Nepal crowned Asia & EAP T20 Qualifier champions – dominate Samoa by 124 runs

Unbeaten Nepal lift ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier with 124-run win over Samoa

Rhinos dominate at Al Amerat to clinch the regional title and confirm their place in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Lead

Nepal completed a flawless run through the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & East Asia-Pacific Qualifier with a dominant 124-run victory over Samoa at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman, securing the regional title and cementing their place at the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Match summary

Batting first, Nepal posted a formidable 211 for four in their 20 overs with strong contributions from Aasif Sheikh and Dipendra Singh Airee. Aasif top-scored with a powerful 69 off 41 balls while Dipendra struck a brisk 53 off 33 to lift the Rhinos into a commanding position. Samoa never recovered, bowled out for 87 as Nepal’s bowlers, led by Lalit Rajbanshi, ran through the visitors’ lineup. Nepal won by 124 runs.

Key performers

• Aasif Sheikh – anchored the innings and was named player of the match for his 69 from 41.
• Dipendra Singh Airee – provided the middle-overs acceleration with a 53-ball cameo.
• Lalit Rajbanshi – led the bowling attack and picked up three critical wickets to choke Samoa’s chase.

What the win means

Nepal’s unbeaten campaign through group stage and Super Six not only delivers the country’s biggest-ever ICC-organised tournament triumph, but also locks their qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The ICC confirmed Nepal’s place at the global event following the regional qualifiers.

Tactical takeaways

• Aggressive powerplay: Nepal’s top order moved at pace during the powerplay, setting a platform for a 200+ total.
• Middle-over momentum: Airee’s middle-order hitting and rotating strike forced Samoa into a constant run-rate chase.
• Spin and pressure: Rajbanshi’s tidy lines and variations created wicket opportunities and interrupted Samoa’s scoring rhythm.

Coach / captain reaction

“Credit to the whole squad – the way the team stuck to the plan from the first ball to the last shows the depth and belief in Nepal cricket,” said Nepal’s captain after the match.

Match facts box (compact)

• Venue: Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1), Oman.
• Result: Nepal 211/4 (20 overs) beat Samoa 87/7 (20 overs) by 124 runs. ESPN Cricinfo
• Player of the match: Aasif Sheikh/

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