Nepal makes history by clinching spot in 2024 T20 World Cup

In the Asia region qualifiers, Nepal and Oman emerged victorious in their respective semi-final matches. This win earned coveted spots at the 2024 men’s T20 World Cup. Oman secured a comprehensive ten-wicket win over Bahrain, while Nepal overcame a challenging chase to defeat the UAE by eight wickets. Oman’s Aqib Ilyas was the star performer, claiming four wickets for a mere ten runs. This performance effectively restricted Bahrain to a total of 106 for 9. Openers Kashyap Prajapati and Pratik Athavale then comfortably chased down the target in under six overs.

In Nepal’s match, spinners Kushal Malla and Sandeep Lamichhane bowled economically, limiting the UAE to a score of 134 for 9. Vriitya Aravind managed a half-century but received minimal support from his teammates. Nepal’s opener, Aasif Sheikh, played an unbeaten match-winning innings of 63, creating history for his team by securing victory.

With Nepal and Oman clinching their berths at the 2024 T20 World Cup, set to be hosted in the West Indies and the USA. There will be a total of 18 teams that have now solidified their positions. The final two spots for the tournament will be determined in the Africa qualifier. This is slated to conclude at the end of the month.

Aasif Sheik’s brilliance confirmed the seat for Nepal

In the T20 World Cup Qualifiers’ 2nd semi-final, Nepal faced the UAE. The UAE started their innings but had a lacklustre beginning, with Muhammad Waseem and Khalid Shah dismissed for 26 and three runs, respectively. Vriitya Aravind played a resilient innings, scoring 64 runs off 51 deliveries, and Alishan Sharafu added 16 runs, helping the UAE reach a total of 134 runs in the first innings.

Kushal Malla was Nepal’s leading wicket-taker, claiming three wickets, while Sandeep Lamichhane took two, and Sompal Kami and Rohit Paudel took one wicket each. Nepal aimed to chase the 135-run target but lost an early wicket. However, Aasif Sheikh’s brilliant 64 off 51 deliveries and Rohit Paudel’s 34 runs led Nepal to victory by eight wickets, securing their spot in the T20 World Cup.