Kathmandu:  A sensational all-round performance by Karan KC led Nepal to a dramatic one-wicket victory over hosts Scotland in the penultimate delivery of their ICC World Cup League 2 Tri-Series match at Forthill, Dundee, on Monday.

Chasing a formidable target of 297 runs set by Scotland, Nepal reached 297-9 with just one ball to spare. The player-of-the-match Karan KC starred with both bat and ball, claiming two wickets and scoring a match-winning unbeaten 65 to guide Nepal to victory in a nail-biting finish.

Sent in to bat first, Scotland posted a competitive 296-7 in their 50 overs. In response, Nepal began strongly, thanks to opener Kushal Bhurtel’s fluent 53 off 44 balls, which included 11 boundaries. Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh (20 off 33) stitched together a 72-run opening stand before both fell in quick succession, leaving Nepal at 78-2.

Bhim Sharki (40 off 48) and skipper Rohit Paudel (37 off 56) rebuilt the innings with a solid 74-run partnership for the third wicket. However, a sudden collapse saw Nepal reduced to 192-7, as Aasif Sheikh (7), Dipendra Singh Airee (8), and Sompal Kami (1) fell cheaply.

Just when the game tilted in Scotland’s favour, Gulshan Jha and Karan KC steadied Nepal’s chase with a crucial 60-run stand for the eighth wicket. Gulshan played a quickfire knock of 42 off 30, studded with three fours and three sixes.

With 25 runs needed from the final two overs, Karan KC rose to the occasion, smashing 18 runs in the 49th over, including a six and two boundaries. Though Sandeep Lamichhane was dismissed on the first ball of the final over, Rijan Dhakal held his nerve to rotate the strike. Karan then struck consecutive twos before Scotland’s Mark Watt bowled a wide on the final delivery, sealing a memorable win for Nepal.

Nepal cricket team supporters celebrate at at Forthill, Dundee, in Scotland. 

Brandon McMullen led Scotland’s bowling attack with 3-47 from 10 overs which included two maiden overs. Jack Jarvis and Michael Leask picked up two wickets apiece.

Earlier, Scotland’s innings was anchored by half-centuries from opener Charlie Tear and middle-order batter Finlay McCreath. Tear smashed 80 off 72 balls, laced with 12 boundaries and a six, before being caught behind by wicket-keeper Aasif off Karan KC. McCreath added a composed 55 off 67 deliveries, including three fours and a six, before falling to Sompal Kami.

Captain Richie Berrington contributed 40 from 46 balls with three fours and two sixes while Matthew Cross (39), Brandon McMullen (19), and Michael Leask (18) chipped in with valuable contributions. Mark Watt (10) and Jack Jarvis (4) remained unbeaten at the close.

For Nepal, Karan was the standout performer with figures of 10-1-43-2. Sompal Kami also took two wickets conceding 66 runs in his 10 overs while Rijan Dhakal picked up two wickets for 78 runs. Sandeep Lamichhane added one wicket.

Nepal will play their next match against the Netherlands on Wednesday.