Nepal Climbs to Fifth After Stunning Victory Over League-Leaders Scotland

Kathmandu: Nepal has climbed to fifth place in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 standings following a dominant six-wicket victory over league-leaders Scotland at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday. With this crucial win, Nepal secured two vital points to take their total to 22, leaping over Canada and Namibia from seventh position.

Chasing a target of 195 runs, Nepal comfortably reached 197 for the loss of four wickets in 38.1 overs. Captain Rohit Paudel led from the front with a brilliant, unbeaten 74 runs to anchor the chase, while Ishan Pandey played a vital knock of 55 runs to ensure a comprehensive victory.

Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat, Scotland was bowled out for 194 runs in 39.1 overs. Left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi dismantled the Scottish batting lineup to finish with four wickets, while Sandeep Lamichhane claimed three wickets. With this performance, Lamichhane scripted history by becoming the fastest bowler ever to reach 150 ODI wickets, achieving the milestone in just his 73rd match. Nepal will now face the United States in their final match of the home tri-series on Friday.