Scotland vs Nepal Cricket Team Rivalry: A Complete Timeline and Analysis

Introduction

Cricket is more than just a game when two competitive associate nations like Scotland and Nepal clash on the field. Both teams have shown significant progress in ICC tournaments, especially in the Cricket World Cup League 2 and T20I Tri-Series formats. This article provides a complete timeline, match highlights, and key insights into their encounters from 2023 to 2025.

Head-to-Head Timeline

1. 17 February 2023 – League 2 (Kathmandu)

• Result: Nepal defeated Scotland by 2 wickets.
• Summary: A tense game where Nepal chased down the target with little margin, showing resilience in home conditions.

2. 21 February 2023 – League 2 (Kathmandu)

• Result: Nepal edged out Scotland by just 1 run.
• Summary: One of the closest encounters between the two sides, highlighting the competitive nature of their rivalry.

3. 29 October 2024 – League 2 (Dallas)

• Result: Nepal won by 5 wickets.
• Summary: Another solid performance by Nepal in the World Cup League 2, proving their consistency.

4. 8 June 2025 – League 2 ODI (Scotland)

• Result: Scotland claimed victory by 2 runs.
• Summary: A nail-biting finish as Scotland held their nerve to secure a crucial home win.

5. 17 June 2025 – T20 Tri-Series

• Result: Nepal beat Scotland by 2 wickets.
• Summary: A thrilling T20 chase by Nepal, showcasing their improvement in the shortest format.

6. 20 June 2025 – T20 Tri-Series (Glasgow)

• Result: Scotland triumphed by 34 runs.
• Highlights:
  • George Munsey scored a brilliant 78 off 39 balls, setting the tone for Scotland.
  • Scotland’s total: 193/5.
  • Nepal’s response: Fell short at 159, despite efforts from Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee.
  • Bowling hero: Chris Greaves (3/27).
  • Player of the Match: George Munsey.

Performance Analysis

• Nepal’s Dominance in ODIs: Nepal has consistently outperformed Scotland in ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 matches, often clinching victories in close finishes.
• Scotland’s Strength in T20s: While Nepal has improved in T20 cricket, Scotland remains formidable in this format, especially at home conditions.
• Key Players:
  • George Munsey (Scotland): A match-winner in T20 cricket with his aggressive batting.
  • Chris Greaves (Scotland): A reliable all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball.
  • Rohit Paudel & Dipendra Singh Airee (Nepal): Crucial middle-order batsmen anchoring Nepal’s innings in both formats.

Conclusion

The Scotland vs Nepal rivalry is an excellent example of how associate nations are raising the standard of international cricket. Both teams have delivered thrilling encounters, proving that cricket is not only about the big nations but also about competitive, passionate sides fighting for glory on the world stage. As future tournaments approach, fans can expect more close finishes, exciting performances, and new cricketing heroes emerging from these two nations.