Nepal eye revenge on Oman

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 5: Nepal will play their final match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 home tri‑series at TU Cricket Ground on Tuesday. The Rhinos beat the UAE twice earlier in the series but suffered a heavy 102‑run defeat to Oman on 30 April.

The team will now face Oman again, hoping to settle scores and collect two crucial points. A win would give Nepal their third victory of the series and strengthen their position in the League 2 standings.

Nepal remain seventh in the eight‑team table and every point matters. Losing on Tuesday would make their task even harder as they chase a top‑six finish to retain ODI status and a top‑four spot to qualify directly for the World Cup Qualifiers.

They have 16 points from 23 matches (seven wins, 14 defeats). The four points gained against the UAE have narrowed the gap to five points behind sixth‑placed Canada and 14 behind fourth‑placed Netherlands.

Nepal still have 13 matches left. After this tri‑series, they will face table‑toppers USA and Scotland at home, where they must make the most of home advantage.

Despite the poor record, captain Rohit Paudel remains hopeful. “It is our nature to play under pressure. We are hopeful we will secure a win,” he said. “The same players who won 11 matches in the previous cycle are still here. We have already endured that level of pressure. The upcoming matches will be even more important.”

Nepal’s inconsistency has been a problem. They struggled in the wins against the UAE. They collapsed against Oman with both bat and ball. Strong batting partnerships and disciplined bowling are the basics they need to rediscover.

The return of experienced Binod Bhandari, who hit a half‑century against the UAE on 1 May, alongside debutant Arjun Kumal, gave some hope in the top order. The opening pair may likely to continue on Tuesday.

Dipendra Singh Airee has been the most reliable batter, scoring two fifties and a century in three ODIs during this home series. Vice Captain Airee said after the UAE win: “Partnerships are getting better. If we play positively, we can get a good result against Oman.”

Low crowd turnout at TU Cricket Ground has also affected the team’s energy. Players have urged fans to come and support them. High ticket prices, rising fuel costs and school and college exams may have kept fans away. To encourage attendance, the Cricket Association of Nepal has cut ticket prices from Rs 400 to Rs 200 for Tuesday’s match, and the same will apply for the USA and Scotland series from 12–22 May.

Weather could also have its say on Tuesday's match. Thunderstorms, lightning and rain are forecast across the country, with the meteorology department warning of showers over the next few days in Kathmandu.