KATHMANDU: The Nepali national cricket team has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the ACC Premier Cup following a 5-wicket victory over Saudi Arabia. This win marks Nepal’s third consecutive victory, allowing them to qualify for the knockout stage with one group match remaining. Nepal currently sits at the top of Group A with 6 points from 3 matches.
Opting to bat first at the Bayumas Oval in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia was bowled out for 190 runs in 49.2 overs. Opener Abdul Waheed Abdul Ghaffar top-scored for the side with 77 runs. For Nepal, captain Sandeep Lamichhane and Dipendra Singh Airee both claimed 3 wickets each. Lalit Rajbanshi took 2 wickets, while Sher Malla and Gulsan Jha picked up one wicket apiece.
Chasing a target of 191 runs, Nepal reached the goal in 41 overs, losing 5 wickets. Gulsan Jha remained unbeaten on 44, while captain Rohit Paudel finished not out on 24. Other notable contributions came from Ishan Pandey, who scored 40 runs, and Dev Khanal, who added 39. Openers Arjun Kumal and Aasif Sheikh contributed 15 and 20 runs respectively. Nepal is scheduled to play its final group stage match against Hong Kong on Tuesday. Previously, Nepal defeated Bahrain by 7 wickets and Malaysia by 6 wickets.
