T20 World Cup: Nepal chase down 170 to beat Scotland
George Munsey – the man who often provides momentum in Scotland’s top order – struggled to find the middle of the bat as he made 27 off 29 balls.
In contrast, Jones had superb touch as he found gaps in the offside area and delivered a powerful shot down the ground.
But the momentum evaporated when Jones and Brandon McMullen (25) crashed at Sompal Kami.
Berrington (10) was the only other player to reach double figures for Scotland, while Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross and Leask fell in quick succession.
Nepal’s bowlers used changes in tempo to great effect in the death overs, with Kami (3-25) being particularly impressive.
Mark Watt struck the final ball of the six-over innings to lift Scotland’s hopes, but under the lights on a good pitch it felt as if he was at least 10 runs short.
In reply, Nepal reached 56 without loss after a powerplay in which both openers capitalized on chances.
Brad Currie bowled Kushal Bhurtel to a tough chance off his own bowling before Brad Wheal hit the stumps without dislodging the bails.
Wicketkeeper Cross also failed to hold on as Aasif Sheikh put a glove through Currie’s leg.
Bhurtel (43) and Sheikh (33) were both dismissed by the competitive Leask as Scotland fought back and Nepal were behind the eight-ball when the off-spinner also removed skipper Rohit Paudel.
That wicket brought Gulshan Jha to mid-on with Airee in the 14th over, who hit three sixes off consecutive balls off Olly Davidson, after which Leask secured another turn.
Airee’s quick hands and faster running were the basis of the chase; He expertly rotated the attack and found the boundary when he had to give up five off six deliveries.
After failing to score 10 points in the final against England, Jha slid Wheal through the middle of the goal four times to seal the famous win for the team known as the Cardiac Kids.
