In a thrilling encounter at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, Nepal scripted history by defeating Scotland by 7 wickets in the T20 World Cup, ending a 10-year drought since their last victory in the tournament back in 2014. Captain Rohit Paudel, visibly emotional, described the win as profoundly significant, marking his first league-stage triumph as skipper in his second World Cup appearance.
Scotland posted a challenging 170/7 in their 20 overs, but Nepal chased it down in 19.2 overs with 7 wickets intact, showcasing resilience and composure under pressure. Paudel praised standout performer Dipendra for his explosive contribution, calling it a game-changer that boosted team morale.
“This victory means everything to me,” Paudel said post-match. “It was crucial not just for me but for the entire team. We’ve been building towards moments like this.” He extended heartfelt thanks to the Nepali fans who turned up in numbers despite a heartbreaking 4-run loss to England earlier, staying loyal through thick and thin.
Reflecting on the England defeat, Paudel highlighted key lessons in maintaining calm during high-stakes overs. “That match taught us the value of patience when bowlers and batters face intense pressure. A small mistake can shift the momentum, and staying composed is key.”
While performances against Scotland and England met expectations, results against Italy and West Indies fell short. Still, Paudel expressed personal satisfaction with the team’s efforts, though the ultimate goal of Super 8 qualification remains just out of reach. This win reignites hopes and sets a positive tone for Nepal’s cricketing future.