In an exciting ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 match at Forthill, Dundee, Nepal secured an amazing one-wicket win against Scotland in a record chase of 297 runs - Nepal's highest successful ODI chase ever. After Nepal had moved from 152-2 to 192-7 after Scotland's Brandon McMullen (3-47) sparked a collapse, all-rounder Karan KC came in to bat at nine and turned the game with a huge knock of 65* from only 41 balls, with four sixes and three fours, as Nepal edged to an amazing finish amid passionate fans waiting as the final over approached.

After Nepal had won the toss and elected to field, Scotland had posted a formidable 296-7 innings, with Charlie Tear (80), Finlay McCreath (55), and Richie Berrington (40), and vital contributions were also made by Matthew Cross (39). Nepal's bowlers, led by Karan KC (2-43) and Sompal Kami (2-66), were able to control the damaging runs that Scotland could have made, but chasing 297 was always going to be a tall order. Nepal’s reply started strongly with Kushal Bhurtel’s 53 and Bhim Sharki’s 40, but the loss of key wickets, including captain Rohit Paudel, shifted momentum until Karan’s heroics reignited hope.

The final over, delivered by Mark Watt, was pure theater; needing 7 runs with only two wickets in hand, Nepal lost Sandeep Lamichhane on Watt's first ball, stumped by George Munsey. A wide and a single held Karan on strike, requiring five runs from three balls. Karan hit two twos, making scores level before Watt’s second wide—a hefty wide, which might have brushed Karan’s pad—sealed the win, sparking a pitch invasion by jubilant Nepal fans.

A Defining Victory

This stunning upset saw Nepal, ranked second from the bottom in the League 2 table and four places below Scotland, overcome a recent loss to a Scotland A side in a warm-up match. Karan KC's all-round effort, which saw him take 2-43 and record a winning score of 65*, has brought him wide acclaim for his poise under pressure. This result has given Nepal's campaign a new lease on life, with the potential to shake up the League 2 picture.

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After this historic win, Nepal will move on to their next ODI tri-series match against the Netherlands on Wednesday at Forthill, even keener to win. The win not only represents a boost in confidence, but it also suggests they can challenge higher-ranked teams during the World Cup qualifying process.

India has released its women's cricket squad for the forthcoming ODI tri-series to be played in Sri Lanka. The series is scheduled to start on April 27, 2025, and India, Sri Lanka, and South Africa will take part in it. Harmanpreet Kaur has been made the captain of the Indian team, with Smriti Mandhana as her vice-captain. A number of veteran players, such as Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Yastika Bhatia have also been named in the team.

One of the highlights of the times was the maiden selection of right-arm fast bowler Kashvee Gautam. She showed excellent cricket for the Gujarat Giants during the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025, taking 11 wickets in 9 matches. She was selected for the team because of her strong bowling and power-hitting skills. Two other young players, N. Shree Charani and Shuchi Upadhyay, were also awarded their debut national team picks.

Despite all these, a few prominent players are missing in the team. Shafali Verma, who scored the most runs from Indian players during WPL 2025, is not present. In addition to this, pace bowlers such as Renuka Singh Thakur, Pooja Vastrakar, and Titas Sadhu were omitted because they are injured. The absence created opportunities for the emerging talents to make their mark at the international level.

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Kashvee Gautam was added to the squad

Kashvee Gautam's addition is regarded as a huge addition to India's bowling lineup. Her capacity to pick up early wickets and score lower down the order makes her an asset. Likewise, Shree Charani impressed with her left-arm spin in the WPL and picked up 4 wickets in only 2 games. Shuchi Upadhyay, who was awarded the best player in the previous Senior Women's One-Day Trophy, adds balance and form to the side.

The series will not only prepare India for future international games but will also give young players a chance to introduce themselves. With a mix of experienced cricketers and young talents, India appears to be ready to face the challenges of this tri-series.

Full India women's squad for the ODI tri-series 

Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Kashvee Gautam, Sneh Rana, Arundhati Reddy, Tejal Hasabnis, N. Shree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay.