Rohit Paudel’s half-century and Sandeep Lamichhane’s five-wicket haul powered Nepal to a thrilling 5-run win over Qatar in the T20 World Cup Asia and EAP Qualifiers.
Batting first, Nepal posted 147/9 with Paudel leading from the front, scoring 58 off 41 balls. Despite early setbacks as both openers fell cheaply, Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee stabilized the innings with a crucial 62-run stand for the fourth wicket.
In reply, Qatar’s openers Imal Liyanage (56 off 35) and Zubair Ali (52 off 55) gave their side a commanding start, adding 79 runs for the first wicket. But the momentum shifted once Lamichhane came into the attack — dismantling the middle order with a brilliant spell of 5 for 18. Qatar crumbled from 100/1 to 142 all out, falling just short of the target.
Lamichhane was well supported by Nandan Yadav (2 wickets) and Dipendra Singh Airee (1 wicket). With this win, Nepal extend their unbeaten run and move within one victory of securing their spot in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Nepal face Oman next on October 15.
