4 min learnMumbaiFeb 18, 2026 12:14 AM IST
Nepal captain Rohit Paudel on Tuesday stated the thrilling win over Scotland of their remaining T20 World Cup match, their first win in 12 years within the event, “means loads” for himself and the Himalayan nation.
Nepal rode on Kushal Bhurtel’s early fireworks and Dipendra Singh Airee’s (50 not out off 23 balls) unbeaten fifty to finish their 12-year-long winless run in T20 World Cup with a seven-wicket triumph in opposition to Scotland in an inconsequential Group C match.
“This implies loads to me, my second World Cup as captain, and successful first recreation in final recreation of league stage was essential to us as a staff. Dipendra led the best way,” Paudel stated on the post-match presentation.
Nepal misplaced by a slender four-run margin in opposition to heavyweights England of their event opener, and after that they misplaced the plot earlier than gaining their floor on Tuesday.
Paudel thanked the die-hard Nepalese followers for backing them of their robust occasions.
“After our recreation in opposition to England, they began reserving tickets and supported us to the final recreation. To decelerate and limit them (Scotland) to 170, our demise bowling was nice. Focussed extra on dot balls than taking wickets.” The Nepalese skipper praised Airee and Gulshan Jha (24 not out off 14) for his or her breath-taking, match-winning partnership.
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“This isn’t the best way we needed to play however with Dipendra and Gulshan, they gained the sport for us. Dipendra deserves MoM, he has nice expertise. We stored our nerves calm, bowlers and batters.
“We discovered loads from England recreation. To summarise this event, we needed to play the best way we did in opposition to England and Scotland. Italy was not the best way we needed to play. We’ll attempt to enhance from right here,” Paudel stated.
Nepal star batter Airee, who was named player-of-the match for his 23-ball unbeaten 50 to make sure his nation’s maiden win within the T20 World Cup in 12 years, termed it as his finest knock of profession.
“Initially, I wish to thank the followers who got here from Nepal and supported us. That provides numerous motivation to all of us. And within the final World Cup, we didn’t win a single match. In order that’s why this win is essential for us.
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“Sure, undoubtedly (finest innings of profession). As a result of we discovered loads from this chase. And that have is with us. And that helped us at this time. So thanks. This sort of chase at all times provides motivation to the group.” Airee stated the defeat to England was an enormous studying expertise for them.
“And the final recreation in opposition to England has given us that few studying expertise. So I feel this recreation is essential for us.” Scotland skipper Richie Berrington credited Airee for Nepal’s win.
“The environment was unbelievable, at all times knew it might be a tricky recreation in opposition to Nepal, with the gang behind them. However full credit score to Airee, he’s modified the momentum of the sport. 170 was aggressive, they bowled extraordinarily nicely however we left a number of on the market. Took one innings to alter the sport and get the outcome for Nepal,” he stated.
The Scottish skipper stated they’ve proven they belong to the T20 World Cup stage after being named as a last-minute substitute for Bangladesh.
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“We’ve proven as soon as once more we will compete at this stage, however there’s some frustration there. We might have gained a number of extra, however loads to take ahead as a staff.
“Our preparation was very totally different to different groups however we embraced that. Would have favored a number of extra wins however happy with a few of the performances. It’s been nice that this has been a 20-team World Cup, reveals extra publicity and all these groups will solely get stronger. Acquired to take each alternative in entrance of us,” Berrington stated.