Dipendra Singh Airee's explosive half-century propelled Nepal to their inaugural win in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, as they triumphed over Scotland by seven wickets at Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.

Scotland's Strong Start

Scotland, batting first, began their innings with vigor, reaching 52 runs without loss during the powerplay. However, Nepal's captain, Rohit Paudel, ended the 80-run partnership between Michael Jones and George Munsey by dismissing Munsey for 27 runs off 29 balls, which included four boundaries, on the last ball of the 10th over.

Continuing their aggressive approach, Scotland amassed 131 runs for the loss of one wicket in 15 overs, with Michael Jones leading the charge, scoring 71 runs off 45 balls, featuring eight fours and three sixes.

Kami's Key Wickets Shift the Game

The momentum shifted dramatically when veteran bowler Sompal Kami took two crucial wickets in the 16th over, bringing Nepal back into contention. He bowled out Jones and then executed a remarkable return catch to dismiss Brandon McMullen, who scored 25 runs, leaving Scotland at 133 for 3.

In the final five overs, Scotland managed to score only 39 runs, finishing their innings at 170 for 7. Kami concluded with impressive bowling figures of 3 wickets for 25 runs in his four overs.

Nepal's Successful Chase

In pursuit of 171 runs, Nepal's opening pair started strongly, with Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh accumulating 56 runs in the first six overs.

However, Michael Leask intervened, breaking the opening partnership after Bhurtel scored 43 runs. The duo had put together 74 runs in just 9.1 overs before Leask dismissed Aasif Sheikh when the score was 94.

Airee and Jha Lead Nepal to Victory

Dipendra Singh Airee, with an unbeaten 50 runs off 24 balls, and Gulsan Jha, who scored 24 runs off 17 balls, formed a crucial 73-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Their efforts enabled Nepal to successfully chase down the target in 19.2 overs.