History was made in Mumbai as Nepal clinched a commanding 7-wicket victory over Scotland in the T20 World Cup, shattering a decade-long winless streak that dated back to 2014. At the iconic Wankhede, Scotland managed 170/7, a total Nepal overhauled with composure in 19.2 overs.
Captain Rohit Paudel, in his second World Cup as leader, termed the result ‘hugely meaningful,’ his voice laced with relief and pride. “Winning my first league game here feels special,” he admitted. “It was vital for me and the team—Dipendra’s brilliance turned the tide.”
Gratitude flowed towards the roaring Nepali crowd, undeterred by the prior 4-run agony against England. “They watched that thriller and still showed up strong,” Paudel said. “We didn’t stick perfectly to our strategy, but their backing till the final ball fueled us. This triumph belongs to them.”
Paudel dissected the England loss as a masterclass in pressure management. “We learned how vital calmness is for batters and bowlers in death overs. One slip, and the pressure mounts—staying cool unlocks opportunities.”
Pleased with showings against top sides like Scotland and England, Paudel rued inconsistencies versus Italy and West Indies. “Individually, we’re happy, though Super 8 was the target.” This morale-booster positions Nepal strongly for upcoming challenges in international cricket.