By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Jun 20, 2025 02:23 AM • 123 views
In a commanding performance that showcased both resilience and depth, Nepal surged to the top of the table in the ongoing Triangular T20 International Series in Scotland, defeating the Netherlands by six wickets in a high-stakes clash at The Grange, Edinburgh on Thursday.
The win—Nepal's second on the bounce—propelled them past the Dutch on net run rate, placing them in pole position for the series title ahead of a final showdown against hosts Scotland.
Chasing a competitive 175, Nepal's response was measured and mature. Opener Kushal Bhurtel anchored the innings with a composed 65 off 51 deliveries, lacing six boundaries and forming the backbone of Nepal's chase. The right-hander's knock was both assured and aggressive, setting the tone early against a disciplined Dutch attack.
Bhurtel found able support in Arif Sheikh, who contributed a crucial 39 before suffering an unfortunate injury while scrambling for a second run in the penultimate over. Making his T20I debut, Bhim Sarki impressed with a composed 27, while Dipendra Singh Airee (16*) and Lokesh Bam (12*) held their nerve in the closing stages, guiding Nepal home with two balls to spare.
Earlier, the Netherlands sent into bat and made a flying start. Michael Levitt lit up the innings with a scintillating 86 from 53 balls, clubbing six fours and five towering sixes. He looked unstoppable through the first half of the innings as the Dutch raced to 99/1 in 10 overs. But Nepal clawed back expertly in the latter half.
The turning point came when Levitt fell just when the Netherlands were poised for a final surge. The lower middle order failed to capitalize, with only Roelof van der Merwe offering resistance with an unbeaten 36. Aryan Dutt (17) and Saqib Zulfiqar (14) chipped in, but the final tally of 174/7 felt 15 runs short on a true Edinburgh wicket.
Nepal's bowling was a collective effort. Karan KC led the attack with 2 for 40, while Lalit Rajbanshi, Sandeep Lamichhane, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Rupesh Singh each took a wicket. For Rupesh, it marked his maiden international scalp in just his third appearance.
This win was more than just points on the board. It was sweet revenge. Just days ago, Nepal fell heartbreakingly short to the Netherlands in a match that stretched into a rare third Super Over—only the third such instance in T20I history. Thursday's win, therefore, came with extra emotional weight.
As the tournament enters its final day, the equation is simple: if Nepal defeats Scotland on Friday, they will be crowned champions. But standing in their way is a Scottish side desperate for redemption. Currently bottom of the table, Scotland can still snatch the title with a win, owing to the tightly packed standings in this double round-robin format.
From heartbreak to hope, Nepal's T20 journey in Scotland has already captured imaginations back home. Now, with destiny in their own hands, they are just one win away from lifting silverware on foreign soil.
