Nepal have qualified for the 2027 Asia Cup after defeating the United Arab Emirates by 44 runs in the ACC Men's Premier Cup final at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Kuala Lumpur.
The victory secured Nepal's second appearance at the continental tournament, four years after they reached the Asia Cup for the first time by defeating the same opponents in the inaugural Premier Cup final which was hosted in Kathmandu.
The triumph completed a successful campaign in which Nepal won five of their six matches. They defeated Bahrain, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia in the group stage before suffering a 15-run loss against Hong Kong.
Nepal responded in the semi-final by defending only 147 against Oman. Lamichhane, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit and Rohit combined to bowl Oman out for 60 and secure an 87-run victory.
The final brought another high-stakes meeting with UAE. Nepal had previously beaten them by seven wickets in the 2023 Premier Cup final at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
UAE were dismissed for 117 in that match before an unbeaten 67 from Gulshan and Bhim Sharki’s 36 not out guided Nepal to 118/3. That victory earned Nepal their maiden Asia Cup appearance.
Nepal subsequently shared a group with Pakistan and India at the 2023 Asia Cup. Although they did not progress beyond the group stage, the tournament gave Nepal their first ODI meetings with both cricketing giants.
The 2027 Asia Cup is scheduled to be staged in Bangladesh from June 18 to July 4. It will be played in the ODI format ahead of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The ACC has yet to publish the complete fixture and venue schedule.
Nepal are set to join the five Asian Full Members—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka—at the tournament.
The qualification carries added significance during an important period for Nepal’s ODI team. The national side entered the Premier Cup following changes to its captaincy and playing squad after a difficult Cricket World Cup League 2 series in the Netherlands.
Under Lamichhane, Nepal recovered to lift the Premier Cup and secure another opportunity to compete on Asia's biggest stage.
"This is just the beginning," Lamichhane said after the final. "Nepal cricket has more to offer to world cricket."
