The Nepalese national cricket team are now just one win away from booking a spot in the Asia Cup for the first time. Due to persistent rainfall, the semi-final match between Nepal and Kuwait had to be abandoned, and Nepal advanced to the final. Nepal now needs to beat UAE in the final on Monday to ensure a place in Asia Cup. However, they have confirmed the seat in ACC Emerging Team’s Asia Cup.
Rain halted the match during the 24th over, while Nepal’s score was 141/3. The match was reduced to 42 overs each, and Nepal posted 281/9 in the allotted overs.
In the second inning, Kuwait were down to 37/6 in 8.3 overs when rain interrupted the match again. The play was not possible after a continuous downpour, and Nepal progressed to the final.
In the other semi-final at Mulpani Cricket Ground, UAE won against Oman by two runs in the DLS method, with the match being interrupted due to rain in the 43rd over of the second inning.
The winner of the tournament will join India and Pakistan in Group A of the Asia Cup 2023, which will take place in September. Furthermore, the top three teams of the Premier Cup will also get the opportunity to feature in the ACC Emerging Cup in July. Hence, Nepal is confirmed to play ACC Emerging Cup. India A, Pakistan A, Sri Lanka A, Afghanistan A, Bangladesh A and the top three teams of the Premier Cup will battle in the tournament.
Only seven teams have featured in Asia Cup so far. If Nepal manages a win in the final, they will be eighth nation after India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong and UAE to participate in Asia Cup.
Nepal are the only undefeated side in the tournament so far. They started the tournament with a win against Malaysia, followed by a record-breaking victory against Oman in the team’s 50th ODI match. The third match against Saudi Arabia was washed out by the rain, and Nepal rattled Qatar in the final group-stage match.
The final will be played on Monday at TU Cricket Ground.
