Nepal crowned champions of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier 2025

Nepal have been crowned champions of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia & East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier 2025/26, finishing their campaign unbeaten after a commanding 124-run victory over Samoa in their final Super Six match in Al Amerat.

With the triumph, Nepal — led by Rohit Paudel — not only topped the Super Six table but also secured their back-to-back T20 World Cup berth, joining hosts India and Sri Lanka, along with Oman and the United Arab Emirates, in the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Unbeaten Run of Dominance

The Rhinos delivered a campaign filled with consistency, composure, and class. Nepal opened their account with a strong 58-run win over Kuwait, followed by a five-wicket victory against Japan. They then showcased nerves of steel in back-to-back thrillers — edging out UAE by 1 run and Qatar by 5 runs — before sealing qualification with a 38-run win over Oman.

The final clash against Samoa was nothing short of a statement: Nepal racked up 211/4, their highest total of the tournament, and bundled out Samoa for just 87 runs, completing a 124-run rout to remain unbeaten throughout the tournament.

Heroes of the Tournament

The campaign saw standout performances across the squad.

Sandeep Lamichhane once again proved to be Nepal’s trump card, finishing with 12 wickets at an average of 10.25, including a match-winning 5/18 against Qatar — a spell that turned the tide in Nepal’s qualification campaign. His impact with the ball was unmatched throughout the tournament, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker overall.

Kushal Bhurtel emerged as Nepal’s leading run-scorer and the second-highest overall in the tournament. He amassed 207 runs at an average of 34.50, striking 18 fours and 7 sixes across six innings. Despite a relatively modest strike rate of 116.94, Bhurtel’s two half-centuries laid the platform for several of Nepal’s victories.

Aasif Sheikh continued his fine run of form at the top of the order, blending consistency with flair. His fluent 69 off 41 balls in the final match against Samoa earned him the Player of the Match award and capped off a strong campaign. Aasif finished with 195 runs at an average of 32.50 and a strike rate of 131.75, solidifying his position as one of Nepal’s most reliable batters.

Dipendra Singh Airee remained the heartbeat of Nepal’s middle order, contributing in both facets of the game. He scored 116 runs and picked up four wickets, including a crucial 3/22 in the tense one-run victory over UAE — underlining his value as Nepal’s premier all-rounder.

Skipper Rohit Paudel rediscovered his touch at the perfect time, anchoring the innings with a vital 58 off 42 balls against Qatar. His leadership under pressure and calm presence in high-stakes moments were instrumental in Nepal’s unbeaten campaign.

Gulshan Jha was another standout performer, making valuable contributions with both bat and ball. He scored 96 runs, often producing explosive cameos — 20 (6) vs Kuwait, 28 (20) vs Japan, 14 (5) vs UAE, 16 (8) vs Qatar, and 18 (10) vs Oman — maintaining a strike rate well above 180. With the ball, Jha claimed six wickets, including a best of 3/31 against Oman, showcasing his growing importance as a genuine all-round option for Nepal.

Teamwork and Depth

Nepal's unbeaten run was a testament to their growing depth. From Gulshan Jha's explosive cameos, Lalit Rajbanshi's control in the middle overs, to Sompal Kami's experience in pressure moments, every player contributed when it mattered most.

The bowling unit, spearheaded by Lamichhane and supported by Rajbanshi, Airee, and young Nandan Yadav, consistently choked oppositions and defended low totals — a hallmark of Nepal's fight and tactical maturity.

Nepal were not only good with ball, bat but also with their electrifying fielding. Dipendra Singh Airee produced 5 run-outs in 5 matches.

Road to India and Sri Lanka 2026

With qualification secured, Nepal have now booked their place in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, set to be hosted in India and Sri Lanka. This marks Nepal's second consecutive T20 World Cup appearance, following their participation in the 2024 edition in the USA and West Indies.

The Rhinos' journey in Oman was a perfect blend of resilience and resurgence — a reflection of a team that continues to grow on the global stage.

🏆 C H A M P I O N S 🏆
The world is watching. This qualification is more than just a sporting milestone; it’s a message that Nepal belongs on the global stage.

📍 Next Stop: World Cup 2026
Bring it on. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0ddoBgf7WU

— cricnepal.com 🇳🇵 🦏 (@cricnepal) October 17, 2025