KATHMANDU, Oct 13: Skipper Rohit Paudel’s half-century and a brilliant five-wicket haul from leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane helped Nepal clinch a thrilling 5-run victory over Qatar in the Super Six stage of the ICC T20 World Cup Asia Qualifiers.
Qatar, chasing a target of 148 runs, fell just short, being bowled out for 142 in 19.5 overs. Despite being in a strong position for most of the chase, Qatar faltered in the final overs, allowing Nepal to pull off a dramatic win and maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament.
Qatar made a flying start, with openers Imal Malindu Liyanage and Zubair Ali putting up a solid 79-run stand for the first wicket, putting Nepal under pressure. Liyanage smashed a quickfire 56 off just 35 balls, while Ali played a patient knock of 52 off 55 deliveries.
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However, once Liyanage departed, Qatar’s innings collapsed spectacularly, with none of the remaining batters reaching double figures.
Sandeep Lamichhane turned the game in Nepal’s favor with a match-winning spell, taking 5 wickets for just 18 runs in 3.5 overs. He dismissed key batters, including Mohammad Asim, Shahzaib Jamil, Mujeeb ur Rehman, and Amir Farooq. Nandan Yadav picked up 2 wickets, while Dipendra Singh Airee took one. Two Qatari batters were run out.
Earlier, after losing the toss, Nepal posted 147 runs for the loss of 9 wickets at the Al Amerat Cricket Stadium in Oman. Nepal’s start was poor, losing both openers—Kushal Bhurtel (6) and Aasif Sheikh (11)—for just 25 runs.
Captain Rohit Paudel then steadied the innings with a responsible knock, completing his half-century off 35 balls. He shared a crucial 62-run stand for the fourth wicket with Dipendra Singh Airee, who contributed 26 runs. Paudel was eventually dismissed for 58 off 41 balls, hitting six fours and a six.
In the final overs, Gulshan Jha (16) and Sompal Kami (14) added quick runs to push Nepal to a competitive total.
For Qatar, Mirza Mohammad Baig and Daniel Archer Maria Luis each took three wickets.
With this thrilling win, Nepal extended their unbeaten run in the Super Six stage and strengthened their chances of qualifying for the ICC T20 World Cup.
