Harare:
Nepal has finally gained ODI status for the first time as they defeated Papua New Guinea by 6 wickets in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers play-off match at the Old Hararians Sports Club.
In the past, Nepal was given Affiliate status by the International Council of Cricket back in 1988 and 1996 and now has finally confirmed their spot for the coming next four years.
In the match, Nepal limited PNG to just 114 runs in 27.2 overs because of the outstanding performance by Sandeep Lamichhane and Dipendra Airee who scalped four wicket each.
None of the Papua New Guinea batsman touched 20-run mark and the highest scorer was Charles Amini(19).
Team Nepal chased down the target in 23rd over with a loss of just four wickets. Airee’s splendid performance again lead the team to an easy win with an unbeaten half-century.
The defeat cost Papua New Guinea their ODI status along with Hong Kong who lost to Netherlands and now both the team have been demoted to World Cricket League Division 2.
Team Nepal will now take on to the Netherlands on Saturday and the outcome of the match will not affect the team as they had already secured third spot after Scotland and UAE.
Sandeep Lamichhane is also the first cricketer from Nepal to be picked up for a team in IPL. He will be seen playing for Delhi Daredevils this year.
Â
Congratulations to Nepal! 🇳🇵
— ICC (@ICC) March 15, 2018
They will be an ODI team following #CWCQ after it was confirmed they will face Netherlands in the 7th place play-off! pic.twitter.com/t4zidcO4j1
WHAT A WAY TO WIN IT!
— ICC (@ICC) March 15, 2018
Dipendra Singh Airee smashes a six to win the game for Nepal and bring up his half-century! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/TOP3M6XMD8
Nepal fans ⬇ï¸
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 15, 2018
Paras Khadka just recorded this message especially for you! ðŸ‘🇳🇵 #CWCQ pic.twitter.com/glEbUl635g
