Nepal registered their second win in the ICC World Cricket League Division 3, defeating Oman by 28 runs at the National Cricket Ground in Bermuda.
After being sent in to bat first, Nepal posted a modest total of 160/9 in 50 overs. Despite the low score, Nepal's spin attack delivered a match-winning performance, restricting Oman to 132 runs in 46.4 overs.
Nepal’s batting struggled from the outset. After losing opener Subash Khakurel early for just 1 run, the team was under immediate pressure. The top and lower middle order failed to build partnerships, leaving Nepal in a vulnerable position.
Gyanendra Malla, batting at number three, provided some resistance with a composed 34 off 49 balls, easing the early tension. Binod Bhandari top-scored with 35 off 50 balls, while Paras Khadka (28) and Sharad Vesawkar (27) added valuable contributions. No other batsman reached double figures, as the team limped to 160.
Oman started their chase steadily, reaching 31/0 in 10 overs. However, Nepal struck back with crucial wickets at regular intervals. Sagar Pun removed the well-set Ajay Lalcheta (24) to break the opening stand, and Ramesh Subasinghe fell soon after.
By the 20-over mark, Oman were 45/2 and starting to lose momentum. Basanta Regmi dismissed Jatinder Singh, and a steady partnership of 31 runs was broken when captain Wategnaokar was dismissed for 27. From that point on, Nepal’s spinners took control of the game.
Oman collapsed under pressure, falling short by 28 runs.
Nepal’s spin quartet accounted for six of the seven wickets taken by bowlers. The remaining three batters were run out attempting to accelerate the run rate. Basanta Regmi was the pick of the bowlers, returning outstanding figures of 9-5-18-3. Sanjam Regmi claimed 2 wickets, while Shakti Gauchan and Prithu Baskota took one apiece.
With this win, Nepal now have 4 points from 4 matches. Their qualification for the final depends on the outcome of the Bermuda vs. USA match. Even if USA lose, Nepal will need a convincing win over Italy to advance on net run rate.
