Cricket World Cup League 2: Scotland hold nerve to beat Nepal in rain-affected ODI

Scotland held their nerve to secure a thrilling two-run victory over Nepal in a rain-affected one-day international in Kirtipur.

Nepal required 13 off the final over of their chase, but seamer Brad Currie – who was superb in taking 3-43 – restricted the hosts to just 11.

Batting first on a testing pitch, the Scots amassed a total of 243-8 from their 50 overs, thanks largely to a blistering 62-ball 75 from opener George Munsey.

Fellow opener Finlay McCreath added 35 in a partnership of 114, while Michael English guided the back-end of the innings with a patient 34 not out.

After Munsey’s powerful hitting – the left-hander struck 12 fours and two sixes – Scotland were restricted well by Nepal’s varied bowling attack, before Mark Watt (24) and Michael Leask (29) added some late momentum.

The hosts’ chase was then delayed by rain and they were set a revised target of 221 in 39 overs.

Mark Watt took two wickets in three balls to get Scotland off to a superb start, but a partnership between captain Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee hauled Nepal back into contention.

However, Paudel was bowled trying to scoop Currie and, soon after, Airee sliced spinner Oli Davidson to short third, in what appeared to be a decisive passage.

There was drama to come though as Gulshan Jha – who finished unbeaten on 61 from 35 deliveries – kept up with the run rate and took it to the final six deliveries, but Currie stayed calm amid the flurry of boundaries.

The Sussex man only went from four runs from the first five balls of his final over, and although Jha smashed the final delivery of the game over the ropes, it was not enough.

“We knew from the start we were going to have to work hard to get the win,” captain Richie Berrington said.

“Really pleased we managed to hold our nerve under pressure. Mark Watt and Oli Davidson bowled really well and Brad Currie was excellent again.

“Brad is very clear in what he’s trying to do, which makes things easy as a captain. The trust is fully there and thankfully he managed to execute.”

Scotland are level at the top of Cricket World Cup League 2 with USA on 36 points but have played five games more. They are next in action against USA on Thursday.