With a comprehensive win over Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier play-off match at the Old Hararians Sports Club in Zimbabwe, Nepal joined the elite group of world nations who are eligible to play One Day Internationals (ODI).

With this victory, Nepali cricket team edged out Hong Kong and PNG in the three-way battle for the lone ODI spot. The Nepali team will retain its ODI and T20 International status for the next four years and will feature in the World Cricket League Championship and Inter Continental Cup, among others.

Electing to field first after winning the toss, Nepal bundled out the PNG team for a paltry 114 runs in just 27.2 overs. Nepal chased down the target within 23 overs losing only four wickets in the process.

All-round Display from Airee

Dipendra Singh Airee was the star of the day with an unbeaten half-century and claiming four wickets conceding only 14 runs. Dipendra was adjudged the ‘Man of the Match’ for his splendid performance.

Sandeep Shines Once Again!

The 17-year-old spin sensation Sandeep Lamichhane took his wicket tally in the tournament to 11 with a haul of 4/29 against PNG.

Elated at the victory, Sandeep reached out to Twitter to say, “To the well-wishers of Nepal Cricket: It’s the “Result” of Years of “Hard Work”! Years of “Patience”! Hard work of many “Legends” and here we are now. A big proud day for all the people of Nepal. What a beautiful journey so far. Together its Possible. Nepal – An ODI Nation!”.

Meanwhile, Captain Paras Khadka was also overwhelmed at the new status. “Thank you everyone for the support… Just been years and years of toil, persistence, sacrifices, commitment and hard work. Finally, WE BECOME An ODI nation. Congratulations to everyone who has been part of Nepal cricket’s incredible journey!” he tweeted.

Nepal now meets Netherlands in a face-off for the seventh position at Kwekwe on March 17, 2018, while PNG and Hong Kong clash in the match to decide the bottom two positions in the tournament.

The post Nepal Scripts History, Secures ODI Status appeared first on Nepali Sansar.

With this victory, the Nepali team improved its chances of qualifying to play as a full-fledged One Day International (ODI) nation.

Superlative Bowling from Sandeep!

Opting to bat first, Hong Kong managed to score 153 runs before falling out at the 49th over. Spin sensation Sandeep Lamichhane took three wickets conceding just 17 runs in addition to bowling an astounding 53 dot balls in 10 overs.

Seamer Karan KC and left-arm spinner Basant Regmi took a couple of wickets each. Regmi also bowled four maiden overs in his spell.

For Hong Kong, opener Nizakat Khan was the top scorer with 47 runs, while skipper Babar Hayat scored 20 runs.

Paudel Leads the Chase

Chasing a 154-run target, Nepal got off to a poor start and were reeling at 66-5 at one stage. However, 15-year old Rohit Paudel and all-rounder Sompal Kami went on for an unbroken partnership of 89 runs to lead Nepali team to victory.

Paudel was awarded the ‘Man of the Match’ for his unbeaten 48, which included five boundaries. Kami remained not-out with 37 runs.

Net run-rate plays Spoilsport

Despite securing equal points with Afghanistan by virtue of the win over Hong Kong, Nepal narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Super Sixes with a slightly-lower net run-rate.

However, all is not lost for the Nepali team. It will now hope to defeat Papua New Guinea in the first match of the consolation bracket playoff and secure its ODI status.

The post Win Over Hong Kong Takes Nepal Closer to ODI Status appeared first on Nepali Sansar.