KATHMANDU, June 3: Nepal defeated hosts Scotland in a thrilling one-wicket victory in the opening match of the fourth round of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series, thanks to a stellar batting performance from Karan KC.
At Scotland's Forfarhill Cricket Ground, Nepal chased down the 297-run target in 49.5 overs, losing nine wickets along the way.
Karan KC led Nepal to victory with an unbeaten 65 off 41 balls, smashing three fours and four sixes. Opening batsman Kushal Bhurtel made a strong contribution with 53 runs off 44 balls, hitting 11 boundaries.
Kushal and fellow opener Aasif Sheikh put up a 72-run stand for the first wicket. Aasif scored 20 off 33 balls, including two fours, before getting out.
Sandeep Lamichhane takes three consecutive wickets against Scot...
Gulshan Jha added a quick 42 off 30 balls with three fours and three sixes. Bhim Sharki chipped in with 40 off 48 balls, while captain Rohit Kumar Paudel added 37 off 56 balls.
For Scotland, Brandon McMullen took three wickets. Michael Leask and Jack Jarvis claimed two wickets each, and Jasper Davidson grabbed one.
Earlier, Scotland batted first after winning the toss and posted 296 runs for seven wickets in the allotted 50 overs.
Charles Tear top-scored for Scotland with 80 off 72 balls, hitting 12 fours and one six. Finlay McCreath followed with 55 off 67 balls, which included three fours and a six.
Captain Richie Berrington contributed 40 off 46 balls with three fours and two sixes. Matthew Cross added 39 off 56 balls, Michael Leask made 18 off 15, Brandon McMullen scored 19 off 31, and opener George Munsey managed 12 runs.
Nepal's bowlers delivered a solid performance. Sompal Kami, Karan KC, and Rijan Dhakal took two wickets each, while Sandeep Lamichhane picked up one.
Nepal will now take on the Netherlands on June 4.
