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In the Cricket World Cup League 2 game played between Nepal and Scotland in Dundee, Nepal bagged an thrilling one-wicket win on the last ball of the match. Fielding first after winning the toss, Nepal picked up the early scalps of George Munsey (12 off eight) and Brandon McMullen (19 off 31) but youngster Charlie Tear along with skipper Richie Berrington stood at the crease and stitched a 79-run stand off 80 balls. Tear departed after scoring 80 off 72 and following his departure, Finlay McCreath also produced a fine innings of 55 off 67. Berrington went back to the dugout after chipping in with 40 off 46.
Eventually, Scotland reached 296/7 in their 50 overs. Karan KC emerged as the most economical bowler in the innings as he picked up 2/43 figures in his 10-over spell. Sandeep Lamichhane also took 1/44 figures in his 10 overs. Chasing the massive target, Nepal got a stable start from Kushal Bhurtel (53 off 44) and Aasif Sheikh (20 off 33). Both built a 72-run partnership off 12 overs. After their dismissals, Bhim Sharki and Rohit Paudel held their nerves and took their side close to the total. Both batters fell against McMullen and the responsibility was on the middle-order batters to complete the difficult chase as Nepal required 137 off 118.
Gulshan Jha and Karan KC’s batting heroics help Nepal pull off the target
In the crunch situation, Gulshan Jha and Karan KC stepped up and took Scotland’s bowling attack to the cleaners. Jha scored rapid 42 off 30 while Karan stood in the middle until the end of the game and took his side home with his swift 65 off 41. The match took an interesting turn when Nepal required seven off five.
On the first delivery Lamichhane fell against Mark Watt and Scotland went close to victory. On the final ball of the game, Nepal needed one to win the game and Watt did a blunder by bowling a wide. Karan, who was on the strike, endeavoured to steal a run and his partner Rijan Dhakal also ran from the non-striker’s end.
For a moment, it felt like Scotland won the game as their stumper Matthew Cross dislodged the bails while Dhakal was striving to complete the run. Scotland appealed for the dismissal but the umpire declared the delivery wide and Nepal won the game eventually. Karan received the Player of the Match award for his stunning knock.
