NEWS
Follow UsThere was no better sight than the home fans watching their side Nepal, qualify for the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup at the newly inaugurated Mulpani Cricket Ground. Nepal overcame a tougher opponent in the form of the United Arab Emirates on Friday (November 3) to qualify for the final of the Asia Qualifier event.
It was a one-way traffic with the bat after Kushal Malla’s 3/11, which helped Nepal restrict Muhammad Waseem and co to just 134/9 in their 20 overs. Opener Aasif Sheikh put on a show with the bat, scoring 64 off just 51 balls, finding able partners in the form of Gulshan Jha (22) and skipper Rohit Paudel (34), who helped Nepal chase the total down in just 17.1 overs.
Also Read: Monty Desai: Asia Cup an opportunity for Nepal to show we belong here
While it was a tougher opponent, the result was always obvious, considering the inroads that Nepal cricket has made over the last few years. Earlier this year, under the tutelage of Monty Desai, Nepal gave tough competition in patches to the teams at the Asia Cup before their strong show at the Asian Games, where they eventually succumbed to a strong Indian unit.
On the other hand, Oman beat Bahrain in a rather one-sided contest. First, Oman crushed Bahrain’s hopes of qualification, reducing them to just 106 after their quota of 20 overs before batting domination proved to be fateful for Bahrain.
Both Kashyap Prajapati and Pratik Athavale scored half-centuries in the run-chase as Oman downed Bahrain with nearly six overs to spare, becoming the second team to qualify for the 2024 event from this Qualifier.
Right now, 18 teams have finalised their spots for next year's event in the West Indies and the United States of America. The final two spots would be completed later this year at the African Qualifier, with Namibia and Zimbabwe firm favourites to round the total of 20 teams at the event.
