Nepal Secures 5-Wicket Win Over Japan in T20 World Cup Qualifier
Nepal clinched a 5-wicket victory over Japan in their final Group B match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier 2025 at Oman Cricket Academy Ground, thanks to an all-round masterclass from Gulsan Jha. Chasing 132, Nepal reached the target in 18 overs, finishing at 132/5 to enter the Super Six stage with 2 points.
Nepal’s Chase Anchored by Openers, Sealed by Jha
Nepal’s openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh provided a solid start, forging a 36-run partnership. Bhurtel scored 21 off 21 balls (3×4), while Sheikh smashed 38 off 21 (4×6, 1×4). However, a mid-innings wobble saw Nepal lose quick wickets: captain Rohit Paudel (18), Sandeep Jora (5), and Kushal Malla (4). Gulsan Jha (28* off 20, 2×6, 1×4) and Dipendra Singh Airee (14* off 14) steadied the ship, guiding Nepal to victory with an unbeaten 34-run stand. Japan’s Shoma Slater took 2 wickets.
Japan’s Innings Stifled by Nepal’s Bowling
Electing to field after winning the toss, Nepal restricted Japan to 131/8. Japan’s openers, captain Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming and Isham Rahman, built a crucial 86-run stand for the second wicket. Fleming top-scored with 60 off 46 balls (5×4, 3×6), while Rahman made 31 off 25 (1×4, 2×6). Nepal clawed back when Sompal Kami dismissed Rahman in the 13th over, followed by Jha removing Fleming, caught by Paudel. Japan, who were 97/1 after 13.4 overs, collapsed to add just 34 more runs, losing 7 wickets. Jha (2 wickets) and Sandeep Lamichhane (2/25) led the bowling, with Kami and Nandan Yadav taking one each. Jha’s all-round heroics earned him Player of the Match.
Key Moments
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Jha’s Dual Impact: His unbeaten 28 and 2 wickets turned the game in Nepal’s favor.
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Japan’s Collapse: Losing 7 wickets for 34 runs after a strong start handed Nepal control.
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Opening Firepower: Bhurtel and Sheikh’s aggressive start set the tone for the chase.
Super Six Awaits
Both Nepal and Japan had already qualified for the Super Six stage. With this win, Nepal carry 2 points forward. They will face UAE, Qatar, and two other teams in the Super Six, starting with UAE on Sunday, October 12. The top three teams from the Super Six will qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and Nepal’s momentum positions them as strong contenders.