Kathmandu, October 13 — Cricket fans witnessed a nail-biting finish as Nepal defeated Qatar by just 5 runs in the Super Six stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier 2025. The win keeps Nepal firmly in contention for a qualification berth, while Qatar’s campaign now hangs in the balance.
🧮 Match Summary
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal | 147/9 (20 overs) | |
| Qatar | 142 all out (19.5 overs) | Nepal won by 5 runs |
🇳🇵 Nepal’s Innings: Rohit Paudel Leads from the Front
Nepal’s captain Rohit Paudel once again proved his value with a gritty 58 off 41 balls, anchoring a shaky batting lineup. After early wickets fell, Paudel combined patience with controlled aggression, striking seven fours and a six.
Contributions from Dipendra Singh Airee (26 off 22) and Gulshan Jha (16 off 8) helped Nepal reach a competitive total of 147/9 on a pitch offering moderate bounce.
Qatar’s bowling was spearheaded by Mirza Mohammed Baig (3/29) and Daniel Archer (3/22), both of whom used clever changes of pace to keep Nepal in check.
🇶🇦 Qatar’s Reply: Liyanage’s Brilliance Falls Short
In response, Imal Liyanage blazed his way to 56 off 35 balls, while Zubair Ali added a steady 52 off 55. The duo’s 90-run stand looked set to power Qatar to victory, but Nepal’s bowlers clawed back in the final overs.
The star of the night was Sandeep Lamichhane, whose magical spell of 5/18 in 3.5 overs dismantled Qatar’s middle and lower order. His variations and control under pressure reminded fans why he remains one of the premier spinners in associate cricket.
🏆 Turning Points
- Lamichhane’s Double Strike (17th Over): Two wickets in one over broke Qatar’s momentum.
- Paudel’s Captain’s Knock: His fifty provided the stability Nepal desperately needed after early wickets.
- Fielding Brilliance: A diving catch by Airee in the deep dismissed Qatar’s set batsman Liyanage, sealing the match.
📊 Player of the Match
Sandeep Lamichhane (NEP) — 3.5 overs, 5 wickets for 18 runs.
“We knew one good over could change the game. The team believed till the end,” Lamichhane said post-match.
🌍 What the Result Means
The victory boosts Nepal’s chances in the Super Six standings. With one more win, they could secure a spot in the 2025 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Qatar, meanwhile, will need a big win in their final fixture and favorable results elsewhere.
🔍 Statistical Snapshot
- Highest Partnership: 90 runs (Liyanage & Zubair Ali)
- Most Sixes: Imal Liyanage – 3
- Economical Bowler: Dipendra Singh Airee – 4 overs for 20 runs
- Fall of Wickets (Qatar): 12, 58, 89, 121, 122, 126, 136, 140, 141, 142
✈️ The Road Ahead
Nepal will next face Hong Kong in a decisive Super Six encounter. A win would put them on the brink of World Cup qualification — a massive achievement for the rising cricketing nation. Qatar, despite the loss, have shown growth and resilience, signaling a bright future for Gulf cricket.
