Overview: A Nail-Biting Clash in Al Amerat
The Nepal vs Qatar encounter in the Super Six stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025 turned out to be one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament. Played on October 13, 2025, at the picturesque Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1) in Oman, the game tested both teams’ composure under pressure.
Nepal clinched victory by just 5 runs, defending a modest total of 147. The highlight of the match was a spellbinding performance by Sandeep Lamichhane, who bagged 5 wickets for 18 runs, turning the game in Nepal’s favor just when Qatar seemed set for a historic win.
Match Details & Quick Facts
Match Information at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Nepal vs Qatar – Super Six, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025 |
| Date | 13 October 2025 |
| Venue | Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Oman |
| Toss | Qatar won the toss and opted to bowl |
| Result | Nepal won by 5 runs |
| Player of the Match | Sandeep Lamichhane (5/18) |
Toss and Team Decisions
Qatar’s captain Mirza Mohammed Baig chose to bowl first after winning the toss, banking on early movement and dew conditions. Nepal’s skipper Rohit Paudel, however, appeared confident, stating that his side had enough depth to defend any competitive total.
Nepal’s Innings: Rohit Paudel Anchors the Fight
A Slow Start, Then a Power Surge
Nepal’s top order stumbled early as Kushal Bhurtel (6) and Aasif Sheikh (11) departed cheaply. But Rohit Paudel, leading from the front, steadied the innings with a composed 58 off 41 balls—an innings filled with elegant drives and a powerful six over long-on.
Key Partnerships that Lifted Nepal
Paudel found brief but crucial support from Dipendra Singh Airee (26 off 22), ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking. A late cameo from Gulsan Jha (16 off 8) pushed Nepal to 147/9 in 20 overs, a total that looked competitive on a slow surface.
Qatar’s Tight Bowling Effort
Qatar’s bowling attack, led by Mirza Mohammed Baig (3/29) and Daniel Archer (3/22), kept constant pressure on Nepal’s middle order. Their discipline in the middle overs restricted Nepal’s acceleration, forcing batters into risky shots.
Qatar’s Chase: Liyanage and Zubair Lead the Charge
Early Momentum for Qatar
Chasing 148, Qatar got off to a confident start. Imal Liyanage (56 off 35) and Zubair Ali (52 off 55) stitched a solid 79-run partnership, making Nepal nervous. Their aggressive intent put Qatar in control by the halfway mark.
Lamichhane’s Spell Turns the Game
Just when Qatar seemed on course, Sandeep Lamichhane spun a web around their middle order. His variations—googlies and flippers—were too good to handle. His figures of 5/18 in 3.5 overs were not only match-winning but also his career-best in T20Is.
The Final Over Drama
Qatar needed 10 runs from the last over, but Nandan Yadav held his nerve to seal the match for Nepal. A desperate swing from Amir Farooq ended up in Lamichhane’s hands, sparking wild celebrations among Nepali players and fans.
Top Performers and Match Turning Points
| Category | Player | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Top Scorer (Nepal) | Rohit Paudel | 58 (41) |
| Top Scorer (Qatar) | Imal Liyanage | 56 (35) |
| Best Bowler | Sandeep Lamichhane | 5/18 |
| Key Partnership | Liyanage & Zubair (79 runs) | |
| Winning Margin | Nepal by 5 runs |
Complete Scorecard – Nepal Innings
(Condensed from ESPNcricinfo)
Total: 147/9 (20 Overs)
Top Scorer: Rohit Paudel – 58 (41)
Best Bowler (Qatar): Mirza Baig – 3/29
Complete Scorecard – Qatar Innings
Total: 142 All Out (19.5 Overs)
Top Scorer: Imal Liyanage – 56 (35)
Best Bowler (Nepal): Sandeep Lamichhane – 5/18
Statistical Highlights & Records
- Lamichhane’s 5/18 is his best T20I bowling figure to date.
- Rohit Paudel crossed 500 T20I runs in 2025, making him Nepal’s most consistent batter of the year.
- This was Nepal’s fourth consecutive win in the Super Six round.
- Qatar’s Liyanage-Zubair stand (79 runs) was their highest partnership in the tournament.
What This Win Means for Nepal
Nepal’s narrow win keeps them in strong contention for a T20 World Cup 2026 berth. Their bowling depth, especially the trio of Lamichhane, Airee, and Yadav, showed they can defend modest totals even under pressure.
Nepal’s Rising Dominance in Asian Cricket
Over the past few years, Nepal has transitioned from underdogs to serious contenders in Asian associate cricket. Their recent performances in Oman have showcased a balanced side—disciplined bowlers, confident batters, and a calm captain in Rohit Paudel.
Expert Reactions & Post-Match Quotes
Rohit Paudel (Nepal Captain): “We’ve been playing fearless cricket. Sandeep’s spell was game-changing, and the boys showed great character.”
Sandeep Lamichhane: “I just focused on my basics—line, length, and variation. This win is for our fans who never stopped believing.”
FAQs: Nepal vs Qatar T20 Qualifier 2025
Q1: Who won the Nepal vs Qatar T20 Qualifier 2025 match?
Nepal defeated Qatar by 5 runs.
Q2: Where was the match played?
At Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Oman.
Q3: Who was the Player of the Match?
Sandeep Lamichhane, for his brilliant 5/18 spell.
Q4: What was Nepal’s total score?
Nepal scored 147/9 in 20 overs.
Q5: How many runs did Qatar manage?
Qatar scored 142 before being bowled out in 19.5 overs.
Q6: What does this win mean for Nepal?
It strengthened Nepal’s qualification chances for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Conclusion: Nepal Marches On with Confidence
The Nepal vs Qatar clash was a cricketing thriller that reminded fans why T20 cricket is so captivating. Nepal’s never-say-die attitude, combined with Lamichhane’s brilliance, delivered one of their most memorable victories in recent times.
As the team moves closer to T20 World Cup 2026 qualification, fans can expect more such spirited performances from this rising Asian powerhouse.