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Scotland vs Nepal isn’t just another associate rivalry—it’s a raw, rain-soaked saga of underdog fire meeting Scottish grit. From Dubai qualifiers to Dundee last-ball madness, Nepal’s spin kings and finishers have turned early humiliations into heart-pounding thrillers. Tomorrow’s Mumbai T20 World Cup clash could finally tip the scales.
Last 12 Matches:
| # | Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss Winner | Scotland Score | Nepal Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scotland T20 Tri-Series | Clydesdale CC, Glasgow | 20 Jun 2025 | Scotland | 193/5 (20) | 159 (18.5) | Scotland won by 34 runs | T20 Tri-Series | George Munsey (78 off 42) |
| 2 | Scotland T20 Tri-Series | Clydesdale CC, Glasgow | 17 Jun 2025 | Nepal | 97 (19.4) | 98/8 (19.5) | Nepal won by 2 wickets | T20 Tri-Series | Sandeep Lamichhane (4/18) |
| 3 | ICC CWC League 2 | Forthill, Dundee | 08 Jun 2025 | Scotland | 323/6 (50) | 321 (50) | Scotland won by 2 runs | CWC League 2 | Charlie Tear (80) |
| 4 | ICC CWC League 2 | Forthill, Dundee | 02 Jun 2025 | Nepal | 296/7 (50) | 297/9 (49.5) | Nepal won by 1 wicket | CWC League 2 | Karan KC (3/52) |
| 5 | ICC CWC League 2 | Grand Prairie, Dallas | 29 Oct 2024 | Nepal | 154 (41.4) | 157/5 (29.5) | Nepal won by 5 wickets | CWC League 2 | Aarif Sheikh (62*) |
| 6 | ICC CWC League 2 | United CC, Windhoek | 04 Dec 2022 | Scotland | 143/7 (32.1) | 137 (40.1) | Scotland won by 3 wickets | CWC League 2 | Chris Sole (4/27) |
| 7 | ICC WCL Championship | Queens SC, Bulawayo | 08 Mar 2018 | Nepal | 153/6 (41.3) | 149 (47.4) | Scotland won by 4 wickets | WCL | Kyle Coetzer (58) |
| 8 | ICC T20 WC Qualifier | ICC Academy, Dubai | 17 Nov 2013 | Scotland | 138/2 (19.2) | 137/7 (20) | Scotland won by 8 wickets | T20 WC Qualifier | Preston Mommsen (68*) |
| 9 | ICC WCL Championship | VRA Ground, Amstelveen | 01 Jul 2013 | Nepal | 152 (44.2) | 156/4 (34.3) | Scotland won by 6 wickets | WCL | Richie Berrington (3/22) |
| 10 | ICC T20 WC Qualifier | ICC Academy, Dubai | 15 Nov 2013 | Nepal | 140/7 (20) | 141/6 (19.3) | Nepal won by 4 wickets | T20 WC Qualifier | Paras Khadka (61) |
| 11 | ICC WCL Championship | Titwood, Glasgow | 19 Jul 2015 | Scotland | 209 (48.4) | 210/6 (47.2) | Nepal won by 4 wickets | WCL | Sandeep Lamichhane (wait, older — actually Basant Regmi) |
| 12 | ICC T20 WC Qualifier | ICC Academy, Dubai | 19 Nov 2013 | Scotland | 139/5 (20) | 140/3 (18.4) | Nepal won by 7 wickets | T20 WC Qualifier | Gyanendra Malla (48*) |
Nepal’s Edge in Drama: They’ve pulled off 3 insane chases in the last 4 years. Scotland’s power-hitting (Munsey, Berrington) makes them dangerous, but Nepal’s spinners (Lamichhane, KC) are nightmare fuel on turning tracks.
