Nepal signed off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion on February 17, 2026, defeating Scotland by 7 wickets in a Wankhede thriller. The victory was powered by a historic, unbeaten half-century from Dipendra Singh Airee, who spearheaded a successful chase of 171 with just three balls to spare.
This triumph marks Nepal’s first-ever win in a T20 World Cup, sparking emotional celebrations among the massive crowd in Mumbai. Despite both teams already being out of Super 8 contention, the intensity on the field reflected a high-stakes final, with Nepal finally turning their potential into a tangible result.
T20 World Cup 2026: Dipendra Singh Airee’s record-breaking blitz silences Scotland
The Wankhede Stadium erupted as Dipendra Airee delivered one of the most clinical finishes in Associate cricket history, smashing an unbeaten 50 off just 23 balls. Coming in with Nepal at a precarious 87/3, Airee took full control of the chase, reaching his fifty in record-breaking time for a Nepalese batter in World Cups. His innings was a masterclass in power-hitting and composure, featuring three towering sixes and four boundaries that left the Scottish bowlers with no place to hide.
The turning point came in the 16th over, where Airee launched a ruthless assault on Michael Leask, plundering 20 runs to bring the required rate under a run-a-ball. His ability to manipulate the field under immense pressure proved why he is considered one of the most dangerous middle-order batters in the T20 format. By the time he drove the final ball of the 19th over to the boundary, he had not only secured the win but also etched his name into the annals of Nepalese sporting folklore.
T20 World Cup 2026: Nepal’s bowling fightback sets the stage for glory
Earlier in the evening, Nepal’s bowlers showed incredible resilience to restrict a rampant Scottish side to 170/7 after they looked poised for a total well beyond 190. Scotland’s Michael Jones had threatened to take the game away with a blistering 71, but the introduction of Sompal Kami changed the complexion of the match irrevocably. Kami produced a vintage death-bowling spell, claiming 3/25, including two wickets in a single over that removed both set batters and choked the scoring rate in the final four overs.
Supporting him was the young Nandan Yadav, whose two crucial breakthroughs during the middle overs prevented Scotland from building on their strong opening stand of 80 runs. The tactical discipline shown by the Nepalese attack meant that Scotland managed only 36 runs in their final five overs, a deficiency that ultimately proved fatal. This collective effort in the field provided the perfect platform for the batters to chase down the target and secure a historic victory that will be celebrated in Kathmandu for years to come.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Dipendra singh Airee is a quality hitter. Does it again for Nepal. #nepal
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 17, 2026
Nepal have shown enough to get some bilaterals with full member teams.
Their players deserve a lot more in terms of exposure and Guidance.
Deep Airee has already shown that he is a quick learner. 👏👏#T20WorldCup
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 17, 2026
Nepal have been the most entertaining team this World Cup so far! Wish they could have made it to the Super 8s – if not now believe me by the time the next T20 World Cup comes knocking, Nepal will do even better #ICCT20WorldCup2026 #NepalCricket #NepvsSco
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) February 17, 2026
Convincing win for Nepal. Excellent batting under pressure from Dipendra. Players have made their passionate cricket fans happy with this win. Shout out to Scotland. They came into the tournament as a last minute replacement. Pushed WI , pushed England , beat Italy and lost a…
— Prasanna (@prasannalara) February 17, 2026
If I had to choose just 3 sides to watch play white ball cricket against each other, they would be Scotland, Nepal and Netherlands. Although I’m sure I’d age quickly.
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) February 17, 2026
Dipendra Singh Airee has a record 9-ball fifty in T20Is but I am sure this 23-ball fifty against Scotland would mean much more to him, taking Nepal to their first ever World Cup win
— Shubh Agarwal (@shubh_chintak) February 17, 2026
Dipendra Singh Airee with his whirlwind fifty has won a memorable World Cup game for Nepal in Mumbai.
Leask’s three wicket haul goes in vain.
— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) February 17, 2026
NEPAL WIN!!! LETS GOOOO!!! #T20WorldCup
Cardiac Kings 🫡🇳🇵
Man of the match: AIREE
— Harin Sekhon (@harinsekhonn) February 17, 2026
Airee is carrying the hopes of Nepal every time he walks out.
What a victory for Nepal! 🇳🇵
Hugely deserved. Heart, fight and belief till the very end. 👏🔥
— Janaka Nimalachandra (@JNimalachandra) February 17, 2026
History created! 🇳🇵🔥 Nepal register their first-ever win at the T20 World Cup — a night to remember for the Rhinos! 🏏✨#T20WorldCup2026 #SCOvsNEP
Scorecard: https://t.co/ZJ4hsMJaAv pic.twitter.com/vC8O5NuzU7— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 17, 2026
