KATHMANDU: Nepal’s journey in the ICC U-19 World Cup Asia Qualifier came to an end after Saturday’s crucial match against Afghanistan was called off due to wet outfield conditions.
As a result, Afghanistan has qualified for the 2026 U-19 World Cup, co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Nepal needed a win to secure qualification, but with both teams tied on 6 points before the match, Afghanistan had the edge due to a superior net run rate.
With the match abandoned, both teams shared points, bringing their total to 7 each. However, Afghanistan’s better run rate secured them the sole qualifying spot.
The match was scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM at the lower Mulpani Cricket Ground. While most of the field, including the 30-yard circle, had dried, the wet outfield near the boundary line made play unsafe.
Match officials later confirmed that even a minimum 20-over game was not possible. Despite hopes for a start by 2 PM, the ground could not be made ready, leading to the match being officially called off.
Nepal has previously played in the ICC U-19 World Cup eight times.
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