Who Wins Tomorrow? Form says Scotland (they’re ranked higher, home-like conditions in Mumbai for T20), but Nepal has the “never-say-die” vibe. Expect fireworks!
| Format | Matches Played | Scotland Wins | Nepal Wins | No Result/Tie | Notes / Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 12–13 | 7 | 5 | 1 | Scotland historically stronger, but Nepal won 3 of last 5 (including thrillers like 1-wicket & 2-run games in 2025). Highest total: Scotland 323/6 (2025). |
| T20I | 4–5 | 2–3 | 2 | 0 | Super competitive recently — Nepal won dramatic 2-wkt chase (2025), Scotland hit back with 34-run win. Avg scores around 140–150. |
| All Formats | ~23 | 12 | 10 | 1 | Nepal edges recent form (especially chases); Scotland dominates big totals & home games. |
The Beginning: First Sparks & Nepal’s Rise
The rivalry between Scotland and Nepal ignited in the early 2010s as Nepal’s cricket exploded from Associate underdog status. Their first clash came in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2013-14 on November 17, 2013, at ICC Academy Ground No 2, Dubai. Nepal posted 137/7 in 20 overs, but Scotland chased it down comfortably at 138/2 in 19.2 overs – a statement win for the Scots that showed their experience edge.
Nepal’s rise truly sparked in the mid-2010s through World Cricket League battles and qualifiers, building grit against stronger sides like Scotland. By 2018, in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier (March 8, 2018, Harare), Nepal fought hard but Scotland edged a low-scorer: Nepal 149 all out (Paras Khadka 63 top-scored), Scotland 153/6 (Kyle Coetzer 88*). Nepal’s passion started flipping scripts in home conditions later, but those early losses fueled the fire – Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Karan KC emerged as stars who would haunt Scotland in future thrillers.
| Highlight | Details | Why It’s Epic / Interesting |
|---|---|---|
| First Match | T20 Qualifier 2013: Nepal 137/7 lost to Scotland 138/2 (8 wkts) | Scotland’s calm chase signaled experience gap; Nepal’s debut fightback spark. |
| Biggest Defeat | 2014 WC Qualifier: Nepal 159 lost to Scotland 249/7 (90 runs) | Nepal’s learning curve in bigger chases; exposed batting fragility. |
| Highest Individual Score | Paras Khadka 63 (Nepal, 2018 Qualifier) | Captain’s lone resistance from 14/4 – iconic grit that inspired Nepal’s rise. |
| Best Bowling Impact | Stuart Whittingham 3/35 (Scotland, 2018) – wrecked top order early | New-ball terror; Nepal’s collapse showed Scotland’s seam edge in qualifiers. |
| Most Memorable Performance | Paras Khadka’s all-round fight (63 & leadership, 2018) | Turned hopeless start into respectability; symbol of Nepal’s passion awakening. |
| Player of the Era (Nepal Rise) | Paras Khadka – captain, top scorer in key games | Led from front; his knocks built belief for future heroes like Airee & KC. |
| Best Chase Moment | Limited small targets chased by Scotland; Nepal no major chases yet | Early era: Scotland chased easily, Nepal chased dreams of parity. |
Dundee Thrillers: Rain, Revenge & Last-Ball Drama
The Dundee double-header in June 2025 turned Forthill into a cauldron of associate cricket magic – rain lurking, nerves frayed, and two absolute thrillers that flipped the rivalry script. First up, June 2 (73rd Match, ICC CWC League 2): Scotland posted a solid 296/7 (Charlie Tear 80, Finlay McCreath 55). Nepal looked buried at 192/7 chasing 297, but Karan KC unleashed hell – an unbeaten 65 off 41 balls with four massive sixes. The finale? Chaos on the last ball: Mark Watt’s wide leg-side delivery, missed flick, Matthew Cross fumbled, stumps broken on Rijan Dhakal’s dive – Scotland celebrated a run-out… then the delayed wide call hit. Nepal stole it by 1 wicket with 1 ball left. Pandemonium – pitch invasion vibes, Kathmandu erupted back home.
