KATHMANDU: Nepal began their ICC T20 World Cup Asia-East Asia Pacific (EAP) Qualifier campaign with a dominant 58-run victory over Kuwait in their opening Group B match at Al Amirat Cricket Ground, Oman.

Batting first after losing the toss, Nepal posted 141/7 in their 20 overs. Captain Rohit Paudel contributed 16 runs, while Dipendra Singh Airee and Gulshan Jha scored 20 each. Kushal Bhurtel starred with a blistering 66 off 56 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes, marking his 12th T20 international half-century. Sompal Kami and Nandan Yadav remained unbeaten on 1 and 2 respectively.

Chasing 142, Kuwait struggled to keep up with the required run rate and were bowled out for 83 in 18.1 overs. Opener Clinto Anto top-scored with 26 off 23 balls, including two sixes, while Yasin Patel made 19 and Mit Bhavasar 11.

Nepal’s bowling was led by captain Rohit Paudel, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Lalit Rajbanshi, who all picked up 2 wickets each. Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, and Kushal Bhurtel chipped in with a wicket apiece. For Kuwait, Naveenraj Rajendran and Anudip Chandamare claimed 2 wickets each, while Mohammad Akif Faruk and Mohammad Aslam took 1 wicket apiece.

With this comprehensive win, Nepal have secured their spot in the Super Six stage. Their second group match is scheduled against Japan on October 10.