ICC World Cup League 2: Nepal lost to Oman

Kathmandu / Sept 19: Oman snatched a dramatic one-wicket victory over Nepal in a thrilling encounter during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match in King City, Canada on Wednesday, chasing down a 221-run target with just one ball to spare.

After being put in to bat, Nepal struggled to build momentum early on. The opening pair of Arjun Saud (5) and Aasif Sheikh (11) fell cheaply, leaving Nepal in trouble at 22-2 in the 11th over. Bhim Sharki (11) also departed soon after, further slowing down Nepal’s progress.

Captain Rohit Paudel anchored the innings with a solid 60 off 72 balls, stabilising the innings after the early collapse. He received support from Aarif Sheikh (35 off 88), who played a patient knock, ensuring the team reached a respectable total.

The turning point of Nepal’s innings came when Gulsan Jha walked to the crease. Jha blasted 53 off just 35 balls, including five sixes and three boundaries, lifting Nepal to 220-9 by the end of their 50 overs.

Oman’s bowlers were disciplined, with Kaleemullah (2-39) and Fayyaz Butt (2-36) leading the attack. Aqib Ilyas and Shoaib Khan chipped in with two and one wicket respectively, while Shakeel Ahmed was the most economical, conceding just 29 runs in his 10 overs.

In response, Oman made a strong start, with openers Kashyap Prajapati (36 off 52) and Jatinder Singh (41 off 49) laying a solid foundation. Their partnership for the first wicket gave Oman the platform to chase the target comfortably.

However, Nepal’s spinners brought them back into the game. Legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane trapped Jatinder Singh LBW, while Gulsan Jha spun magic with his five-wicket haul, dismissing Aqib Ilyas (29), Ayaan Khan (9), Shoaib Khan (26), and Fayyaz Butt (8), leaving Oman in a precarious position at 198-8.

Shakeel Ahmed, batting at number nine, held his ground with an unbeaten 17 off 24 balls. Jay Odedra was dismissed for 5, but Kaleemullah’s crucial 6 not out, alongside Ahmed, took Oman across the finish line in the final over.

Gulsan Jha was the standout performer for Nepal, taking 5-47 in his 10 overs to go along with his half-century. Despite his all-round heroics, Nepal couldn’t prevent Oman from securing a thrilling win.