Nepal remain unbeaten champions of T20 World Cup Asia-East Pacific Qualifier – The Himalayan Times – Nepal’s No.1 English Daily Newspaper

MUSCAT, OCTOBER 17

Nepal capped off a dominant campaign by clinching the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia-East Qualifier title, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament.

Having already secured their place in the 2026 T20 World Cup – to be held in India and Sri Lanka – two matches earlier, Nepal ended the qualifiers in style with a commanding 124-run victory over Samoa in the final match at Al Amerat, Oman.

Chasing a daunting 212-run target, Samoa were restricted to just 87/7 in their 20 overs. Lalit Rajbanshi starred with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 13 runs, while Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Rohit Paudel also chipped in with wickets.

Nepal’s Ambassador to Oman, Dormani Aryal, hands over the champions trophy to skipper Rohit Paudel. Photo: Mausam Shah ‘Nepali’/THT.

Earlier, Nepal posted an impressive 211/4, powered by half-centuries from Asif Sheikh (69 off 41) and Dipendra Singh Airee (53 off 31). Lokesh Bam played a quickfire cameo of 39* off just 12 balls, including four sixes and two fours.Skipper Rohit Paudel remained 21 not out.

In bowling, Darius Visser, Daniel Burgess, Saumani Tial, and Noah Mead took one wicket each.

Aasif Sheikh was later adjudged man-of-the-match for his match winning innings.

Aasif Sheikh collects his Man of the Match trophy following an impressive batting performance against Samoa. Photo: Mausam Shah ‘Nepali’/THT.

This marks Nepal’s first-ever qualifier title in an ICC event and their third T20 World Cup appearance (after 2014 and 2024). Nepal topped the table with 10 points, ahead of Oman and UAE, who also qualified for the global tournament.