Cricket World Cup League 2: Scotland beat Nepal in rain-interrupted ODI

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

Nepal needed 13 runs in the final over to chase down their target, but pacer 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 in their 50 overs, largely thanks to opener George Muncie’s 62-ball 75.

Fellow opener Finlay McCreath added 35 in a 114-run partnership, while Michael English made an unbeaten 34 at the back of the innings.

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

Rain delayed the hosts’ chase and they set a revised target of 221 in 39 overs.

Mark Watt got Scotland off to a flying start with two wickets from three balls, but a pair between captain Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airey put Nepal back into contention.

However, Paudel was bowled trying to scoop Curry and, soon after, Eyre dropped spinner Ollie Davidson to short third, in what appeared to be a decisive passage.

There was drama as Gulshan Jha – who was unbeaten on 61 off 35 deliveries – kept the run rate going and took it to the last six deliveries, but Currie remained calm amid a flurry of boundaries.

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

“We knew from the start that we had to work hard to win,” said captain Richie Berrington.

“Really happy we kept our nerve under pressure. Mark Watt and Ollie Davidson bowled really well and Brad Curry was brilliant again.

“Brad is very clear about what he’s trying to do, which makes things easier as a captain. The confidence is there completely and thankfully he’s been able to execute.”

Scotland are level with USA in Cricket World Cup League 2 on 36 points but have played five more matches. Their next action is against the USA on Thursday.