Cricket Kitchen

Preview: Nepal Chance to Quailfy for T20 World Cup

October 8, 2025

This time, the Asia Qualifier features nine teams. Nepal, along with the host Oman and Papua New Guinea, are participating in the Asia Qualifier based on their performances in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Similarly, Samoa qualified from the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier 1, securing their spot by defeating the Cook Islands on net run rate. From the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier 2, Japan qualified for the Asia Qualifier, surpassing the Philippines, Indonesia, and South Korea.

The UAE and Qatar qualified from the Asia Sub-Regional Qualifier B, while Kuwait and Malaysia qualified from the Asia Sub-Regional Qualifier A. Thus, Nepal, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Malaysia, Samoa, and Japan will compete in the Asia Qualifier. From these nine teams, three will be selected to play in the 2026 T20 World Cup. The Asia Qualifier is set to begin on October 8 in Oman.

Now, let’s discuss Nepal’s eight competitors, divided into four groups based on their competitiveness:

Samoa and Japan

Nepal has never played T20 matches against Samoa or Japan. There’s a possibility Nepal will face these teams for the first time in this Asia Qualifier. Nepal is stronger than both teams in every aspect. Nepal ranks 18th in the ICC T20 International rankings, while Japan is 44th and Samoa is 66th. Based on recent performances and rankings, Nepal is expected to easily defeat both teams. Nepal is scheduled to play Japan on October 10 in the group stage. A match against Samoa is only possible in the Super 6 stage, provided both teams qualify. While Nepal has a high chance of reaching the Super 6, Samoa’s chances are slim.

Malaysia and Qatar

Nepal and Malaysia are old rivals in T20 cricket. Their first encounter was in 2019, and their most recent match was on April 12, 2024, in Al Amerat, Oman. Nepal won both the first and last encounters. In 10 matches between the two, Nepal has won 9 times, with Malaysia securing a single victory in February 2020 by 22 runs. Since then, Nepal has remained unbeaten in six matches against Malaysia.

Nepal and Qatar are also not new rivals in T20 cricket. They have faced each other three times, with Nepal winning two matches and Qatar winning one. In their first encounter, Qatar defeated Nepal by 4 wickets, but Nepal won the next two matches. Notably, in their second meeting, Nepal’s batter Dipendra Singh Airee hit 6 sixes in an over against Qatar’s bowler Kamran Khan.

Nepal needs to be cautious against both Malaysia and Qatar, but a major upset seems unlikely. Malaysia and Qatar are ranked 25th and 29th in the ICC rankings, respectively. Nepal’s journey to the World Cup is unlikely to face significant challenges from these teams. Nepal also defeated Qatar in a practice match. There’s a chance Nepal will face either Malaysia or Qatar in the Super 6 stage.

Papua New Guinea and Kuwait

Papua New G

uinea and Kuwait are two teams capable of causing surprises in the Asia Qualifier. Papua New Guinea has consistently qualified for previous World Cups from the East Asia-Pacific region, but this time, the region has been merged into the Asia Qualifier. Previously, two teams from the Asia region qualified for the World Cup, but now three teams will qualify. Kuwait is ranked 23rd and Papua New Guinea 21st in the ICC rankings.

Nepal and Kuwait have met three times, with Nepal winning the first two encounters and Kuwait winning the most recent one in the Hong Kong series final. Nepal and Kuwait are in the same group, and their match on October 8 will likely determine the group winner. Based on recent performances and preparation, Nepal holds the advantage.

Nepal has played

 Papua New Guinea nine times in T20s, winning six matches while Papua New Guinea won three. Their most recent encounter was on March 13, 2024, in Hong Kong, where Papua New Guinea won by 86 runs.

Both Papua New Guinea and Kuwait pose potential threats, so Nepal must be particularly cautious against them.

Nepal, Oman, and the UAE Nepal, Oman, and the UAE are the primary contenders for the three World Cup spots in the Asia Qualifier. Nepal and Oman have faced each other eight times in T20s, with Nepal winning five matches and Oman winning three, including one in a Super Over. Oman, ranked 20th in the ICC rankings, has an advantage as the host of the qualifier.

The UAE, ranked 14th, is well-prepared, having defeated Bangladesh 2-1 in a three-match series in 2025. Reports suggest the UAE is also preparing to play series against the West Indies and Afghanistan before the qualifier. The UAE is Nepal’s toughest competitor in this qualifier, with both teams having won five matches each in their head-to-head encounters.

Conclusion

Japan is a weaker opponent for Nepal, and a match against Samoa is unlikely. Nepal should face no significant threat from Qatar or Malaysia if they play their natural game. Papua New Guinea and Kuwait are potential surprise packages, so Nepal must strategize carefully to secure victories against them. If Nepal can defeat either the UAE or Oman, they are well-positioned to qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup, continuing their streak of World Cup appearances.

 

Udeep Raj Dhungana,

Sub-Editor/Cricketkitchen.com