Mumbai, Feb 17 (NationPress) Dipendra Singh Airee delivered a remarkable unbeaten half-century as Nepal staged two comebacks – both with bat and ball – to defeat Scotland by seven wickets in a thrilling last-over finish during Match 33 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Tuesday.

This victory marks Nepal's inaugural win in T20 World Cup history after twelve attempts, leaving Scotland, who were last-minute replacements for Bangladesh, to lament their missed chance. They had lost all matches in the 2024 edition.

Airee's exceptional performance included an unbeaten 50 runs off 23 balls, featuring four boundaries and three sixes. Vital contributions from Kushal Bhurtel (43 off 35), Aasif Sheikh (33 off 27), and Kushal Jha (24 not out off 17) propelled Nepal to a memorable triumph in their final league match.

Nepal excelled in the last five overs of both innings. Initially, they curtailed Scotland’s scoring as the European side appeared poised for a significant total, ultimately restricting them to 170/7. Then, while chasing 171, Nepal surged from 98/3 in the 14th over, amassing 75 runs in the last six overs. Airee showcased his prowess with four fours and three sixes, while Jha added a four and two sixes when it mattered most, allowing Nepal to reach 173/3 in 19.2 overs and clinch their first T20 World Cup victory.

In the chase for 171, Bhurtel and Aasif Shaikh provided a solid foundation with a 74-run first-wicket partnership. Bhurtel was aggressive, hitting one four and two sixes off Mark Watt in the fifth over, concluding the power play at 56 without loss.

However, Nepal faced a brief setback, losing Bhurtel, Sheikh, and skipper Rohit Paudel (16) in quick succession, all dismissed by off-spinner Michael Leask, who delivered a brilliant three-over spell for 3-9 before Airee struck 20 runs in his last over to make it 3-30.

Just as it seemed Nepal might falter again, Airee and Jha unleashed a spectacular attack on the Scotland bowlers, securing a memorable win in their second T20 World Cup appearance.

Scotland had their opportunities, yet Nepal demonstrated better composure and mounted a gallant comeback, etching this victory into their sports history as one of the finest moments.

Earlier, Sompal Kami initiated Nepal's first comeback with the ball, claiming three wickets, including two in as many balls, to limit Scotland, who were cruising at 130/1 in the 15th over, to 170/7.

Michael Jones had provided Scotland with a strong start, scoring a brilliant 71. However, Nepal's impressive comeback altered the game.

Jones struck eight fours and two sixes in his 45-ball innings, forming crucial partnerships – 80 runs for the opening wicket with George Munsey and 52 for the second with Brandon McMullen – as Scotland appeared set for a score beyond 180, while their bowlers failed to capitalize on opting to bowl first.

Jones, who reached his fifty off 31 balls (6x4, 2x6), and McMullen combined for 52 runs for the second wicket, with Jones hitting a boundary off Lamichhane and hammering Kushal Bhurtel for a four and a six.

However, as Scotland looked destined for a commanding total, Nepal reeled them in, with Sompal Kami taking two wickets in three balls, bowling Jones (71) with a slower delivery and executing an outstanding one-handed catch off his own bowling to dismiss McMullen (25, 19 b, 1x4, 1x6).

Nepal continued to restrict Scotland, ending with a defendable total. Kami was Nepal's best bowler with figures of 3-25, while Nandan Yadav took 2-34 in the closing stages of the innings.

Brief scores:

Scotland 170/7 in 20 overs (Michael Jones 71, George Munsey 27; Sompal Kami 3-25, Nandan Yadav 2-34) lost to Nepal 171/3 in 19.2 overs (Dipendra Singh Airee 50 not out, Kushal Bhurtel 43, Aasif Sheikh 33; Michael Leask 3-30) by seven wickets