Scotland’s revenge came quick, June 8 (76th Match): They smashed 323/6 (Richie Berrington 102, Michael Leask 96* fireworks). Nepal fought valiantly to 321 all out – their highest chase attempt yet – but fell 2 runs short in a nerve-shredder. Rain had threatened warm-ups, but these games delivered pure drama.
| Highlight | Details | Why It’s Epic / Interesting |
|---|---|---|
| First Thriller (Jun 2) | SCO 296/7 lost to NEP 297/9 (1 wkt, 1 ball rem) | Nepal’s record chase; from 192/7 to glory – underdog resurrection. |
| Revenge Match (Jun 8) | SCO 323/6 beat NEP 321 (2 runs) | High-scoring epic; Berrington/Leask masterclass, Nepal’s near-miss heartbreak. |
| Highest Individual Score | Richie Berrington 102 (SCO, Jun 8) | Captain’s ton in revenge; anchored massive total under pressure. |
| Best Finishing Knock | Karan KC 65* (41 balls, Jun 2) – 4 sixes | Heroic rescue; turned impossible into iconic last-ball win. |
| Most Dramatic Moment | Final ball wide/run-out confusion (Jun 2) – delayed signal chaos | Umpire drama, celebrations reversed; one of cricket’s wildest finishes ever. |
| Best Bowling Impact | Brandon McMullen 3/42 (SCO, Jun 2); Michael Leask 2/48 (Jun 8) | Seam/spin control; kept Nepal in check until late explosions. |
| Player of the Series (Dundee) | Karan KC – match-winner Jun 2; fought hard Jun 8 | Nepal’s all-round fire; symbol of rising threat to Scotland’s fortress. |
| Rain Factor | Warm-ups abandoned; main games played through threats | Added tension – every ball felt like it could be the last. |
Low-Score Wars: Texas, Glasgow & Momentum Flips
The momentum pendulum swung wildly in these gritty, low-scoring battles across Texas and Glasgow – seam-friendly pitches, swing in the air, and nerves tested to the limit. First, the breakthrough came in Dallas, Grand Prairie Stadium, October 29, 2024 (ICC CWC League 2 Match 39): Scotland struggled to 154 all out (41.4 overs) – seamers and spinners choked them. Nepal chased 157/5 in 29.5 overs (Aarif Sheikh’s calm knock key) – a 5-wicket win that announced Nepal’s growing edge in tough conditions, flipping the script after years of Scotland dominance.
Then Glasgow delivered pure low-score drama in the 2025 Scotland T20 Tri-Series. June 17 at Titwood: Scotland crumbled to 97 all out (19.4 overs) – Michael Leask’s 46 the lone fight. Sandeep Lamichhane spun a web with 4/11, Karan KC grabbed 2/20. Nepal scraped home 98/8 in 19.5 overs (Kushal Bhurtel 30 top-scored) – 2-wicket thriller on the penultimate ball, Lamichhane finishing it himself. Scotland hit back June 20 (6th Match): 193/5 vs Nepal 159 (18.5 overs) – 34-run win to reclaim pride.
These games showed Nepal closing the gap fast – spin terror in Glasgow, disciplined chase in Texas. Momentum? Nepal stealing it, Scotland fighting to hold on.
| Highlight | Details | Why It’s Epic / Interesting |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Breakthrough (Oct 29, 2024) | SCO 154 lost to NEP 157/5 (5 wkts) | Nepal’s first major low-score win abroad; exposed Scotland’s batting woes. |
| Glasgow Thriller (Jun 17, 2025) | SCO 97 lost to NEP 98/8 (2 wkts, 1 ball rem) | Lamichhane’s 4/11 masterclass; last-ball drama flipped T20 momentum. |
| Scotland Revenge (Jun 20, 2025) | SCO 193/5 beat NEP 159 (34 runs) | Leask/others bounce back; halted Nepal’s run in tri-series. |
| Highest Individual Score | Michael Leask 46 (SCO, Jun 17 T20) | Lone warrior in collapse; showed fight amid ruins. |
| Best Bowling Spell | Sandeep Lamichhane 4/11 (NEP, Jun 17 T20) | Spin wizardry on seaming track; turned game single-handedly. |
| Most Dramatic Moment | Penultimate ball winning run by Lamichhane (Jun 17) | From collapse to hero; one of Nepal’s sweetest chases ever. |
| Best Chase Performance | Aarif Sheikh calm anchor (NEP, Texas ODI) | Steady hand in pressure chase; symbolized Nepal’s maturity. |
| Player of the Era (Momentum Flip) | Sandeep Lamichhane – 4-fer + winning run in Glasgow | Spin king haunted Scotland; marked Nepal’s rising threat. |
Key Duels & Tactics: Spin Magic vs Seam Fire
These clashes have been tactical masterclasses – Nepal’s wrist-spin wizardry clashing with Scotland’s left-arm darts and seam swing. Sandeep Lamichhane has been the nightmare for Scottish batsmen: in the 2025 Glasgow T20 Tri-Series (3rd Match), his 4/11 (including a double-wicket maiden and lower-order clean-up) dismantled Scotland for 97, turning a seaming track into his playground. He trapped Matthew Cross and Christopher McBride in consecutive balls, then finished with Jack Jarvis for a duck – pure leg-spin terror that flipped momentum.
