NEPAL WIN FINAL BALL THRILLER

Scotland suffered a heartbreaking, final-ball defeat as Nepal pulled off a remarkable one-wicket win.

 

Chasing 297, Nepal looked out of the game at 192-7, but by then final over had reduced the target to just seven runs with two wickets in hand.

 

Mark Watt struck with the first ball of the final over, but Nepal were able to draw level with one ball remaining - Scotland initially thinking they had won with Karan KC stumped, only for the umpires arms to be outstretched signalling wide, meaning Nepal were victorious.

 

Karan KC was the Nepalese hero, striking a remarkable 41-ball 65 from number nine after walking to the crease with his side requiring 105 from 70 deliveries.

 

 

Doug Watson said: "It's a difficult one to take, but I can't fault the guys efforts, they have 100%, and credit to Karan KC for the way he batted at the end to get them over the line, he played a fantastic knock.

 

"I thought we batted really well, Teary (Charlie Tear) was excellent and so was Fin McCreath, and I believe 290 was enough, but one of their batters played a great knock.

 

"We probably didn't bowl as well as we should have, we missed too many times, which kept them in the chase and then it was a nailbiting finish which they managed to get over the line in."

 

Earlier, Scotland had posted 296-7 - Charlie Tear setting the tone at the top of the order with a superb 72-ball 80, whilst Finlay McCreath recorded a maiden ODI half-century, batting impressively throughout the second-half of the innings for his 55.

 

In response, Nepal started positively - the opening pair adding 72 in 12 overs, before Jasper Davidson and Jack Jarvis struck in quick succession to dismiss Aasif Sheikh (20) and Kushal Bhurtel (53).

 

Bhim Sharki (40) and Rohit Paudel (37) then stabilised their side's innings, getting into a strong position at 152-2 - but McMullen struck twice in two overs to drag Scotland back into the game.

 

Nepal continued to slide, losing five wickets for 40 runs as they were reduced to 192-7, with Scotland seemingly on course for a comfortable victory.

 

Enter Karan KC, and his remarkable, match-winning innings.