Kathmandu — Nepal defeated Scotland by six wickets in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 series, climbing to fifth place in the standings.
Chasing a target of 195 runs set by Scotland, Nepal reached 195 for 4 in 38.1 overs. Nepal captain Rohit Paudel remained unbeaten on 74 runs, while Ishan Pandey scored 55 runs. Playing only his second One Day International (ODI), Pandey registered his maiden half-century. Scotland’s Mark Watt claimed two wickets.
Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat at Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Scotland were bowled out for 194 runs in 39.1 overs. Scotland’s Brandon McMullen scored 73 runs, while Michael English added 51. For Nepal, Lalit Rajbanshi took four wickets and Sandeep Lamichhane claimed three.
With this victory, Nepal moved up to fifth place in the League 2 standings with 22 points from 27 matches. Scotland remain at the top of the table with 38 points from 31 matches, while the United States are second with 36 points from 26 matches.
In the ongoing League 2 series in Kirtipur, Nepal had earlier lost to Scotland in the opening match before defeating the United States in the second game.
During today’s match, Sandeep Lamichhane also set a new ODI world record. The 25-year-old became the fastest bowler in One Day International cricket history to reach 150 wickets.
