By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Oct 13, 2025 18:55 PM • 25 views
Al Amerat, Oman — Nepal secured a sensational five-run victory over Qatar in a nerve-shredding ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier Super Six fixture, thanks to a monumental late spell from star leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane. In a match that Qatar appeared to have won easily, Lamichhane's five-wicket haul triggered a dramatic collapse, keeping Nepal's unbeaten run alive and pushing them to the brink of qualification for the T20 World Cup 2026. After being asked to bat first, Nepal posted a modest total of 147/9 on a slow Al Amerat surface. Captain Rohit Paudel anchored the innings, battling early pressure to compile a crucial 58 before an underwhelming death-overs finish saw Nepal fall short of the anticipated 160-plus mark. Qatar's Mirza Mohammed Baig was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets. The chase began disastrously for Nepal, with Qatar's openers, spearheaded by Imal Liyanage, dominating the powerplay to race to 53/0 (6). Even after Lamichhane was finally introduced and broke the opening stand, Qatar remained firmly in control at 105/2 (13 overs), needing just 43 runs from 42 balls "Qatar's game to lose." The highly anticipated upset seemed inevitable.
However, the game turned on its head in a breathtaking exhibition of spin bowling. Known for producing thrilling matches, Nepal witnessed their talisman, Lamichhane, deliver a match-defining spell. Striking twice in quick succession to bring his tally to three wickets, he sliced through the middle order, reducing Qatar to 122/5 (16 overs). The pressure mounted exponentially in the final overs, culminating in the complete disintegration of the Qatari challenge. Lamichhane finished his final over with the remaining wickets, claiming an astonishing five-wicket haul for just 18 runs across his 3.5 overs. The final Qatar wicket fell with just one ball left in the innings, leaving them all out for 142.
Nepal's four consecutive victories in the qualifiers solidify their position at the top of the Super Six table. While it was heartbreak for Qatar, who squandered a golden chance at a famous upset, Nepal's ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat proves their resilience and places them firmly in the driver's seat for a coveted spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
