KATHMANDU: With an outstanding spell of leg-spin bowling by Sandeep Lamichhane, Nepal has strengthened its position for a berth in the ICC T20 World Cup.

In the second match of the Super Six stage of the Asia and East Asia Pacific Qualifiers, Nepal defeated Qatar by five runs in a nail-biting finish.

With this victory, both Nepal and Oman have reached six points each, virtually securing their places in the upcoming World Cup.

Meanwhile, UAE and Japan have two points each. Since the top three teams will qualify for next year’s World Cup, Nepal and Oman are now in a strong position with two matches remaining.

Chasing a target of 148 runs, Qatar was bowled out for 142 runs in 19.5 overs. Star spinner Sandeep Lamichhane led Nepal’s attack with a remarkable five-wicket haul, conceding just 18 runs in 3.5 overs.

Nandan Yadav took two wickets, while Dipendra Singh Airee claimed one. For Qatar, Imal Liange top-scored with 56 runs off 35 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes, while Zubair Ali contributed 52 runs.

The duo shared a 79-run opening partnership, but Qatar’s middle and lower order collapsed, handing them a second straight defeat.

Earlier, Nepal, batting first, scored 147 runs after a shaky start. Captain Rohit Kumar Paudel anchored the innings with a vital 58 runs off 41 balls, hitting seven fours and one six.

Vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee added 26 runs off 22 balls, while Gulshan Kumar Jha and Sompal Kami contributed 16 and 14 runs, respectively.

For Oman, Miraj Mohammad and Maria Luisi each took three wickets, while Mohammad Asim and Mohammad Zaman picked up one wicket apiece.