Scotland and Nepal have developed one of the most competitive ODI rivalries among Associate cricket nations. Their matches have frequently been close, with both teams producing dramatic finishes, narrow victories and impressive individual performances. Scotland vs Nepal Head-to-Head in ODI
The rivalry has become particularly important through the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, where both sides have regularly competed for valuable points and World Cup qualification opportunities. Nepal currently have a narrow advantage in the overall ODI head-to-head record.
As of the latest completed ODI between the teams on 18 May 2026, Scotland and Nepal have played 12 ODIs. Nepal have won 6, Scotland have won 5, and 1 match ended without a result.
Scotland vs Nepal ODI Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Scotland | Nepal |
|---|---|---|
| ODI matches | 12 | 12 |
| Wins | 5 | 6 |
| Losses | 6 | 5 |
| No Result | 1 | 1 |
| Highest score | 323/6 | 321 |
| Lowest completed total | 144 | 119 |
Nepal therefore hold a one-match advantage in the overall rivalry. Scotland, however, have produced some outstanding wins, including their two-run victory over Nepal in June 2025 and another two-run DLS victory in May 2026. Scotland vs Nepal Head-to-Head in ODI
First ODI Meetings
The modern ODI rivalry between Scotland and Nepal began in 2022. Their first meetings came during a triangular series in Scotland.
Nepal won the opening encounter by five wickets on 13 July 2022. Scotland responded strongly four days later, defeating Nepal by eight wickets.
The teams later met twice in Namibia in December 2022. Scotland won both matches, including an eight-wicket victory in the second encounter.
These early results established the competitive nature of the rivalry. Neither side was able to dominate consistently.
Nepal’s Rise in 2023
The rivalry became even more competitive when Scotland toured Nepal in February 2023.
Nepal won both ODI matches played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The first was a three-wicket victory, while Nepal won the second by two wickets.
These matches were particularly important for Nepal because defeating Scotland helped demonstrate their ability to compete against one of the stronger Associate ODI teams.
The two matches also showed Nepal’s strength when playing in familiar home conditions.
ODI Meetings in 2024
The teams met twice during the 2024 Cricket World Cup League 2 cycle.
On 29 October 2024, Nepal defeated Scotland by five wickets at Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas. Scotland were bowled out for 154, while Nepal reached 157/5.
Their next match on 4 November 2024 was abandoned without a result. Nepal had reached 26/1 before the match was called off.
The abandoned match remains the only no-result in their ODI head-to-head record.
Dramatic 2025 Series
The 2025 meetings between Scotland and Nepal produced two extremely close matches.
On 2 June 2025, Nepal defeated Scotland by just one wicket after chasing 297. Scotland scored 296/7, but Nepal reached 297/9 in a dramatic finish.
Just six days later, Scotland gained revenge. They scored 323/6 and defeated Nepal by only two runs, with Nepal finishing on 321 all out.
The match demonstrated just how evenly matched these teams can be. Scotland’s 323/6 remains their highest ODI total against Nepal, while Nepal’s 321 is their highest score in the fixture.
2026 ODI Encounters
The rivalry continued in 2026 with another two-match contest.
On 12 May 2026, Scotland defeated Nepal by two runs via the DLS method. Scotland made 243/8, while Nepal reached 218/7 in a rain-affected chase. Brad Currie was named Player of the Match after taking 3/43.
Nepal responded in the next match on 18 May 2026. Scotland were bowled out for 194, and Nepal chased the target successfully, reaching 199/4 to win by six wickets. Lalit Rajbanshi was named Player of the Match after taking 4/32.
The two results meant that Nepal maintained their overall one-match advantage.
Recent ODI Head-to-Head Results
The most recent meetings show how closely contested the rivalry has become:
| Date | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 18 May 2026 | Nepal | Won by 6 wickets |
| 12 May 2026 | Scotland | Won by 2 runs, DLS |
| 8 June 2025 | Scotland | Won by 2 runs |
| 2 June 2025 | Nepal | Won by 1 wicket |
| 4 Nov 2024 | No Result | Match abandoned |
| 29 Oct 2024 | Nepal | Won by 5 wickets |
| 21 Feb 2023 | Nepal | Won by 2 wickets |
| 17 Feb 2023 | Nepal | Won by 3 wickets |
| 8 Dec 2022 | Scotland | Won by 8 wickets |
| 4 Dec 2022 | Scotland | Won by 3 wickets |
The remaining two matches from 2022 were split between the teams, with Nepal winning one and Scotland winning one.
Highest Team Scores
Both teams have crossed the 300-run mark against each other.
Scotland’s highest ODI total in this rivalry is 323/6, scored at Forthill, Dundee, on 8 June 2025. Nepal responded with 321 but fell short by only two runs.
