Kathmandu, 31 October: Nepal clinched the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifier title, defeating Samoa by a commanding 124 runs in the final match held at the Oman Cricket Academy Turf–1 in Al Amerat, Oman.
Remaining unbeaten throughout the qualifying tournament, Nepal capped its dominant campaign with a decisive victory. Chasing a formidable target of 212 runs, Samoa managed only 87 for seven in the allotted 20 overs. Sean Solia top-scored for Samoa with 40 runs, while Nepal’s Lalit Rajbanshi took three wickets. Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, and captain Rohit Paudel each claimed one wicket.
Earlier, put in to bat after losing the toss, Nepal posted a strong total of 211 for four in 20 overs. Opener Aasif Sheikh led the innings with 69 runs off 41 balls, smashing seven fours and four sixes — his career-best in T20 internationals. Dipendra Singh Airee added a brisk 53 off 33 balls with two boundaries and four sixes. Lokesh Bam contributed an unbeaten 39, while skipper Paudel remained not out on 21.
For Samoa, Daniel Burgess, Saumani Tiai, Darius Visser, and Nuha Mid each took one wicket.
Nepal had earlier defeated Kuwait and Japan in the group stage, then edged past the UAE by one run and Qatar by five runs in the Super Six phase. In its final Super Six match, Nepal beat host Oman by 38 runs to seal the championship.
With this victory, Nepal, along with the UAE and Oman, has qualified for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026.
