Kathmandu, Oct 2: The recent Unity Cup in the UAE did more than just unite a shaken Nepal after the Gen-Z movement of early September; it gave the entire nation a reason to celebrate. In a historic achievement, Nepal stunned two-time world champions West Indies with a 2–1 series victory, organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN). This triumph has become a source of pride and joy across the country.
Nepal, who had often faltered against ICC full-member nations in the past, showed a different spirit this time. In the opening match, the Rhinos created history with a 19-run win, followed by an emphatic 90-run victory in the second game, clinching the series with a game to spare. Although Nepal, experimenting with its bench strength, lost the final match by 10 wickets, the overall success marked a turning point in the nation’s cricketing journey.
Defeating the West Indies, renowned worldwide for their power-hitting, has not only boosted Nepal’s confidence but also drawn global attention to its growing cricketing potential. After their near miss at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where Nepal fell just one run short against South Africa, this triumph further cements their status as one of the strongest associate nations. For a team aspiring to become a full ICC member, this series win feels like knocking on the doors of bigger opportunities.
All Eyes on the T20 World Cup Qualifiers
With renewed belief, the Nepali squad has already departed for Oman to contest the ICC T20 World Cup Asia-Pacific Qualifier, running from October 8 to 17. The mission is clear: win the tournament and secure a spot at the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Having previously featured at the 2014 and 2024 editions, Nepal is determined to make its third appearance on the world stage. The Unity Cup series against West Indies was a key part of their preparation, following last month’s Top End T20 Series in Australia, where Nepal won two of six matches while also testing themselves against local clubs. Months of hard work and preparation have now set the stage for their biggest challenge.
The Oman qualifiers will see nine teams competing: hosts Oman, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Qatar, UAE, Japan, Kuwait, Samoa, and Nepal. These teams are split into three groups of three, with the top two from each pool advancing to the Super Six stage. The top three teams from the Super Six will punch their tickets to the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Placed in Group B, Nepal will begin its campaign against Kuwait on October 8, followed by a clash with Japan. With momentum, confidence, and an entire nation behind them, Nepal’s dream of once again reaching cricket’s biggest stage feels closer than ever.
