowling. From a comfortable 132/1, Scotland choked under pressure, losing six wickets for just 38 runs in the final stretch. Kami’s 3/25 and a disciplined spell from Nandan Yadav kept Scotland to 170/7—a competitive score, but significantly lower than what they had promised.
The Airee Show Seals the Deal
Nepal’s response was fearless. Openers Kushal Bhurtel (43) and Aasif Sheikh (33) didn't waste time, putting on 74 in quick time to put Scotland on the back foot. But as often happens with Nepal, a mini-collapse saw them slip to 98/3, with Scottish spinner Michael Leask (3/30) briefly threatening to spoil the party.
That was the cue for Dipendra Singh Airee.
Known for his finishing prowess, Airee took the game by the scruff of the neck. He didn't just chase the target; he demolished it. Having smashed 50 off just 23 balls, Airee reached his half-century—the fastest for any Nepal batter in World Cup history—with a flurry of sixes that had the Wankhede crowd erupting. Alongside Gulshan Jha, who played a steady hand, Airee crossed the finish line with four balls to spare.
The Stats That Matter
- Dipendra Singh Airee: 50* (23)
- Sompal Kami: 3/25 (4 overs)
- Michael Jones: 71 (45)
- Michael Leask: 3/30 (4 overs)
A Victory for the Fans
For Nepal, this wasn't just a win on the points table; it was a statement. After a heartbreaking narrow loss to England earlier in the tournament, this victory serves as a redemption arc for a team that has the most passionate supporters in the sport. They head home with their heads held high, while Scotland will be left wondering how they let a dominant start slip through their fingers.
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Comments (42)
Great analysis! I think the toss will be crucial. If India bats first and puts up 300+, it's game over for NZ.
Don't underestimate the Black Caps! We've won in India before. Williamson's leadership will make the difference.