Kathmandu: A brilliant four-wicket haul by leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane helped Nepal clinch a thrilling two-wicket victory over hosts Scotland in a low-scoring encounter decided on the penultimate ball during the Scotland T20I Tri-Series at Titwood, Glasgow, on Tuesday.

After winning the toss and inviting Scotland to bat first, Nepal bowled out the hosts for just 97 runs with two balls remaining in the innings. However, Nepal were made to struggle in the chase as they lost wickets at regular intervals. They eventually reached the target with two balls to spare finishing at 98-8.

The win marked Nepal’s first victory in the series after losing their opening match to the Netherlands on Monday in third Super Over. Scotland had earlier defeated the Dutch side in their opening fixture. With this result, all three teams—Scotland, Nepal, and the Netherlands—are tied with two points each from two matches. They are placed first, second, and third respectively, based on net run rate.

Opener Kushal Bhurtel was Nepal’s top scorer, anchoring the innings with a composed 30 off 35 balls, including four boundaries. He was dismissed as the fourth wicket, trapped leg-before by Mark Watt. Fellow opener Lokesh Bam (9) along with Anil Sah and skipper Rohit Paudel, fell in quick succession, leaving Nepal reeling at 38/3.

Middle-order contributions came from Dipendra Singh Airee (14 off 21), Basir Ahamad (13 off 14), and Kiran Thagunna (10 off 16), helping to stabilise the chase. With four runs needed in the final over, Karan KC managed singles on the first and third deliveries, while Kiran added one run off the second. However, he was caught trying an unnecessary big shot on the fourth ball. Sandeep Lamichhane then held his nerve to score the winning run off the fifth delivery, sealing a dramatic win.

For Scotland, Michael Leask and Safyaan Sharif took two wickets each, while Brandon McMullen, Mark Watt, Jack Jarvis, and Jasper Davidson claimed one apiece.

Earlier, Scotland’s batting line-up collapsed early, struggling against disciplined Nepali bowling. They were reduced to 24-5 by the fourth over. Opener Mark Watt was bowled by Dipendra Singh Airee in the first over while George Munsey was dismissed by Karan KC in the second.

Michael Leask was the standout batter for Scotland, scoring a run-a-ball 46—the highest of the innings—before being bowled by Dipendra. Captain Matthew Cross (15 off 22) and Brandon McMullen (10 off 12) were the only other players to reach double figures.

Sandeep Lamichhane came close to a hat-trick on two occasions, in the 13th and 17th overs. Adjudged player of the match, he finished with exceptional figures of 4-1-11-4. Dipendra and Karan KC chipped in with two wickets each, while Lalit Rajbanshi picked up one.

The series continues with Scotland facing the Netherlands on Wednesday. Nepal will then take on the Netherlands on Thursday, followed by a rematch against Scotland on Friday. The team topping the table at the end of the double round-robin stage will be crowned champions.

Sandeep Lamichhane celebrates after taking a wicket.