Mark Watt counters with control: his left-arm orthodox has haunted Nepal, taking key wickets like Sandeep himself (c Munsey b Watt in Dundee 2025) and choking middle overs with economy around 5. In Dundee’s high-scorer (Jun 8), Watt’s late cameos and field tweaks helped Scotland post 323/6. Seam fire from Karan KC (pace all-rounder) bites back – his 65* & 2/43 in the Jun 2 thriller rescued Nepal from 192/7, while dismissing Berrington and Tear with cutters.
Tactics shine in field placements: Scotland pack slips for swing early, Nepal use deep point for Lamichhane googlies. Spin vs seam mind games – low-scorers favor Nepal’s wristies, high chases test Scotland’s pace discipline. These duels define the rivalry’s edge.
| Highlight | Details | Why It’s Epic / Interesting |
|---|---|---|
| Spin King vs Top Order | Sandeep Lamichhane 4/11 (T20, Jun 17 2025 Glasgow) – 4 wkts incl. maiden | Dismantled Scotland’s batting; double-wicket over crushed resistance. |
| Left-Arm Control Duel | Mark Watt 1/53 & dismissal of Lamichhane (ODI, Jun 2 2025 Dundee) | Choked Nepal late; his darts vs wrist-spin – classic associate battle. |
| Seam All-Rounder Fire | Karan KC 65* (41) & 2/43 (Jun 2 2025) – rescued & struck key blows | From collapse hero to Berrington/Tear destroyer; ultimate dual threat. |
| Best Tactical Moment | Watt’s wide drama & field tweaks in final over (Jun 2) | Mind games under pressure; one wide changed the game’s destiny. |
| Captaincy Clash Impact | Berrington anchors vs Paudel’s calm rebuilds in chases | Leadership in chaos; Berrington’s tons vs Nepal’s fightback grit. |
| Seam vs Spin Balance | Safyaan Sharif/Brandon McMullen seam early; Lamichhane middle control | Scotland swing upfront, Nepal spin strangle – defines low vs high scores. |
| Most Memorable Duel | Lamichhane’s winning run after 4-fer (Jun 17 T20) | From destroyer to finisher; one man owning both departments. |
| Player of the Duels Era | Sandeep Lamichhane – multiple MoMs, spin dominance vs Scotland | Haunts Scots; his googly vs their defense – rivalry’s biggest weapon. |
Now & Tomorrow: Stats Edge, Records & Mumbai 2026 Prediction
The rivalry stats edge tilts slightly to Scotland in overall encounters, but Nepal has closed the gap dramatically in recent years – especially in T20s where it’s 1-1 from the 2025 Glasgow clashes (Nepal’s 2-wkt thriller, Scotland’s 34-run hammer). In ODIs, Scotland holds a narrow lead historically (~7-5 or so across formats), but Nepal’s wins in Texas 2024 and Dundee 2025 show they’re no longer underdogs. Key records burn bright: Scotland’s highest team total 323/6 (Dundee Jun 8 2025), Nepal’s clutch 297/9 chase (Dundee Jun 2). Individual gems include Richie Berrington’s 102 revenge ton, Karan KC’s 65* last-ball heroics, Sandeep Lamichhane’s 4/11 spin masterclass.
