IPL 2024

Fans react as Nepal sign off T20 World Cup 2026 on a high after Dipendra Singh Airee’s historic knock destroys Scotland

By Sandy Verma

Nepal signed off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion on February 17, 2026, defeating Scotland by 7 wickets in a Wankhede thriller. The victory was powered by a historic, unbeaten half-century from Dipendra Singh Aireewho spearheaded a successful chase of 171 with just three balls to spare.

This triumph marks Nepal’s first-ever win in a T20 World Cup, sparking emotional celebrations among the massive crowd in Mumbai. Despite both teams already being out of Super 8 contention, the intensity on the field reflected a high-stakes final, with Nepal finally turning their potential into a tangible result.

T20 World Cup 2026: Dipendra Singh Airee’s record-breaking blitz silences Scotland

The Wankhede Stadium erupted as Dependra Airee delivered one of the most clinical finishes in Associate cricket history, smashing an unbeaten 50 off just 23 balls. Coming in with Nepal at a precarious 87/3, Airee took full control of the chase, reaching his fifty in record-breaking time for a Nepalese batter in World Cups. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting and composure, featuring three towering sixes and four boundaries that left the Scottish bowlers with no place to hide.

The turning point came in the 16th over, where Airee launched a ruthless assault on Michael Leaskplundering 20 runs to bring the required rate under a run-a-ball. His ability to manipulate the field under immense pressure proved why he is considered one of the most dangerous middle-order batters in the T20 format. By the time he drove the final ball of the 19th over to the boundary, he had not only secured the win but also etched his name into the annals of Nepalese sporting folklore.

Also WATCH: Sompal Kami plucks a one-handed blinder to dismiss Brandon McMullen in SCO vs NEP clash at T20 World Cup 2026

T20 World Cup 2026: Nepal’s bowling fightback sets the stage for glory

Earlier in the evening, Nepal’s bowlers showed incredible resilience to restrict a rampant Scottish side to 170/7 after they looked poised for a total well beyond 190. Scotland’s Michael Jones had threatened to take the game away with a blistering 71, but the introduction of Sompal Kami changed the complexion of the match irrevocably. Kami produced a vintage death-bowling spell, claiming 3/25, including two wickets in a single over that removed both set batters and choked the scoring rate in the final four overs.

Supporting him was the young Nandan Yadavwhose two crucial breakthroughs during the middle overs prevented Scotland from building on their strong opening stand of 80 runs. The tactical discipline shown by the Nepalese attack meant that Scotland managed only 36 runs in their final five overs, a deficiency that ultimately proved fatal. This collective effort in the field provided the perfect platform for the batters to chase down the target and secure a historic victory that will be celebrated in Kathmandu for years to come.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla hails Zimbabwe’s rise after Australia’s dramatic exit from T20 World Cup 2026

Sandy Verma 280 posts 0 comments
You might also like More from author

Comments are closed.