With a six-wicket win over Papua New Guinea at Harare in the 2019 World Cup qualifier on Wednesday, Nepal gained One-Day International status.
After Sandeep Lamichhane and Dipendra Airee picked up four wickets apiece to dismiss the Papua New Guinea for their fourth sub-200 total in the competition, Nepal reached the target of 115 with 27 overs to spare.
The wickets of openers Gyanendra Malla and Anil Sah with just 13 on the board might have given a flicker of hope for Papua New Guinea but it was soon snuffed out as the next three batted with ease to take Nepal home. Airee made an unbeaten 58-ball 50 with three sixes and a four. Due to the defeat, Papua New Guinea will lose their ODI status.
Nepal, meanwhile, received plaudits on Twitter for their incredible achievement, considering their nation’s small population and that their country’s cricket board is suspended by the International Cricket Council for government interference in the board.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!