Kathmandu: Nepal succumbed to a 34-run defeat against hosts Scotland in the last match of the Scotland T20I Tri-Series at Titwood, Glasgow, on Friday, finishing runners-up in the event.

Electing to bat first in what was effectively a virtual final, Scotland posted a challenging total of 193-5 and bowled out Nepal for 159 in 18.5 overs.

The outcome meant Scotland emerged champions of the series, followed by Nepal in second and the Netherlands in third place due to net run rates.  All three teams finished on four points from two wins and defeats each, with only the net run rates separating them.

Nepal’s run chase got off to a poor start as the top order faltered, losing wickets at regular intervals. Opener Kushal Bhurtel was dismissed for 4 runs in just the fourth ball of the innings. Bhim Sharki (12) was next to go, followed by fellow opener Aasif Sheikh (14) and Aarif Sheikh (5), leaving Nepal struggling at 40-4.

Rookie Rupesh Singh, batting at number eight, played a standout knock, top-scoring with an unbeaten 43 off 22 balls that included one four and three sixes.His last batting partner Lalit Rajbanshi was run out with seven deliveries remaining ending Nepal’s innings.

Dipendra Singh Airee chipped in with 34 off 33 balls, hitting a four and a six before being bowled by Chris Greaves, while captain Rohit Paudel added 27 off 20.

Chris Greaves starred with the ball for Scotland, taking 3 wickets for 27 runs in 3 overs. Safyaan Sharif supported well with 2 wickets.

Earlier, Scottish opener George Munsey gave the hosts a flying start, smashing a blistering 78 off 39 balls with five boundaries and three sixes. He shared a 100-run partnership for the second wicket with Brandon McMullen, who scored 42 off 30 balls, including four fours and a six.

Munsey was eventually caught by skipper Paudel off Kushal Bhurtel with the scoreboard reading 134-2. Scotland’s innings was further supported by an unbeaten 43-run stand for the sixth wicket between Michael Leask (26 off 17) and Matthew Cross (17 off 13).

Nepal had won the first match of the series against Scotland by two wickets on Tuesday.

For Nepal, Kushal Bhurtel was the most successful bowler, taking 2 wickets for 20 runs in 2 overs while Rupesh Singh, Lalit Rajbanshi, and Sandeep Lamichhane took one wicket each. Dipendra Singh Airee was the most expensive bowler conceding 50 runs in four overs, including three consecutive sixes from Munsey in the 10th over.

Lalit Rajbanshi.