Nepal vs Scotland: ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Match Preview

Group C action continues as Nepal faces Scotland in a crucial encounter at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on February 17. Scotland sits second with two points from two matches and a positive net run rate of 0.950 after defeating Italy by 73 runs and losing to West Indies by 35 runs. 

Nepal occupies fifth position with zero points from two matches and a negative net run rate of -1.854 following comprehensive defeats to Italy by 10 wickets and England by just four runs. This match represents Nepal's opportunity to revive Super 8 qualification hopes while Scotland seeks to consolidate their position with another victory.

Recent Form Analysis

Contrasting fortunes reveal Scotland finding momentum while Nepal desperately seeks its first tournament points in this Nepal vs Scotland clash.

Nepal's Mixed Campaign

Nepal's tournament began disastrously with Italy crushing them by 10 wickets with 44 balls remaining on February 12, 2026. That comprehensive defeat exposed serious weaknesses. However, Nepal nearly upset England, losing by just four runs on February 8. That narrow defeat showed they can compete against quality opposition.

Nepal's pre-tournament form showed promise. They crushed Samoa by 124 runs on October 17, 2025. Before that, Nepal defeated Oman by 38 runs on October 15 and beat Qatar by five runs on October 13. These victories came against associate nations.

Aasif Sheikh leads the batting consistently. Sandeep Lamichhane provides world-class leg-spin. Nepal needs everyone performing together at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Scotland's Strong Start

Scotland demonstrated their quality by crushing Italy by 73 runs on February 9, 2026. That comprehensive victory provided crucial points. Earlier, West Indies defeated Scotland by 35 runs on February 7. The margin shows Scotland competed respectably against higher-ranked opposition.

Prior to the tournament, Scotland experienced mixed results. Jersey beat them by one wicket on the last ball on July 11, 2025. Italy defeated Scotland by 12 runs on July 9. However, Scotland beat Netherlands by six runs on July 8.

George Munsey leads the batting with explosive performances. Michael Leask provides crucial all-round contributions. Scotland plays disciplined cricket in this NEP vs SCO T20 World Cup encounter.

Key Batters to Watch

The batting performances will determine which team seizes control in this Group C clash.

Nepal's Batting Strength

Aasif Sheikh keeps wickets while accumulating 290 runs from nine matches, maintaining an average of 36.25 with a strike rate of 129.46. Sheikh's consistency provides Nepal's batting foundation. His ability to construct innings makes him their most reliable batsman.

Kushal Bhurtel opens batting with 282 runs from 10 matches at an average of 28.2 and a strike rate of 118.98. Bhurtel's opening partnerships set platforms for Nepal innings. His consistency proves valuable.

Scotland's Top Order

George Munsey emerges as Scotland's premier batsman with 352 runs from 10 matches, averaging 35.2 with a strike rate of 146.05. Munsey's explosive opening batting destroys bowling attacks. His ability to dominate powerplays sets Scotland's tone.

Brandon McMullen provides all-round value with 243 runs from 10 matches at an average of 27 and strike rate of 146.38. McMullen's aggressive batting complements Munsey perfectly. His bowling adds crucial depth.

Batters Statistics

Batter	Team	Matches	Runs	Average	Strike Rate
Aasif Sheikh	Nepal	9	290	36.25	129.46
Kushal Bhurtel	Nepal	10	282	28.2	118.98
George Munsey	Scotland	10	352	35.2	146.05
Brandon McMullen	Scotland	10	243	27	146.38

Key Bowlers to Watch

The bowling attacks face different pressures as Nepal desperately needs wickets while Scotland seeks to maintain momentum.

Nepal's Bowling Options

Sandeep Lamichhane leads Nepal's bowling with 13 wickets from eight matches at an excellent economy rate of 5.81 and a strike rate of 14.23. Lamichhane's leg-spin variations bamboozle batsmen regularly. His experience in international cricket makes him invaluable.

Nandan Yadav provides pace variety with eight wickets from eight matches at an economy rate of 7.24 and strike rate of 15.75. Yadav's ability to take wickets in the middle overs helps Nepal control games.

Scotland's Bowling Attack

Michael Leask brings exceptional all-round value with 14 wickets from eight matches at an economy rate of 6.16 and an outstanding strike rate of 10.71. Leask's medium pace takes wickets while restricting runs. His all-round contributions make him Scotland's most valuable player.

Safyaan Sharif provides experienced pace bowling with 10 wickets from eight matches at an economy rate of 8.29 and a strike rate of 14.4. Sharif's accuracy and ability to move the ball make him dangerous.

Bowlers Statistics

Bowler	Team	Matches	Wickets	Economy	Strike Rate
Sandeep Lamichhane	Nepal	8	13	5.81	14.23
Nandan Yadav	Nepal	8	8	7.24	15.75
Michael Leask	Scotland	8	14	6.16	10.71
Safyaan Sharif	Scotland	8	10	8.29	14.4

Head-to-Head Record

Historical meetings show competitive encounters with results split evenly between these nations.

Scotland won the last meeting by 34 runs on June 20, 2025. However, Nepal defeated Scotland by two wickets with one ball remaining on June 17, 2025. That narrow victory proved Nepal can handle pressure situations effectively.

The balanced record suggests competitive cricket ahead. Both teams know each other's strengths and weaknesses. Tournament pressure creates unique dynamics at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Date	Result
20 Jun 2025	Scotland won by 34 runs
17 Jun 2025	Nepal won by 2 wickets (with 1 ball remaining)

Nepal vs Scotland Full Squads

Both squads feature experienced players fighting for crucial Super 8 qualification points.

Nepal Squad

Rohit Paudel (c), Aarif Sheikh, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Dipendra Singh Airee, Basir Ahamad, Kushal Bhurtel, Gulsan Jha, Sundeep Jora, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lokesh Bam, Sher Malla, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav

Scotland Squad

Richie Berrington (c), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross (wk), Brad Currie, Oliver Davidson, Chris Greaves, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal, Zainullah Ihsan

Tactical Battle Points

The strategic approaches will significantly influence this high-stakes Scotland vs Nepal encounter's outcome.

Nepal's Game Plan

Nepal must start aggressively, with Kushal Bhurtel attacking early. Aasif Sheikh provides stability behind. Sandeep Lamichhane must control middle overs ruthlessly, preventing Scotland from accelerating. Nepal plays without fear, knowing they need victory desperately.

Scotland's Strategy

Scotland continues their aggressive approach. George Munsey attacks from ball one. Brandon McMullen provides all-round support. Michael Leask's bowling becomes crucial in the middle overs. Scotland executes plans consistently under pressure.

Final Thoughts

This Group C encounter represents contrasting situations as Scotland seeks qualification consolidation while Nepal fights for tournament survival at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Scotland brings momentum and balance. 

Nepal brings desperation and world-class spin. Watch as both teams battle for crucial points that could define their tournament destinies.