Kathmandu, June 7: Nepal reached in the final of the Asian Games Men’s T20I Qualifier with a brilliant eight-wicket win over Oman in the first semi-final at the Singapore National Cricket Ground on Saturday.
After winning the toss, Nepal opted to field first. Nepal succeeded to restrict Oman in just 94 runs in the 19.4 overs. Nepali bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings, preventing Oman from building a significant partnership. Oman captain Sufyan Mehmood top scored with 38 runs. He was caught out with the ball from Sompal Kami.
In reply, Nepal chased down the target comfortably, reaching 95/2 in only 9.2 overs. Opener Lokesh Bam scored unbeaten 43 off 25 balls with 1 six and 7 fours, while captain Rohit Paudel remained unbeaten on 17 runs with 2 fours. Opener Kushal Bhurtel managed to score 20 runs off 8 balls. He hit 1 six and 3 fours.
All-rounder Karan KC was named Player of the Match for his influential contribution in Nepal’s dominant performance. He took 3 important wickets. Likewise, leg spinner Sandeep Lamichhane and Sompal Kami took 2-wickets each, while Shahab Alam, Kushal Malla and Dipendra Singh Airee took 1-wicket each.
Nepal was already qualified for the Asian Games along with Oman, Malaysia and Hong Kong. The four teams will join Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Japan in the ten-team competition starting September 24 as part of the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
However, Nepal will vie with Hong Kong tomorrow in the Qualifier Finale for the title.
