OMAN: The Nepali cricket team, currently in Oman for the T20 World Cup Qualifiers, began their campaign on a winning note by defeating Oman by six wickets in their first practice match.

Batting first, Oman was restricted to 110 runs in 20 overs, losing nine wickets. Nepal successfully chased down the target in just 17 overs, finishing at 111 for 4.

Opener Aasif Sheikh starred with a brilliant half-century, scoring 61 runs, while captain Rohit Paudel contributed 25. Kushal Bhurtel (11) and Kushal Malla (10) added useful runs to secure the victory.

For Oman, despite playing the full quota of overs, their batters struggled against Nepal’s bowling attack. Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Dipendra Singh Airee each took two wickets to restrict the hosts.

In the group stage of the World Cup Qualifiers, Nepal will face Kuwait and Japan. The top team from each group will advance to the Super Six round.