Nepal cricket team off to Australia to compete in Top End T20 Series

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 12: The Nepal national cricket team left for Australia on Monday to participate in the Top End T20 Series, scheduled to take place in Darwin from August 14 to 24.

Nepal is taking part in the tournament for the first time. 

The event features a strong and diverse line-up, including Pakistan Shaheens (Pakistan ‘A’), Bangladesh ‘A’, Chicago Kingsmen (USA), five Big Bash League academy teams—Hobart Hurricanes, Perth Scorchers, Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Stars, and Melbourne Renegades—alongside ACT Comets and local side NT Strike.

The top four teams from the league stage will advance to the semi-finals, followed by the final. 

If Nepal reaches the final, the team will play a total of eight matches. The previous edition in 2023 featured only five teams; this year’s expanded format reflects significant growth in participation.

Nepal is using the tournament as a preparation tour ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers. Captain Rohit Paudel said the Australian tour would be crucial for the team’s build-up.

“We are heading to Australia as a build-up for the T20 World Cup qualifiers. 

"The teams in Australia are strong—Big Bash sides, Pakistan and Bangladesh A teams,” Paudel said during a farewell ceremony held on Monday.

He added that the tour would greatly support Nepal’s preparations and expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness. 

“All our players seem to be in good shape ahead of the qualifiers. We had a solid 15-day camp in Bangalore recently. 

"We’re very positive about qualifying for the upcoming T20 World Cup,” he said.

Highlighting the difference in climate and playing conditions in Australia, Head Coach Stuart Law said that playing six matches in eight days would serve as excellent preparation.

Nepal first played in the T20 World Cup in 2014 in Bangladesh, and again in 2024 in the USA and West Indies. 

Now aiming for a third appearance, Nepal will compete in the Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers in Oman this October.

The qualifiers will be held from October 8 to 17. 

Nepal will face Kuwait and Japan in the group stage. The top two teams from each of the three groups will move on to the Super Six. 

From there, the top three teams will qualify for the T20 World Cup.