Invincible Nepal clinch Qualifier title

By Pramod Joshi,Kathmandu, Oct. 18: Nepal has qualified for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as champions of the Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers.

The Rhinos defeated Samoa by 124 runs in their final match, lifting the trophy after remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament.

Nepal won all five of their Super Six matches, collecting 10 points. Earlier in the group stage, they beat Kuwait and Japan. Carrying two points into the Super Six, Nepal went on to defeat Qatar, UAE, Oman, and Samoa to finish top of the table. 

Oman came second with eight points from four wins and one loss, while the UAE finished third with six points.

Nepal, along with hosts Oman and the UAE, have secured their places in next year’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Qatar, Japan, and Samoa, who finished fourth, fifth, and sixth respectively, missed out on qualification.

Skipper Rohit Paudel expressed pride in his team: “I’m really proud of the boys. Everyone stepped up in different matches and turned the game in Nepal’s favour.” 

“The last two games were comfortable. We had a few hiccups early on, especially with the bat, but came back strong with the ball. Our fielding was also excellent. Overall, it was a great tournament for us.” 

“Gulshan gave us momentum in the first four games—he was a standout performer. Dipendra contributed in all departments: fielding, bowling, and batting. He’s a complete package. Sandeep bowled well, and Kushal and Aasif batted consistently throughout the series. It was a brilliant team effort.”

Nepal and Samoa faced each other for the first time in the final match of the qualifiers. Samoa won the toss and chose to field first at Al Amerat Cricket Ground on Friday.

Powered by half-centuries from Aasif Sheikh and Dipendra Singh Airee, Nepal posted an imposing total of 212 runs for the loss of four wickets in 20 overs. In reply, Samoa managed only 87 runs for seven wickets in their full quota of overs.

Sean Solia (40 off 37 balls) and Benjamin Mailata (11 off 14) were the only Samoa batters to reach double figures.

Lalit Rajbanshi was Nepal’s standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for just 13 runs. Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Rohit Paudel claimed one wicket each.

Nepal’s innings began with a solid 63-run opening partnership between Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh. Bhurtel was bowled in the seventh over for 17 runs off 15 balls, including two fours and a six.

Vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee joined Aasif at the crease. Aasif reached his half-century with a six off Darius Visser on his 31st ball, hitting six fours and three sixes. He was eventually caught for 69 runs off 41 balls—his highest score in T20 Internationals, surpassing his previous best of 68 against the West Indies. He was named Player of the Match.

Nepal were 110 for 2 in the 12th over when Arif Sheikh, playing his first match of the tournament, was dismissed LBW for 9 runs.

Airee continued his fine form, smashing a six off Daniel Burgess in the 17th over to complete his tenth T20I half-century. He was dismissed shortly after for 53 runs, which included two fours and four sixes. Nepal’s fourth wicket fell at 160 runs.

Lokesh Bam then played a blistering knock, scoring an unbeaten 39 runs off just 12 balls, with four sixes and two fours—his highest T20I score to date. Samoa dropped two catches off him in the final over. Captain Rohit Paudel remained not out on 21.

For Samoa, Darius Visser, Daniel Burgess, Saumani Tiai, and Noah Mead each took one wicket.