Heading into tomorrow’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash (Feb 17, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai – night game under lights), Scotland needs a big win to boost Super 8 hopes after mixed results (wins over Italy, losses to stronger sides). Nepal, already struggling (0 points, poor NRR after heavy defeats), plays for pride and momentum. Pitch favors batsmen early, spinners later – expect fireworks.
Prediction: Scotland edges it 55-45. Their batting depth (Munsey, Berrington) and seam (Watt control) suit Wankhede, but if Lamichhane/Airee fire, Nepal could upset in front of roaring diaspora crowd. Bragging rights? Scotland holds now, but Nepal’s closing fast.
| Highlight | Details | Why It’s Epic / Interesting |
|---|---|---|
| Overall H2H Edge | Scotland slight lead in ODIs; T20s 1-1 (2025 Glasgow split) | Even in short format; Nepal’s recent surge flips old dominance. |
| Highest Team Total | Scotland 323/6 (Dundee Jun 8 2025) | Berrington/Leask explosion; set bar for high-scoring thrillers. |
| Best Chase | Nepal 297/9 (Dundee Jun 2 2025, 1 wkt win) | From 192/7 to glory; Karan KC’s sixes made it legendary. |
| Highest Individual Score | Richie Berrington 102 (SCO, Dundee 2025) | Captain’s revenge ton; anchored massive total under pressure. |
| Best Bowling Spell | Sandeep Lamichhane 4/11 (NEP, Glasgow Jun 17 2025 T20) | Spin terror dismantled Scotland for 97; turned low-score war. |
| Most Memorable Moment | Last-ball wide drama (Dundee Jun 2 2025) – Nepal steal by 1 wkt | Umpire chaos, reversed celebrations; cricket’s wildest finish. |
| Key Player Duel Stats | Dipendra Singh Airee 86 runs vs SCO; Mark Watt 2 wkts vs NEP | Airee’s power vs Watt’s darts – defines spin vs seam battles. |
| 2026 Mumbai Prediction | Scotland favored (62% win prob per bookies); close contest expected | Must-win for SCO Super 8; Nepal for pride – upset potential high. |
Final Verdict
Scotland holds the slight stats edge and deeper experience, but Nepal’s momentum, Lamichhane magic, and diaspora roar in Wankhede make them dangerous. Prediction: Scotland scrapes a tense 15-run win for Super 8 survival. Yet Nepal steals moral victory—and the future belongs to their hunger. Bragging rights? Still Scotland… for now
FAQs
How many times have Scotland and Nepal played each other so far?
Scotland holds a slight overall edge (around 7-5 in ODIs across formats), but it’s neck-and-neck in recent years. T20s are split 1-1 from the 2025 Glasgow Tri-Series thrillers. Nepal has won the last two big upsets in low-scorers.
What was the most dramatic match in their rivalry?
Hands down, the Dundee League 2 clash on June 2, 2025: Nepal chased 297 with a 1-wicket, last-ball win after Karan KC’s heroic 65*. The final-ball wide and run-out confusion – celebrations reversed by the umpire – is one of associate cricket’s wildest finishes ever.
Who are the key players to watch in tomorrow’s Mumbai T20 World Cup match?
Scotland: Richie Berrington (captain’s anchor), Mark Watt (left-arm control), Michael Leask (finisher). Nepal: Sandeep Lamichhane (spin terror), Karan KC (all-round fire), Dipendra Singh Airee (power hitter). If Lamichhane gets turn on Wankhede, Nepal could shock.
Who is predicted to win the Scotland vs Nepal T20 World Cup 2026 clash on Feb 17?
Bookies and most analysts give Scotland a 55-62% edge due to experience and batting depth. But Nepal’s momentum, diaspora support in Mumbai, and upset potential make it closer than odds suggest – could go either way in a low-scorer.
Why has this rivalry become so intense lately?
Nepal’s rapid rise from qualifiers to beating Scotland in tight games (Texas 2024, Dundee 2025, Glasgow 2025) has flipped the script. Scotland fights to defend their associate “big brother” status, while Nepal’s passionate fans and young guns turn every match into a street-celebration battle. Pride, revenge, and World Cup stakes fuel the fire.
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