KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 17
Dipendra Singh Airee's whirlwind innings, combined with Sompal Kami's three wickets, helped Nepal secure a seven-wicket consolation win in this edition of the T20 World Cup.
Airee not only recorded the fastest T20 World Cup half-century for Nepal, reaching 50 in just 23 balls, but also guided the team to its first global-stage victory in 12 years.
Chasing 171 runs for victory, Nepal reached the target with seven wickets and four balls to spare at the packed Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, marking its overall third victory on the T20 World Cup stage.
Airee remained unbeaten on 50 and became the second-highest run-scorer in this edition of the tournament. He was later adjudged Man of the Match for his scintillating innings.
In the post-match presentation, Airee said, "I want to thank the fans for coming to Mumbai and giving us immense support and motivation. This win is very important for us, especially as it comes after 12 years. Perhaps it was one of my best innings, scoring 50 off just 23 balls. Such a chase gives us tremendous confidence. Our previous loss against England was a bitter experience, so this victory feels even more special. We tried to rotate the strike with singles and doubles, and capitalize on any loose deliveries to hit boundaries."
Chasing 171, Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh shared a 74-run opening partnership, providing a solid start. Bhurtel scored 43 off 35 balls, including one four and four sixes, before top-edging to mid-wicket. Nepal then lost two quick wickets and found themselves at 98/3 in 14 overs.
Dipendra Singh Airee's explosive innings, including the fastest fifty in 23 balls, took control of the game after he shared a 74-run partnership with Gulshan Jha, who scored 17 off 24 balls with one four and two sixes.
There was little respite for the Scottish bowlers, except Michael Leask, who claimed three wickets, but his efforts proved in vain.
In the post-match presentation, Richie Berington praised Dipendra Singh Airee, saying: "A lot of credit goes to him, as he played a brilliant innings and completely changed the tempo of the game. The huge crowd behind the team added to the energy. I am very pleased with the performance on such a big stage. It was a great opportunity to showcase our talent on the world stage, and we are thrilled to deliver a strong performance."
Nepal's skipper Rohit Paudel said "This win means a lot, especially as it is my second World Cup as captain. Winning the first game is always special, and it is very important for our fans. The last five overs were crucial; we focused on slowing the opposition down and kept our communication simple, restricting them to singles and preventing boundaries.
Dipi dai batted exceptionally well and truly deserved the Man of the Match award. The previous game against England helped us remain calm under pressure. The way Dipi dai and Gulshan executed their innings perfectly ensured the team's victory. We are happy to end the tournament on a winning note."
