Kathmandu: Nepal secured a significant five-wicket win over the Netherlands in a match of the ICC World Cup League-2 held at the Forthhill Cricket Ground in Dundee, Scotland. Chasing a target of 226 runs, Nepal reached the target in 47.1 overs, losing just five wickets.

Arif Sheikh was the star of Nepal’s batting lineup, scoring a vital 78 runs off 99 balls, including seven fours and two sixes. His steady innings anchored the team after early dismissals, and he formed a crucial 89-run partnership with vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee. Airee remained unbeaten on 38 runs off 51 deliveries, hitting three boundaries.

Nepal’s top order provided modest starts. Opener Kushal Bhurtel scored 25 runs off 42 balls with three fours. Captain Rohit Paudel added 23 runs from 39 balls, while opener Asif Sheikh made 19 off 22 balls. Bhim Sarki chipped in with 11 runs. On the bowling front for the Netherlands, Michael Levitt took two wickets, while Vivian Kingma and Paul van Meekeren claimed one wicket each.

Earlier, the Netherlands won the toss and chose to bat first, posting a total of 225 runs before being bowled out in 49.1 overs. Noah Croes top-scored with 48 runs from 55 balls, followed by captain Scott Edwards with 46 runs off 71 balls. Vikramjit Singh contributed 38 runs, and Jack Lyons scored 27.

Nepal’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance. Sompal Kami took three wickets, while Karan KC, Lalit Rajbanshi, and Sandeep Lamichhane picked up two wickets apiece, restricting the Dutch team from setting a larger target.

With this victory, Nepal has climbed to seventh place in the points table, with 10 points from 14 matches. Meanwhile, the Netherlands remains in second place with 26 points from 21 matches. The win boosts Nepal's momentum in the ongoing tournament and keeps their qualification hopes alive.