Scotland held off Nepal to secure a two-run victory in a rain-affected one-day international in Kirtipur.
Nepal needed 13 runs off the final over, but Brad Currie restricted the hosts to 11 runs. Currie was named player of the match for his efforts, taking 3-43.
Munsey’s Quickfire 75 Sets Up Scotland
Scotland amassed 243-8 from their 50 overs after batting first on a testing pitch. George Munsey led the way with a blistering 62-ball 75, including 12 fours and two sixes.
Finlay McCreath added 35 in a 114-run partnership with Munsey. Michael English contributed a patient 34 not out to guide the innings.
Nepal’s bowling attack restricted Scotland, but Mark Watt (24) and Michael Leask (29) added late momentum.
Rain Delays and a Revised Target
Rain delayed Nepal’s chase, resulting in a revised target of 221 in 39 overs.
Mark Watt took two wickets in three balls. A partnership between Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee brought Nepal back into contention.
Paudel was bowled by Currie, and Airee was caught out off Davidson’s bowling.
Currie Holds Nerve in Final Over
Gulshan Jha finished unbeaten on 61 from 35 deliveries, taking the game to the final over. Brad Currie allowed four runs from the first five balls of the last over.
Jha hit the final ball for six, but it was not enough as Scotland won by two runs (DLS method).
- Scotland scored 243-8 in 50 overs.
- Nepal were set a revised target of 221 in 39 overs.
- Brad Currie took 3-43 and was named player of the match.
“We knew from the start we were going to have to work hard to get the win,” said captain Richie Berrington. “Really pleased we managed to hold our nerve under pressure. Mark Watt and Oli Davidson bowled really well and Brad Currie was excellent again.”
Berrington added, “Brad is very clear in what he’s trying to do, which makes things easy as a captain. The trust is fully there and thankfully he managed to execute.”
Scotland are level at the top of Cricket World Cup League 2 with USA on 36 points but have played five games more. They are next in action against USA on Thursday.