Who Will Win Scotland vs Nepal 104th ODI 2026 Match Prediction
Searching for a reliable Scotland vs Nepal prediction? You’ve come to the right place for expert insights on this crucial ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 clash. The 104th ODI between Scotland and Nepal is scheduled for Tuesday, 12th May 2026, at the scenic Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Cricketwebs delivers data-driven analysis to help you understand every angle of this high-stakes encounter. Scotland, currently second on the points table, aim to reclaim the top spot, while Nepal, sitting seventh, fight to climb into the top five.
Our comprehensive Scotland vs Nepal prediction weighs recent form, head-to-head records, venue dynamics, and key player matchups. Nepal holds a psychological edge, having won three of the last five encounters, including a heartbreakingly close chase where they fell just two runs short of 324. Scotland, however, boasts superior overall stats and the match-winning brilliance of George Munsey and Brandon McMullen.
The Kirtipur pitch traditionally offers assistance to spinners as the game progresses, making the toss a critical factor. Nepal’s home advantage and passionate crowd support could energize their young squad, especially in-form all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee. Conversely, Scotland’s experience in pressure situations and balanced attack featuring Mark Watt’s left-arm spin adds strategic depth. Weather conditions in Kathmandu during May are generally clear, though afternoon cloud cover is possible.
Our Scotland vs Nepal prediction factors in Nepal’s recent momentum—three wins in four games—and Scotland’s consistency despite rain-affected fixtures. While Scotland’s higher ranking and firepower make them favourites, Nepal’s ability to outperform expectations on home soil cannot be underestimated. This preview breaks down team compositions, probable XIs, pitch behaviour, and expert verdicts to deliver the most accurate Scotland vs Nepal prediction for fantasy leagues and betting insights. Stay tuned as we analyze every detail to help you make informed decisions on this pivotal World Cup League 2 fixture.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Scotland vs Nepal, 104th ODI |
| Date | Tuesday, 12th May 2026 |
| Time | 9:15 AM IST |
| Venue | Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur |
| Series | ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, 2024-2026 |
| Format | One Day International (50 overs) |
Team Previews
Nepal Preview
Nepal enters this fixture brimming with confidence after securing three victories in their last four outings, including dominant wins over Oman and the UAE. Playing on home soil at Kirtipur provides a significant morale boost, with passionate local support creating an electrifying atmosphere. The batting lineup revolves around the explosive middle order, spearheaded by vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee. Airee has been phenomenal, amassing 268 runs in his last four games, including a century and two half-centuries. His ability to accelerate in the middle overs and finish innings makes him Nepal’s most dangerous batter.
Opener Aasif Sheikh provides stability, having scored 94 in the previous match, while Arjun Kumal offers agility at number three. Captain Rohit Paudel, though occasionally inconsistent, brings experience and leadership, with 491 runs in 23 League 2 matches. The lower middle order, featuring Aarif Sheikh and Gulsan Jha, adds depth and power-hitting capability. Jha also contributes valuable wickets with his medium pace.
The bowling attack is led by legendary leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, whose guile and variations remain Nepal’s primary weapon. Lamichhane has claimed 31 wickets in the League 2 campaign and recently took seven wickets across four games. He is ably supported by the experienced pace duo of Sompal Kami and Karan KC, who excel with the new ball and in death overs. Gulsan Jha’s recent five-wicket haul against Oman highlights Nepal’s bowling versatility.
The key for Nepal will be disciplined batting in the powerplay, minimizing dot balls, and leveraging home conditions to restrict Scotland’s strong batting lineup. If Airee fires and Lamichhane exploits the turning track, Nepal can challenge any total. Fielding intensity and smart captaincy under pressure will be crucial to converting their momentum into a series-defining victory.
Scotland Preview
Scotland arrives in Kirtipur with clear ambition: reclaim the top spot in the World Cup League 2 standings. Currently second with 14 wins from 28 games, they trail leaders USA by just two points. Their recent form includes a convincing seven-wicket victory over Namibia, powered by Brandon McMullen’s all-round mastery. McMullen scored a century and claimed three wickets in that match, epitomizing Scotland’s balanced approach. The batting order is anchored by prolific opener George Munsey, who has amassed 1,049 runs in 20 League 2 matches at an average of 58.27. His ability to dominate bowling attacks from the outset sets the tone for Scotland’s innings. Finlay McCreath provides solid support at the top, while McMullen’s versatility at number three allows tactical flexibility.
The experienced middle order, featuring captain Richie Berrington, Mark Watt, and Michael Leask, offers stability and finishing power. Berrington has a strong record against Nepal, including a century in their last encounter. Leask’s unbeaten 96 and two wickets in that match underscore his match-winning potential. The bowling attack is equally potent, led by McMullen’s medium pace and swing, complemented by Jack Jarvis’s accuracy and Safyaan Sharif’s experience. Left-arm spinner Mark Watt is a vital asset on subcontinental pitches, capable of stifling run flow and taking crucial wickets in the middle overs.
Scotland’s main challenge is adapting to Kirtipur’s conditions, which may favor spin and lower scoring. They must avoid complacency against a spirited Nepal side that has historically performed well against them. If Scotland’s top order fires and their bowlers execute disciplined lines, their superior depth and experience should prevail. Managing the toss decision wisely and maintaining intensity throughout all 50 overs will be key to securing a vital victory in their World Cup qualification campaign.
