Kathmandu: Nepal clinched a six-wicket victory over the Netherlands with just two balls to spare in their third match of the Scotland T20I Tri-Series at Titwood, Glasgow, on Thursday.

After opting to field first, Nepal restricted the Netherlands to 174/4, thanks largely to a solid 86-run knock from Dutch opener Michael Levitt. In response, Nepal chased down the target with composure and drama, reaching 180/4 in 19.4 overs. Lokesh Bam sealed the win with two sixes in the final over, avenging Nepal’s earlier loss to the Dutch in a dramatic Super Over.

The result propelled Nepal to the top of the standings with four points from three matches. The Netherlands, also on four points from four games, slipped to second due to an inferior net run rate. Scotland sit third with two points from three outings. The final match of the series, between Nepal and Scotland on Friday evening, will decide the tournament winner.

Opening batter Kushal Bhurtel anchored Nepal’s chase with a well-crafted 65 off 51 balls, including six boundaries. He was dismissed by Aryan Dutt, caught by Noah Croes in the 16th over. Debutant Bhim Sharki added momentum with a brisk 27 off 16 deliveries, while middle-order batter Aarif Sheikh provided a composed 39 off 23 balls, featuring three boundaries and two sixes, before retiring hurt on the final ball of the 19th over.

Lokesh Bam, who replaced Aarif, smashed a six off the first delivery of the final over, followed by two dot balls. He then cleared the boundary again on the fourth delivery, finishing unbeaten on 12 from 4 balls and securing victory for Nepal. Dipendra Singh Airee contributed a steady 16 not out from 12 balls.

For the Netherlands, Ben Fletcher, Aryan Dutt, Zach Lion-Cachet, and Roelof van der Merwe each took one wicket.

Earlier, Dutch opener Michael Levitt starred with the bat, scoring a fluent 86 off 53 balls, which included six fours and five sixes. His innings ended in the 15th over when he was caught by Nepal captain Rohit Paudel off Karan KC. Roelof van der Merwe remained unbeaten on 36 off 21 balls, while Aryan Dutt added 17 not out from 18. Saqib Zulfiqar chipped in with 14 runs.

Karan KC was the pick of Nepal’s bowlers with two wickets. Lalit Rajbanshi, Dipendra Singh Airee, Rupesh Singh, and Sandeep Lamichhane each claimed one wicket.