Nepal UK
Kathmandu - Nepal’s campaign in the Top End T20 Series ended in a dramatic one-run defeat to Pakistan Shaheens in Darwin on Friday, August 22, 2025.
Chasing a target of 145 for victory, Nepal fell just short, finishing their innings at 143 for seven. The match came down to the final delivery, with Nepal needing three runs to win. Despite the heroics of Dipendra Singh Airee, who was on strike, he could only manage a single before being run out, sealing a heartbreaking loss.
Nepal's chase was anchored by captain Rohit Paudel, who scored a composed 52 runs from 44 balls, including six fours and a six. Paudel and Aasif Sheikh had built a crucial 52-run partnership for the second wicket after an early setback. Airee played a blistering cameo, contributing an unbeaten 41 from just 21 deliveries, but lacked support from the other end as only Lokesh Bam reached double figures among the remaining batters.
Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to field, Nepal's bowlers performed strongly to restrict the Pakistan Shaheens to 144 for nine from their 20 overs. Sompal Kami was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets, while Nandan Yadav and Dipendra Singh Airee claimed two wickets each. Pakistan's innings was rescued by captain Irfan Khan, who top-scored with an unbeaten 42 to give his team a defendable total.
The win was Pakistan Shaheens’ fifth of the competition, securing their place in the semi-finals. Nepal finished their tournament with a record of two wins and four defeats.
