High-Stakes Face-Off in the Scotland Tri-Series
Glasgow, June 16, 2025 – The scenic Titwood Cricket Ground witnessed an exciting battle between two emerging forces in world cricket – the Nepal National Cricket Team and the Netherlands National Cricket Team – in the ongoing Scotland Tri-Nation T20I Series. In what turned out to be a closely contested match, both teams delivered moments of brilliance, setting the stage for more thrilling encounters in the days to come.
This match between NED vs NEP was more than just a bilateral clash. It was about momentum, team morale, and preparation for upcoming international tournaments. Both Nepal and the Netherlands came in with their eyes firmly set on victory, and what unfolded was a competitive spectacle that cricket fans from both nations cherished.
Toss and Conditions
Nepal won the toss and opted to field first, a move largely influenced by overcast conditions and a pitch expected to offer some early movement. The decision was also based on Nepal’s recent success while chasing in similar conditions.
The pitch, while not a typical batting paradise, offered good bounce and turn, making it a fair contest between bat and ball. The conditions were ideal for a T20 match — not overly conducive to batting, but enough assistance for disciplined bowling.
Netherlands Innings: Setting a Target
Batting first, the Netherlands National Cricket Team started cautiously. Openers Max O’Dowd and Michael Levitt took time to settle, and the early overs were marked by careful shot selection rather than aggression. However, Nepal’s disciplined bowling ensured the Dutch openers never ran away with the game.
The standout performer for Nepal during this phase was Sandeep Lamichhane, the star leg-spinner, who bowled a tight spell and picked up key wickets just as the Netherlands looked to accelerate. His variations and control made scoring difficult.
The middle-order fightback was led by Saqib Zulfiqar, who added crucial runs in the death overs. His aggressive cameo — featuring boundaries and a six — propelled the Netherlands to a respectable total of 152/7 in 20 overs.
The innings featured:
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Max O’Dowd: 22 (off 19 balls)
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Michael Levitt: 18 (off 15 balls)
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Saqib Zulfiqar: 25 (off 12 balls)
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Sandeep Lamichhane: 4 overs, 18 runs, 3 wickets
It was a moderate score — not unachievable, but certainly defendable under the pressure of an international chase.
Nepal Innings: The Chase Begins
Chasing 153, Nepal National Cricket Team began with confidence. Skipper Rohit Paudel anchored the innings early on, playing calculated strokes and rotating the strike. The top order, including Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh, made brief but valuable contributions.
At the halfway stage, Nepal had reached 84/4 in 12 overs, needing 69 runs from the remaining 48 balls. The chase was finely balanced. The loss of quick wickets around the 10-over mark meant that Nepal had to recalibrate their strategy.
The Netherlands’ bowlers — particularly their spinners and death-over specialists — managed to tighten the noose. Dot balls, clever changes in pace, and sharp fielding kept the pressure on the chasing side.
The key turning point came in the 15th over, when a sharp bouncer and a mistimed pull resulted in a crucial wicket. From there, Nepal’s lower middle-order struggled to maintain the required rate.
Despite Paudel’s determined innings, the required run rate climbed rapidly, and Nepal found themselves needing over 10 runs per over in the last five overs — a daunting task under fading light and rising pressure.
Match Summary: A Game of Fine Margins
The match eventually ended with Nepal falling short of the target. The final margin highlighted just how balanced the game had been — a contest defined by individual brilliance, strategic decisions, and crucial moments under pressure.
Match Summary:
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Netherlands: 152/7 in 20 overs
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Nepal: 139/8 in 20 overs
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Result: Netherlands won by 13 runs
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Player of the Match: Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal) for his 3-wicket haul
Standout Performances
Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal)
Once again proved why he is Nepal’s most bankable T20 bowler. His spell not only restricted scoring but also broke partnerships at key stages.
Saqib Zulfiqar (Netherlands)
His quick-fire 25 off 12 balls was the difference between a par score and a defendable one. His ability to find boundaries under pressure gave the Dutch the edge.
Rohit Paudel (Nepal)
Led from the front with a composed 35-run knock but lacked support from the lower order in the final overs.
Where to Watch Nepal vs Netherlands T20
Fans across the globe were eager to catch the NEP vs NED encounter live. Here are the main platforms where the match was available for viewing:
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In Nepal and India:
Live streaming was available on platforms like FanCode and Disney+ Hotstar, with TV coverage on Star Sports Network. -
Globally:
The ICC TV and its digital platforms offered live broadcasts in select regions.
Viewers in the UK could watch via Sky Sports, while fans in North America had access through Willow TV. -
Online Coverage:
Live scorecards, commentary, and highlights were available on most sports websites and mobile apps offering cricket coverage.
This made the match highly accessible, ensuring fans from both nations and around the world could enjoy the action.
Implications for the Series
This win provides a big boost to the Netherlands in the tri-series. It not only lifts their points tally but also restores team morale after their earlier defeat to Scotland.
For Nepal, the result is a reminder of the importance of building partnerships and maintaining composure in run chases. Despite their improved batting lineup, closing out high-pressure games remains an area of growth.
The Scotland Tri-Nation T20I Series continues to serve as a platform for these associate nations to prepare for major global tournaments, including the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers.
Conclusion: A Showcase of Emerging Talent
The Nepal vs Netherlands T20 match was a showcase of rising talent, strategic depth, and the increasing competitiveness of associate cricket teams. Both sides showed they belong on the global stage, with quality performances in both batting and bowling departments.
For fans, the game was a gripping experience, filled with highs and lows, moments of brilliance, and drama right until the final over. As the series continues, the cricketing world will watch closely — because if this game was any indication, there’s a lot more excitement to come in the NEP vs NED rivalry.
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