Dipendra Singh Airee was the hero on Tuesday night as Nepal clinched a first-ever win in front of a packed crowd at the Wankhede Stadium. Airee, ranked No.6 in the T20I all-rounder rankings, smashed a 23-ball half-century to seal a fantastic chase in the final over. The 26-year-old was given a standing ovation as the stands erupted in celebration over Nepal’s win.
Nepal needed 70 to win off 35 when Airee turned the accelerator. He struck four boundaries and three sixes in a clutch innings. Airee’s heroics earned Nepal their first ever win T20 World Cup history, ending their tournament on a high.
There was pandemonium in the stands as Airee took the game deep. Along with Gulshan Jha for company, the all-rounder initially started slow, scoring just 7 off his first 9 balls. However, with 59 needed off the last 5 overs, the 26-year-old got his mojo. He smashed Michael Leask for consecutive sixes and a boundary in a 20-run over to set the ball rolling.
Brad Currie was also hit for two boundaries in the next as Airee brough the required down to 28 from the last three overs. A six and a boundary followed off Bradley Wheal to all but seal the chase. In his 23-ball stay at the crease, the 26-year-old only played 2 dot balls in a player of the match performance.
Airee is now the second leading run-scorer in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The Nepal all-rounder has 169 runs in 4 games in the tournament, averaging a stunning 56.33. It was his second consecutive half-century at the Wankhede, after his knock against the West Indies last time out. Airee also has bowled 13 overs in these four games, with two wickets to his name.
