After a remarkable comeback, Nepal has earned its place in the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled for June 2024 in America and the West Indies.
This achievement marks their return to the international cricket stage after a ten-year hiatus. Nepal clinched their qualification with an impressive 8-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu last Friday.
Nepal’s last appearance in the T20 World Cup was in 2014 in Bangladesh.
Cricket enthusiasts in Nepal can now eagerly anticipate supporting their team on the global stage once again. Oman has also secured a spot in the World Cup through the qualifying matches held in Kathmandu.
In the pursuit of a 135-run target set by UAE at the Mulpani ground, Ashif Sheikh of Nepal played a pivotal role by contributing the highest score of 63 runs to the team’s successful chase.
Gulsan Jha made a notable contribution with 22 runs, while Kushal Bhurtel added 11 runs to the scoreboard.
Nepal’s bowlers played a significant role in constraining the UAE innings. Kushal Malla’s exceptional performance included taking 3 crucial wickets while conceding just 11 runs in 3 overs.
Sandeep Lamichhane contributed by taking 2 wickets, while Sompal Kami and Rohit Paudel each claimed 1 wicket, collectively thwarting the UAE’s efforts to achieve a more substantial total.