KATHMANDU: Nepal, having already secured a spot in next year’s ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, will take on Samoa today in what amounts to a final match of the Super Six stage in the East Asia Pacific Qualifier in Oman.
After defeating Oman by 38 runs on Wednesday night, Nepal’s chances of claiming the qualifier title have strengthened significantly. With 8 points, Nepal sits at the top of the standings. UAE and Oman are tied at 6 points, but UAE has no matches remaining, while Oman will face Japan today.
If Nepal defeats Samoa, it will finish undefeated and clinch the title. Both Oman and UAE have also already qualified for the World Cup via the Super Six stage. Japan, Qatar, and Samoa have been eliminated.
Today’s match is effectively a decider: Nepal leads with 8 points, while Samoa remains winless. Captain Rohit Poudel, already fulfilled his dream of World Cup qualification with the win over Oman, now aims to lift the trophy. Although this is Nepal’s third qualification overall, it would be the first time they win the Super Six title.
Nepal and Samoa will meet at 4:15 pm today at Oman’s designated venue. Meanwhile, the Japan–Oman match begins at 11:45 am. If Oman beats Japan, the title may come down to run rate; if Oman loses, Nepal could clinch the title even before their match against Samoa.
Comment