Nepal cricket’s team, led by coach Stuart Law, demonstrated resilience and grit during a tense T20I tri-series in Scotland, showcasing why they are known as the “Cardiac Kids.” Despite a dramatic start and nail-biting finishes, Nepal secured a laboured victory over Scotland on June 17, 2025, with pacer Karan KC reaching an important milestone by becoming only the second Nepali bowler to take 100 wickets in T20 Internationals.
Nepal Cricket’s Key Match & Player Facts
- Match Date: June 17, 2025
- Venue: Titwood, Glasgow, Scotland
- Opponents: Nepal vs Scotland
- Match Result: Nepal won by 8 wickets
- Scotland Innings: 97 all out in 19.4 overs
- Key Scotland Batsman: Michael Leask (46 runs)
- Nepal Top Bowler: Sandeep Lamichhane (4 wickets for 11 runs)
- Karan KC Milestone: 101 T20I wickets (second Nepali to reach 100 wickets)
- Nepal Top Batsman: Kushal Bhurtel (30 runs)
- Nepal Coach: Stuart Law
- Upcoming Series: Nepal vs West Indies T20I series in Sharjah, September 2025
- Next Major Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia-Pacific Regional Final, Oman, October 2025
Karan KC’s Historic Achievement and Match Highlights
In the match held at Titwood, Glasgow, Nepal chased a modest target of 98 runs but struggled under pressure throughout the innings. Scotland set a challenging total of 97 all out in 19.4 overs, thanks largely to a resilient innings from Michael Leask, who scored 46 runs off 46 balls.
Pacer Sandeep Lamichhane was the star with the ball, taking four wickets for just 11 runs. Karan KC and Dipendra Singh Airee each claimed two wickets, while Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi chipped in with one.
Nepal cricket’s batting was a test of nerves, with opener Kushal Bhurtel scoring a crucial 30 runs off 35 balls, including four boundaries. His opening partner, Lokesh Bam, got off to a promising start with two consecutive fours but was dismissed early. Middle-order batsman Kiran Thagunna, who debuted in the series, also contributed a vital boundary.
The match went down to the wire, with Nepal needing just one run from the last two balls after Thagunna’s dismissal. Ultimately, Lamichhane and KC steered Nepal to an eight-wicket win in a tense finish, much to the relief of fans watching nervously both at the ground and at home.
During this match, Karan KC reached 101 T20I wickets, a landmark achievement that places him in an elite club alongside Lamichhane, who has 115 wickets. KC, who made his T20I debut in 2015, expressed his ambition to reach 200 wickets as he continues to lead Nepal cricket’s bowling attack.
Stuart Law’s Calm Approach and Nepal cricket’s Future Prospects
Despite Nepal Cricket’s rollercoaster performances, head coach Stuart Law remains optimistic about the team’s progress. Reflecting on Nepal’s recent three Super Overs against the Netherlands—the first-ever triple Super Over in T20I history—Law stressed the importance of learning from tight matches to improve consistency.
Law highlighted the difficulties caused by the UK weather, which affected practice sessions, but praised his players for their commitment and performance under pressure. “Cricket is a performance-based game, and the boys have been outstanding,” he said.
Known for his “philosophy of calm,” Law emphasized the value of composure in high-pressure situations. Drawing from his extensive experience as a player and coach, Law believes calmness leads to better decision-making on the field, which is crucial during tight matches.
Looking ahead, Law considers the upcoming three-match for Nepal cricket’s T20I series against West Indies in September—played at a neutral venue in Sharjah—as a vital step for Nepal. The West Indies, two-time T20 World Cup champions, will provide a stern test for the team as it aims to build on its successes.
Nepal will also compete in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia-Pacific Regional Final in Oman in October, where the top three teams will qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.