Nepal mark historic achievement by securing berth in T20 World Cup 2024

In a historic moment for Nepal cricket, the side made a triumphant return to the T20 World Cup. After defeating the UAE in the qualifiers, Nepal made it to the prestigious tournament that is slated to begin in 2024. Notably, the T20 World Cup 2024 is all set to take place in the USA and the West Indies in June 2024.

Taking on the UAE at the Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu on Friday, November 3, Nepal registered an emphatic eight-wicket win and qualified for the competition.

Nepal last made an appearance in the T20 World Cup back in 2014, and after a 10-year long hiatus from the tournament, the side and the fans will be lying in desperation to compete in the competition and potentially do well. 

Aasif Sheikh’s brilliance propelled Nepal to T20 World Cup

Talking of the game, Nepal took on the UAE in the 2nd semi-final of the T20 World Cup Qualifiers. The game began with the UAE coming in to bat first, and the side got off to a subpar start as Muhammad Waseem and Khalid Shah were dismissed for 26 and three runs, respectively. 

Vriitya Aravind played a resilient knock and stabilised the side’s innings. Scoring 64 runs in 51 deliveries, and with Alishan Sharafu adding 16 runs on the board, the UAE managed to post a total of 134 runs on the board in the first innings. 

As for Nepal, Kushal Malla was the highest wicket taker with three wickets to his name. Sandeep Lamichhane took two wickets, with Sompal Kami and Rohit Paudel striking once each. 

Aiming to chase down the target of 135 runs, Nepal hit an early roadblock as Kushal Bhurtel was sent packing for just 11 runs. However, opener Aasif Sheikh played a brilliant innings, scoring 64 runs in 51 deliveries, he brought Nepal within touching distance of a win. Rohit Paudel added 34 runs on the board and won the game for Nepal by eight wickets and helped them qualify for the T20 World Cup.