In a record-breaking encounter that will be remembered as one of the most thrilling contests in T20 international history, the Netherlands defeated Nepal in a dramatic match in Glasgow that required an unprecedented three Super Overs to determine a winner.
T20 drama of the highest order
The match, part of the ongoing T20I tri-series involving Scotland, saw the Netherlands post 152/7 after batting first. Nepal, true to their reputation for late-match heroics, needed 16 off the final over. With the tension peaking, Nandan Yadav struck a boundary off the last ball to level the scores and send the game into a Super Over.
Nepal batted first in the initial Super Over and scored 19 runs. The Netherlands matched the total thanks to Max O’Dowd’s last-ball fireworks, which included a six and a boundary.
A second Super Over followed—only the second time this has occurred in men’s international cricket. The Dutch again set a target, this time 17. Yet again, Nepal responded in kind, with Dipendra Singh Airee smashing a six off the final ball to tie the scores for a second time.
That brought about a historic third Super Over—the first such instance in any recognized men’s professional cricket match, be it T20I, ODI, List A, or domestic T20.
In the decisive third Super Over, Nepal failed to score a single run, losing both wickets. Netherlands’ Michael Levitt then sealed the victory with a six off the first ball.
The rule change that made it possible
The match was a direct result of a post-2019 World Cup rule change, which mandates repeated Super Overs until a clear winner emerges. This adjustment followed the controversial World Cup final that ended with England winning on boundary count. The match in Glasgow is the first time this rule has led to a triple Super Over in international men’s cricket.
Nepal’s fearless identity: the ‘Cardiac Kids’
The dramatic finish was emblematic of Nepal’s emerging cricketing identity. Known for pushing matches to the brink, Nepal continues to capture attention for their never-say-die spirit.
Nepal skipper Rohit Paudel told BBC Sport:
“I guess it’s the way we have played our cricket for the past 10 years or so. Every game seems to go down to the wire.”
“So I think the name ‘cardiac kids’ comes because you never know how we can come back from a bad position to win a game. We are always fighting right until the end of a match even when the chance of winning might be small.”
Nepal’s long game: chasing Test cricket dreams
Beyond the fireworks on the field, Nepal is steadily building toward a longer-term goal: becoming a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and earning the right to play Test cricket. According to a report by BBC Sport journalist Timothy Abraham, the Cricket Association of Nepal has launched red-ball domestic competitions, developed women’s cricket programs, and is upgrading facilities in pursuit of this dream.
Paras Khadka, secretary of the Cricket Association of Nepal, told BBC Sport:
“For anybody who knows Nepal, it is for climbing Everest. Test cricket is a dream but it is going to take time.”
“But for us, because it is in our backyard, we want to make sure that we climb all the right hurdles and one day we reach Everest, which means Test status and ICC full membership for us.”
Nepal already has experience playing on big stages, having qualified for recent T20 World Cups and nearly defeating South Africa in a heart-stopping finish. They also famously beat MCC at Lord’s in 2016.
Rohit Paudel added:
“Nepal played against MCC in 2016 and we won that game at Lord’s so it would be great if we could play England there in a Test match one day. It would be a proud day not just for cricket, but for our country as a whole.”
What comes next
The Netherlands will enjoy a short break before resuming tri-series action, while Nepal prepares to face Scotland next. With every match, Nepal continues to grow in stature—not just as entertainers, but as serious contenders on the international stage.
Their journey, marked by ambition, drama, and grit, is quickly becoming one of the most compelling stories in world cricket.
