Nepal meet Kuwait in Premier Cup semis today

By Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Apr. 29: Nepal is just two wins away from its dream to play at the prestigious Men’s Asia Cup 2023. The title victory at the ACC Men’s Premier Cup will send Nepal to the Asia Cup. The second and third place will secure their spot at the Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023.

Nepal needs to beat Kuwait in the semifinals at TU Cricket Ground on Saturday to advance into the final of the Premier Cup. 

Host Nepal has remained unbeaten and topped Group A to cruise into the semi-finals.

Nepal made a winning start in the Cup after registering six wickets victory over Malaysia. Nepal beat Oman by 84 runs and Qatar by 68 runs respectively while the match against Saudi Arabia was abandoned due to incessant downpours.

Opponent Kuwait finished Group B runners-up to fix the semis date with Nepal. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), who topped Group A, will take on Oman, runners-up of Group A, in the second semi-final at Mulpani Cricket Ground. 

The winner of both semi-finals will meet each other in the title clash on Monday. Looking back to history, Nepal has the upper hand in head-to-head against Kuwait.

Nepal had faced Kuwait thrice and defeated the latter twice. Kuwait had defeated Nepal once. 

Nepal recorded its first win against Kuwait by seven wickets during the ACC Trophy Elite, 2008 held in Malaysia. Nepal notched up eight wickets victory in the ACC Trophy Elite, 2010 held in Kathmandu. 

Kuwait recorded a four-wicket win against Nepal in the ACC Trophy Elite, 2012 held in the UAE. Meanwhile, Mulpani Cricket Ground will be getting ODI status as it hosts its first ODI match between the UAE and Oman on Saturday. Mulpani will become the 216th ground to get ODI status.