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Published on 10/17/2025
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Nepal Dominates Samoa to Clinch ICC T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier Title
Nepal Dominates Samoa to Clinch ICC T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier Title :
In a resounding display of cricketing prowess, Nepal's national team delivered an emphatic 124-run victory over Samoa in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier Super Six. The decisive match, held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1) in Oman, saw Nepal maintain a flawless record throughout the tournament and lift the coveted title. This victory is not only a significant milestone for Nepali cricket but also secures their berth in the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup.
The atmosphere leading up to this final was electric, with Nepal already having secured their spot in the T20 World Cup, making this match a quest for championship glory. They entered the game as strong favorites, riding on a wave of confidence following a series of impressive performances, including a 38-run win against Oman. Samoa, while showing promise as a developing team, faced a formidable challenge against the unbeaten Nepali side.
A Batting Masterclass: Nepal Sets a Mammoth Target :
Winning the toss, Samoa opted to bowl first, a decision they would soon come to regret as Nepal's batsmen unleashed a batting masterclass. The Nepali innings saw them pile up an imposing total of 211 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. The foundation was laid by a strong start, with Kushal Bhurtel contributing 17 off 15 balls before the first wicket fell at 63 runs.
The innings truly accelerated with Aasif Sheikh, who played a magnificent anchoring role, scoring a brilliant 69 runs off just 41 deliveries, including seven fours and four sixes. Following his dismissal, Dipendra Singh Airee continued the onslaught with a brisk 53 runs off 33 balls. The finishing touches were applied by captain Rohit Paudel, who remained unbeaten on 21 off 12 deliveries, and Lokesh Bam, who smashed a rapid 39 not out from only 12 balls, propelling Nepal past the 210-run mark.
Samoa's Struggle: Nepal's Bowlers Dominate :
Chasing a daunting target of 212, Samoa's reply was met with fierce resistance from Nepal's bowlers, who collectively dismantled their batting lineup. From the outset, wickets tumbled at regular intervals, making it incredibly difficult for Samoa to build any significant partnerships. Darius Visser fell early for four runs, and other top-order batsmen like Benjamin Mailata and Solomon Nash also departed cheaply, putting immense pressure on the Samoan side.
Despite a valiant effort from Sean Solia, who scored 40 runs, he found little support from his teammates. Lalit Rajbanshi was the wrecker-in-chief for Nepal, claiming three crucial wickets for just 13 runs. Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, and Rohit Paudel each chipped in with a wicket, further stifling Samoa's chase. Ultimately, Samoa could only manage 87 for 7 in their 20 overs, falling short by a massive 124 runs, showcasing the comprehensive nature of Nepal's victory.
The Road to the 2026 T20 World Cup :
This triumph in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier not only crowned Nepal as champions but also officially confirmed their qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup. This marks Nepal's second consecutive entry into the prestigious global tournament, having previously participated in 2014. The Rhinos will be joining Oman and UAE, who also secured their berths from the Asia & EAP qualifiers.
The journey through the qualifiers saw Nepal remain unbeaten, demonstrating their growing strength and consistency in the T20 format. Their strategic planning, strong individual performances, and cohesive team effort have paid dividends, solidifying their position on the international cricket stage. Fans eagerly await to see how Nepal will fare against the world's best teams in the upcoming World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
Player Performances and Key Moments :
Several individual performances stood out in this pivotal match. Aasif Sheikh's aggressive yet controlled 69 runs set the tone for Nepal's formidable total, earning him recognition for his crucial contribution. Dipendra Singh Airee's rapid fifty ensured that the momentum gained was not lost, providing the much-needed acceleration in the middle overs.
On the bowling front, Lalit Rajbanshi's spell was particularly impactful, breaking the back of Samoa's chase with his three wickets. The collective effort of the Nepali bowlers to maintain tight lines and lengths, coupled with excellent fielding, prevented Samoa from ever truly threatening the target. These individual brilliance moments, combined with strategic team play, ultimately sealed Nepal's dominant victory.
Pitch Conditions and Strategic Insights :
The match was played at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground, a venue known for its pitch that generally favors batsmen, offering good bounce and pace. Historically, teams batting first have had a significant advantage at this ground, winning nearly 82% of the matches. The average first-innings score is around 166, which Nepal comfortably surpassed by posting 211.
Samoa's decision to bowl first, despite the pitch's historical傾向 for batting-first teams, proved to be a gamble that did not pay off. Nepal capitalized on the favorable conditions, executing their batting plans with precision. Their ability to adapt and exploit the pitch to their advantage was a key strategic factor in their overwhelming victory.
Looking Ahead: Nepal's Future in International Cricket :
This resounding victory and qualification for the 2026 T20 World Cup underscore Nepal's steady rise in international cricket. The team's consistent performances in regional qualifiers highlight their growing talent pool and improved infrastructure. With this momentum, Nepal will be keen to make a significant impact on the global stage, showcasing their skills against top-tier cricketing nations.
The exposure gained from playing in major tournaments like the T20 World Cup is invaluable for the development of Nepali cricket. It provides opportunities for players to hone their skills, gain experience, and inspire a new generation of cricketers back home. The future looks bright for Nepali cricket as they continue their journey to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing world.