Nepal triumphed over Oman by 10 runs in a thrilling match, finishing sixth in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 standings on Monday.
Batting first, Nepal scored 280 runs in 50 overs, while Oman managed 270 runs for six wickets in their innings, falling short of the 281-run target.
With this victory, Nepal earned 30 points from 36 matches, surpassing Canada in the standings and solidifying their position in the quest to maintain their ODI status.
Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Airee Lead Nepal’s Recovery with Key Fifties
After a shaky start, Nepal reached a competitive total of 280, thanks to half centuries from Dev Khanal, former captain Rohit Paudel, and Dipendra Singh Airee.
Khanal scored 57 runs off 65 balls, while Paudel contributed an unbeaten 80 runs from 80 balls. Airee also remained not out with 69 runs off 62 balls, including four sixes.
Paudel and Airee formed a crucial partnership, adding 139 runs for the fourth wicket after Nepal was struggling at 99 for three during the Powerplay.
Oman’s Shah Faisal took five wickets for 57 runs, while Jay Odedra claimed three wickets as Nepal lost their last five wickets for 101 runs before the end of their innings. The lower order added excitement, with Basir Ahmed scoring 17 runs off just seven balls.
Oman Falls Short in Chase as Nepal Secures Victory
Oman posted a strong total of 270 runs for six wickets in their 50 overs.
Jatinder Singh and Hammad Mirza built a solid partnership, scoring 89 and 87 runs, respectively, for the second wicket.
However, Nepal broke this crucial partnership, reducing Oman to 232 for six wickets. Hasnain Shah contributed an unbeaten 40 runs off 23 balls but could not lead his team to victory.
In the end, Nepal clinched the match by 10 runs, with Dipendra Singh Airee taking care of Oman’s lower order for a narrow win.
Nepal Finishes Sixth in League 2
This win followed a tough 15 run loss to Canada on Saturday, which had dropped Nepal to seventh place in the league table.
With 28 points from 35 matches, Nepal was close to losing their ODI status in the World Cup Qualifier League 2.
Canada had 29 points from 36 matches before facing Nepal.
Now, with 30 points, Nepal finishes sixth overall, fighting to retain their ODI status, contingent on ICC regulations. This positive outcome comes as they aim for consistency in the series.