In a thrilling encounter at the Mulpani Cricket Ground, Nepal clinched a coveted spot in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 by beating the UAE in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier.
The victory marked Nepal’s return to the global cricketing stage, earning them a place in the tournament set to take place in the US and West Indies.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the UAE faced a challenging Mulpani pitch. Despite a strong start by captain Muhammad Wassem, the team stumbled after losing two quick wickets. The slowish pitch proved favorable to spinners, hindering the UAE batters’ performance.
Kushal Malla emerged as the standout bowler, claiming three wickets in three overs, while Sandeep Lamichhane played a crucial role, securing two wickets and conceding only 14 runs in four overs. Vriitya Aravind, however, displayed resilience, scoring an impressive 64 as the UAE posted a total of 134 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
In response, Nepal began their innings positively. Despite the early loss of opener Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh took on the anchor role, guiding the team alongside Gulshan Jha. Sheikh’s contribution of 65 runs and a late burst from Rohit Paudel, who scored 35 off 21 balls, ensured Nepal’s successful chase.
This triumph marked Nepal’s second qualification for the T20 World Cup, a decade after their inaugural appearance in 2014. The team showcased exceptional skills and determination, paving the way for an exciting journey in the upcoming global tournament.