Nepal’s highest score is 321, also from that same remarkable match.
These figures show that the rivalry is not limited to low-scoring Associate cricket contests. Both teams have the batting quality to produce totals above 300 when conditions are favorable.
Scotland’s Key Players
Scotland have several players who have played important roles against Nepal.
Brandon McMullen
Brandon McMullen has emerged as one of Scotland’s important all-round cricketers. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball provides Scotland with valuable balance.
Richie Berrington
Richie Berrington has been one of Scotland’s most experienced international players. His leadership and batting experience are particularly valuable during pressure situations.
Brad Currie
Brad Currie has also made an impact with the ball. In the May 2026 ODI against Nepal, he took three wickets and helped Scotland secure a narrow two-run victory.
Nepal’s Key Players
Nepal have developed several talented players who have contributed to this rivalry.
Rohit Paudel
Rohit Paudel is one of Nepal’s leading ODI batsmen and has become an important figure in the national team.
His ability to bat through difficult situations and provide stability in the middle order makes him an important player against Scotland.
Sandeep Lamichhane
Sandeep Lamichhane has been one of Nepal’s most successful ODI bowlers. His leg-spin has provided Nepal with a major wicket-taking option in the middle overs.
Nepal’s ODI records list Lamichhane as the country’s leading wicket-taker in the format.
Karan KC
Karan KC is another important Nepalese all-rounder. His pace bowling and lower-order batting have helped Nepal in several close matches.
Lalit Rajbanshi
Lalit Rajbanshi produced an excellent performance in the latest ODI against Scotland. He took 4/32 as Nepal bowled Scotland out for 194 before completing a six-wicket victory.
Batting Comparison
The batting contest between Scotland and Nepal is usually highly competitive.
Scotland have demonstrated the ability to produce large totals, with their 323/6 in 2025 being the highest score in the rivalry. Their batting has benefited from experienced players and aggressive stroke-making.
Nepal have also developed a strong batting unit. Their successful chase of 297 in 2025 remains one of their most impressive performances against Scotland.
Nepal’s ability to chase large targets has been an important feature of the rivalry.
Bowling Comparison
Bowling has been equally important.
Scotland have traditionally possessed a strong pace-bowling unit capable of exploiting movement with the new ball. Their bowlers can also create pressure through disciplined lines and lengths.
Nepal have often relied heavily on spin, particularly through their middle-overs attack. Their bowlers have been effective at taking wickets and slowing the scoring rate.
The contrasting styles make the matches tactically interesting.
Home Advantage
Home conditions have influenced the results.
In Nepal, the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground has generally been a favorable venue for the home team. Nepal have won three of their four ODIs against Scotland in Nepal, while Scotland have won one.
In Scotland, the record is much more balanced. The teams have played four ODIs there, with Nepal winning two and Scotland winning two.
Neutral venues have also produced competitive contests, including the 2024 matches in Texas.
Why This Rivalry Matters
The Scotland-Nepal rivalry is important because both teams are among the leading Associate nations competing for opportunities on the global cricket stage.
Their matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 carry significant value because points from these games contribute to the wider qualification pathway.
As both nations continue to develop their cricketing programs, regular contests against strong Associate opposition provide valuable international experience.
Conclusion
The Scotland vs Nepal head-to-head record in ODI cricket is remarkably competitive. Through the latest completed match in May 2026, the teams have played 12 ODIs, with Nepal winning six, Scotland winning five and one match ending without a result.
Nepal have enjoyed particular success at home, while Scotland have also produced some memorable victories. The 2025 meeting decided by two runs and the 2026 match decided by two runs through the DLS method highlight just how small the margin between these teams can be.
With talented batsmen, quality bowlers and strong competitive spirit on both sides, Scotland vs Nepal remains one of the most exciting ODI rivalries outside the traditional major cricketing nations.
5 Q&A
1. How many ODIs have Scotland and Nepal played?
Scotland and Nepal have played 12 men’s ODIs against each other through 18 May 2026.
2. Who has won more ODIs between Scotland and Nepal?
Nepal have the advantage, winning 6 matches, while Scotland have won 5. One match ended without a result.
3. What is the highest ODI score in Scotland vs Nepal matches?
Scotland’s highest score is 323/6, while Nepal’s highest is 321. Both figures are associated with their dramatic June 2025 match in Dundee.
4. What was the result of the latest Scotland vs Nepal ODI?
Nepal won the latest ODI on 18 May 2026, defeating Scotland by 6 wickets after chasing 195.
5. What was the closest Scotland vs Nepal ODI?
Several matches have been decided by very small margins. Scotland defeated Nepal by 2 runs on 8 June 2025 and again by 2 runs via the DLS method on 12 May 2026.