Nepal Qualify for the ICC World Cup 2019 Qualifiers

Nepal has been qualified for the ICC World Cup 2019 qualifiers by defeating Canada by one wicket in thrilling last over of the ongoing ICC World Cricket League Division II match yesterday. The match was played at the Wanderers Cricket Ground in Windhoek, Namibia. Nepal has defeated Canada by one wicket with zero balls remaining. All-rounder Karan KC was the one who inspired Nepal to qualify for the ICC World Cup 2019 qualifiers.

Nepali Cricket team

Image Credit: Hindustan Times

Opener Gyanendra Malla made nine runs during the match whereas captain Paras Khadka returned to the pavilion without scoring a single run.

Karan KC walked to the middle, at a stage when team Nepal was reeling at 144/8, still needing 51 runs off 48 balls for victory with just two wickets intact. KC came up as a savior and led the team to the winning situation scoring highest 42 runs for Nepal including three humongous sixes and four astonishing fours off 31 balls. Similarly, Dilip Nath hit 42 runs with five astounding fours of 68 balls. As for the great rescue he had done for his team, KC was awarded as “Man of the match”.

Karan-KC-in-action

Karan KC in action. Image Credit: Spotlight Nepal

 

Nepal was given a target of 195 runs by Canada in a last and crucial encounter of the tournament. Nepali skipper, Paras Khadka had opted to field first after winning the toss.

Nepal’s Skipper Paras Khadka Tosses a coin as his Canadian counterpart and ICC match official look on prior to their fixture in Windhoek, on Wednesday. Image Credit: The Himalayan Times

After the win yesterday, team Nepal is pitted in Group A along with West Indies, Ireland, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea whereas the other qualifier, UAE sits in Group B along with Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Scotland and Hong Kong.

The top three teams in each group will qualify for Super Sixes; others move into Play-offs. Top two teams in Super Six make the final–both qualify for 2019 World Cup to be held in England and Wales.

With this win, Nepal has secured a historic entry into the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 Qualifiers, which will be held in Zimbabwe next year.

 

Source: The Himalayan Times, Republica