By defeating the United Arab Emirates by nine runs (using the D/L method) in their final World Cup League 2 triangular series match on Thursday at the TU cricket venue, Nepal has earned an automatic spot in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers.
In the decisive match, the United Arab Emirates set a lofty 311-run target for Nepal.
As a result of poor lighting, the further play was not feasible when Nepal reached 269 runs with the loss of six wickets in 44 overs.
Aarif Sheikh scored 52 runs, while Bhim Sharki scored 67 runs to lead Nepal in scoring. Gulsan Jha and Kushal Bhurtel each scored 50 runs.
Two Nepali batsmen were sent back to the pavilion by Aayan Afzal Khan, who took three wickets for the UAE.
ICC Cricket World Cup League Two: Match Highlights
After winning the toss and deciding to bat first, the visitors scored 310 runs in their allotted 50 overs while losing six wickets.
UAE batsman Asif Khan achieved an undefeated century in just 41 balls after entering the fray at position six in the 38th over.
With the help of 11 sixes and four boundaries, he scored 101 runs in 42 deliveries to attain the milestone.
The Nepali bowlers’ struggle to consistently take wickets in response allowed the visitors to score a sizable total.
In 2.5 overs, Lalit Rajbanshi dismissed opener Aryan Lakra (6 runs) for his first wicket.
Sandeep Lamichhane caught UAE captain Muhammed Waseem leg-before in 16.2 overs, giving Nepal until the 17th over to see the dismissal of another UAE batsman.
Rizwan Chundangapoyil (3 runs) was run out after 22.6 overs. After being caught by Gulshan Jha off a delivery from Dipendra Singh Airee, Aayan Afzal Khan followed him in 26.1 overs.
In 37.3 overs, Airee also claimed the wicket of Rohan Mustafa by leg-before trapping him.
ODI World Cup 2023: What is the Qualifier?
The Qualification will determine the remaining two spots for the October and November 2023 World Cup in India.
India, the hosts, automatically qualified. By the ICC rankings, Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, and Pakistan have already clinched their spots.
Zimbabwe and the Netherlands have already committed to competing in the international qualifier.
Three more ODI Super League teams—from the West Indies, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Ireland—will join them.
Nepal has now joined League 2 together with Oman, Scotland, and another team. The Qualification Play-off will determine the final two positions.
ODI World Cup 2023: Teams who already qualified
The top eight finishers in the Cricket World Cup Super League, a competition that has taken place over the last three years and features the best 13 sides in the world of cricket, earn a spot in the first eight teams of the 10-team World Cup.
England now leads the race with 155 points, securing seven of the eight berths (15 wins and a no-result).
Afghanistan’s 115 points (11 victories and a no-result) are the lowest among already-safe teams, while six other teams have point totals that guarantee a top-eight spot.
Furthermore finished with their earned points are Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand.
ICC Cricket World Cup League Two: NEP vs UAE Playing XI
Nepal Squad: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Kushal Malla, Rohit Paudel (c), Bhim Sharki, Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Sandeep Lamichhane, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Lalit Rajbanshi
United Arab Emirates Squad: Aryan Lakra, Muhammad Waseem (c), Vriitya Aravind, Chundangapoyil Rizwan, Aayan Afzal Khan, Asif Khan, Rohan Mustafa, Ashwanth Chidambaram (wk), Hazrat Bilal, Junaid Siddique, Zahoor Khan
Also Read: IPL 2023 Tickets Available: RCB Announces Ticket Price For Home Games, How To Buy, Details Here
