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[Saba Sports News] Nepal’s cricketing history was made as they returned to the T20 World Cup after a historic win over the UAE in the qualifiers. The prestigious tournament is scheduled for June 2024 in the USA and the West Indies. Nepal secured their berth with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over the UAE at the Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu on November 3.
Nepal’s last T20 World Cup appearance was in 2014, and their return after a 10-year hiatus is eagerly anticipated by fans and the team. Aasif Sheikh played a standout role in Nepal’s qualification.
In the T20 World Cup Qualifiers 2nd semi-final, the UAE batted first but had a subpar start, with Muhammad Waseem and Khalid Shah dismissed for 26 and three runs, respectively. Vriitya Aravind’s resilient knock of 64 runs in 51 deliveries, along with Alishan Sharafu’s 16 runs, helped the UAE reach a total of 134 runs.
Nepal’s Kushal Malla was the highest wicket-taker with three wickets, supported by Sandeep Lamichhane’s two wickets, and one each from Sompal Kami and Rohit Paudel.
Chasing a target of 135 runs, Nepal faced an early setback with Kushal Bhurtel dismissed for just 11 runs. However, opener Aasif Sheikh’s brilliant innings of 64 runs in 51 deliveries brought Nepal close to victory. Rohit Paudel contributed 34 runs, securing an eight-wicket win for Nepal and their qualification for the T20 World Cup.