Kathmandu: Nepal is set to make its second appearance at the T20 World Cup after a triumphant performance in the World Cup T-20 Asian Qualifier finals. The team secured its spot by defeating the formidable rival, UAE, with an impressive 8-wicket victory in the semi-final.

Facing a target of 135 runs for victory at Mulpani Cricket Ground, Nepal showcased a stellar performance, winning with 2 wickets remaining and 17.1 overs to spare. Asif Sheikh led the charge, scoring an unbeaten 63 off 50 balls, while captain Rohit Paudel delivered an impressive 35 not out off 21 balls. Other notable contributions came from Gulsan Jha (22 runs off 24 balls) and Kushal Bhurtel (11 runs).

Earlier, UAE batted first after winning the toss but managed only 134 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. The top scorer for UAE was Bhrittiya Arvind, with 64 runs. Captain Muhammad Wasim added 26 runs, and Alishan Sharafu chipped in with 16 runs. Nepal's Kushal Malla was the standout bowler, claiming 3 wickets for just 11 runs. Sandeep Lamichhane took 2 wickets, while Sompal Kami and Captain Rohit Paudel took 1 wicket each. Nepal also executed two successful run-outs, showcasing excellent fielding skills.

In the T20 World Cup, Nepal had previously made its debut in 2014 and is now eager to participate in the upcoming 2024 World Cup, jointly hosted by the West Indies and America from June 4 to 30, 2024.

In the second semi-final, Oman secured a spot in the finals and, subsequently, the World Cup. Oman triumphed over Bahrain with a commanding 10-wicket victory at the Tribhuwan University ground in Kirtipur. Chasing a small target of 107 runs, Oman reached the goal without losing a wicket in 14.1 overs. Kashyap Prajapati scored 57 runs off 44 balls, while Pratik Athavale contributed 48 runs from 41 balls.

During the Bahrain innings, they managed to score 106 runs for the loss of 9 wickets, with Akib Ilyas taking 4 wickets. The top scorer for Bahrain was Imran Ali, who contributed 30 runs. Both Oman and Nepal, who reached the finals of the qualifiers, have secured their places in the World Cup.

The final match is scheduled to take place on Sunday, and 20 teams will compete in the 2024 World Cup. While the top 12 ranked teams will automatically qualify, the remaining 8 teams will be selected through the same rigorous qualification process.