[Watch] Nepal Accused Of Cheating After Sundeep Jora’s Dropped Catch Against Scotland

Nepal celebrating after dropping a catch vs Scotland. [Source - X.com]

At the iconic Wankhede Stadium during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Nepal and Scotland locked horns in their final Group C clash with nothing but pride at stake. With both sides out of the Super 8 race, the contest unfolded in a fearless, high-tempo fashion as players were ready to express themselves freely.

Scotland, batting first, made full use of the pressure-free scenario, launching an aggressive start that immediately put Nepal on the back foot. Their openers, especially Michael Jones, attacked from the very beginning, finding boundaries with ease and setting the tone for what looked like a big score coming up for Scotland.

However, the spotlight shifted dramatically when a Nepal fielder appeared to drop a catch but began celebrating as if he had completed it. The incident quickly raised eyebrows, triggering debates among fans and commentators over sportsmanship and whether Nepal had attempted to bend the spirit of the game.

McMullen given Lifeline after Sundeep Jora’s obvious Dropped Catch

Scotland were in complete command as Michael Jones dismantled Nepal’s bowling with fearless strokeplay, while Brandon McMullen played the perfect supporting role at No.3. The duo powered Scotland to 110 for 1 in 13 overs, dictating terms and putting Nepal under serious pressure in this high-scoring Group C clash.

Desperate for a wicket, Nepal skipper Rohit Paudel reintroduced middle-overs enforcer Nandan Yadav. The move almost paid off instantly. On the first ball of the 14th over, McMullen miscued a slower delivery towards long-off where Sundeep Jora charged in but failed to gather cleanly.

NAVJOT SINGH

@shoken_sardar

This Nepalese are cheaters 🇳🇵🤝🇵🇰 So after the Pakistani cheaters I introduced you the new cheaters of the beautiful game, the Nepal cricket team

Feb 17, 2026, 7:59 PM

The ball struck Jora’s thighs before touching the ground, though he grabbed it upon falling. Despite clearly grassing it, celebrations followed after captain Paudel joined in. The third umpire intervened and made the correct decision, allowing McMullen to survive, but the episode triggered sharp questions over Nepal’s sportsmanship and on-field intent.

Celebrations after the Drop? Nepal’s Spirit of Cricket Questioned in Mumbai

Scotland were visibly relieved when the third umpire overturned the decision and allowed Brandon McMullen to continue. But by the looks of it, Sundeep Jora himself seemed to know the ball had touched the ground before he gathered it again.

Despite that, Jora celebrated the catch, and a few teammates joined in. The moment did not sit well with fans. Social media quickly filled with criticism, with many questioning intentions of Nepal and their commitment to the spirit of cricket.

Replays clearly showed the ball had popped out and brushed the grass. While some argued it could have been heat-of-the-moment instinct, many felt such calls are best left to the third umpire. For Jora, his first game of the tournament turned into controversy.

Nepal’s Image Under Scanner after Controversial Moment

Nepal failed to back their heroics against England with strong performances in the following matches, and now their fairness is being questioned by fans. The dropped catch by Sundeep Jora may not change the result, but it has hurt their image badly.

What surprised many was skipper Rohit Paudel joining the celebration before the review. With three straight losses, Nepal face mounting pressure, and another defeat to Scotland could see them exit the T20 World Cup 2026 winless, amid swirling cheating allegations.