Scotland T20I Tri-Series 2025: Nepal National Cricket Team registered their second win in the ongoing Scotland T20I Tri-Series 2025 with an impressive six-wicket triumph over the Netherlands National Cricket Team in the fifth match of the tournament. The clash, held on June 19 at the Titwood Cricket Ground in Glasgow, saw a riveting contest where Nepal held their nerves to chase down a challenging target of 175 runs with just two balls to spare.
Led by skipper Rohit Paudel, Nepal opted to bowl first after winning the toss. The decision quickly paid off as the Dutch top-order collapsed early, finding themselves struggling at 33/3 within the powerplay. However, a gritty knock from opener Michael Levitt stabilized the innings and guided the Netherlands to a respectable total.
Levitt was the standout performer for the Dutch side, crafting a brilliant 86 off 53 balls, laced with six fours and five towering sixes. His fluent stroke play under pressure revived hopes for the Netherlands. Supporting him towards the back end of the innings was veteran all-rounder Roelof van der Merwe, who added a valuable unbeaten 36, helping the Netherlands post 174/7 in 20 overs.
Nepal’s bowling unit put up a disciplined show. Karan KC led the attack with two crucial wickets, while Lalit Rajbanshi, Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Rupesh Singh chipped in with one wicket apiece to restrict the Netherlands’ scoring in the death overs.
In reply, Nepal didn’t get off to the best start either. They lost their first wicket at just 22, raising early alarms in the dugout. But opener Kushal Bhurtel ensured that the chase remained under control with a blazing 65-run innings. His knock, coming in quick time, featured aggressive strokeplay that kept the required run-rate in check.
Bhurtel’s innings turned the tide in Nepal’s favour as he attacked both pace and spin with equal confidence. Later, Arif Sheikh played a crucial supporting role with a steady unbeaten 39, although he had to retire hurt. Sheikh’s resilience ensured Nepal remained on course as the game entered its final stretch.
Nepal eventually crossed the finish line in 19.4 overs, with six wickets in hand. The successful chase under pressure highlighted Nepal’s growing maturity in T20 cricket, especially against higher-ranked opponents like the Netherlands.
For the Dutch side, Ben Fletcher provided the initial breakthrough, while Aryan Dutt, Zach Lion-Cachet, and van der Merwe took one wicket each. Despite their efforts, the bowling unit couldn’t contain the Nepali batsmen in the death overs.
With this win, Nepal strengthens its position in the tri-series, which also includes hosts Scotland. The team has now claimed two victories in the tournament, boosting their confidence ahead of the remaining fixtures. Skipper Rohit Paudel’s strategic decisions, coupled with impactful individual performances, are proving to be game-changers for Nepal.
As the tri-nation series progresses, all eyes will now be on how the table shapes up and whether Nepal can carry this momentum into their upcoming encounters.