Team Squads
Nepal Squad: Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee (vc), Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Bhim Sharki, Aarif Sheikh, Basir Ahmad, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Binod Bhandari, Nandan Yadav, Arjun Kumal, Karan KC. Reserves: Hemant Dhami, Sher Malla, Rijan Dhakal, Ishan Pandey, Dev Khanal.
Scotland Squad: Richie Berrington (c), Matthew Cross (wk), Bradley Currie, Jasper Davidson, Oliver Davidson, Owen Gould, Jack Jarvis, Mackenzie Jones, Michael Leask, Chris McBride, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt.
Probable Playing XI
| Nepal | Scotland |
|---|---|
| Binod Bhandari (wk) | George Munsey |
| Aasif Sheikh | Finlay McCreath |
| Arjun Kumal | Brandon McMullen |
| Rohit Paudel (c) | Richie Berrington (c) |
| Dipendra Singh Airee | Mark Watt |
| Aarif Sheikh | Christopher McBride |
| Gulsan Jha | Matthew Cross (wk) |
| Karan KC | Michael Leask |
| Sandeep Lamichhane | Jack Jarvis |
| Lalit Rajbanshi | Oliver Davidson |
| Nandan Yadav | Jasper Davidson |
Favourite Team & Why
Scotland are the favourites for this encounter. Their superior ICC League 2 standing, consistent batting firepower led by George Munsey, and Brandon McMullen’s all-round brilliance provide a significant edge. Scotland’s experience in high-pressure qualification matches and balanced attack featuring Mark Watt’s spin and Jack Jarvis’s pace make them adaptable to Kirtipur’s conditions. While Nepal has home advantage and recent momentum, Scotland’s depth in batting and bowling resources offers greater reliability across all phases. Their ability to chase or set competitive totals, combined with tactical discipline under captain Richie Berrington, positions them to control the match. Unless Nepal’s spinners dominate early or Scotland’s top order collapses, the visitors’ quality should prevail.
Pitch Report (Tribhuvan University Ground, Kirtipur)
The Kirtipur pitch typically offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Early overs provide good pace and bounce for stroke play, but the surface gradually slows down, assisting spinners from the 30-over mark. Turn and variable bounce become factors in the second innings. Teams batting first often aim for 240-260, while chasing sides benefit from knowing the target. Dew is minimal in morning games, making batting first slightly advantageous. Spinners who flight the ball and vary pace will thrive in the middle overs.
Weather Report
| Parameter | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Condition | Partly Cloudy |
| Temperature | 22°C – 28°C |
| Humidity | 55% |
| Wind | Light Breeze |
| Rain Chance | 10% |
Pleasant morning conditions in Kirtipur with minimal rain risk. Partly cloudy skies may offer slight swing early on. Comfortable temperatures ensure player endurance throughout the 50-over contest. No significant weather interruptions expected, allowing a full match to unfold under stable atmospheric conditions ideal for cricket.
Broadcast Details
The match will be broadcast live on FanCode across the Indian subcontinent. Digital streaming is available via the FanCode app and website. International viewers can follow live scores and commentary on ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and the ICC’s official platforms. Radio coverage may be available through local Nepali and Scottish sports networks.
Toss Prediction
Predicted Toss Winner: Scotland. Given the pitch’s gradual deterioration and potential spin assistance later, captains may prefer batting first to set a target. Scotland’s experienced leadership under Richie Berrington could gain a slight edge in the toss. However, both teams have strong reasons to bowl first if early moisture is present. Expect a strategic decision based on pre-match pitch inspection.
Probable Batsman & Bowler of the Match
Probable Top Batsman: George Munsey (Scotland). His exceptional League 2 record—1,049 runs at 58.27 average—combined with aggressive stroke play makes him Nepal’s biggest threat. Munsey’s ability to dominate powerplay overs and convert starts into big scores positions him as the most likely match-defining batter on a pitch that rewards front-foot play early.
Probable Top Bowler: Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal). The leg-spin maestro’s 31 League 2 wickets and recent seven-wicket haul highlight his match-winning potential. On a Kirtipur track offering turn, Lamichhane’s variations, flight, and ability to bowl tight lines in middle overs will be crucial to restricting Scotland’s strong batting lineup and taking key wickets.
Winning Chances: Why & Why Not
| Team | Winning Chance | Why? | Why Not? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | 70% | Higher ranking, superior batting depth, Munsey/McMullen form, experienced bowling attack, better head-to-head consistency in ODIs. | Adapting to subcontinental conditions, Nepal’s home advantage, recent close losses to Nepal, potential spin vulnerability. |
| Nepal | 30% | Home crowd support, Airee’s in-form batting, Lamichhane’s spin threat, psychological edge from recent close wins, nothing-to-lose attitude. | Less experienced batting under pressure, inconsistent middle order, Scotland’s superior overall stats and match-winning all-rounders. |
Match Prediction
Predicted Winner: Scotland. Leveraging superior batting firepower, all-round depth, and tactical experience, Scotland are well-positioned to overcome Nepal’s home advantage. Expect Munsey and McMullen to dictate terms with bat or ball, securing a vital victory to strengthen their World Cup qualification campaign.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
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