Nepal Kicks Off T20 World Cup Qualifier with 58-Run Win Over Kuwait

Nepal launched their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier 2025 campaign in style, defeating Kuwait by 58 runs in their opening Group B match at Oman Cricket Academy Ground 1. A commanding batting performance, led by Kushal Bhurtel’s unbeaten 66, and a disciplined bowling effort ensured Nepal’s dominant start in their quest for a 2026 T20 World Cup berth.

Nepal’s Batting Sets a Competitive Total

After losing the toss and being asked to bat, Nepal posted 141/7 in their 20 overs. Opener Kushal Bhurtel anchored the innings with a brilliant 66* off 56 balls, including 3 sixes and 3 fours. His composed knock held the innings together as wickets fell around him. Gulsan Jha provided a late flourish, smashing 20 off 6 balls with 3 sixes, notably in a 27-run 19th over where he and Bhurtel plundered Kuwait’s Navinraj Rajendran.

Captain Rohit Paudel contributed 16 (15 balls, 3×4), while Dipendra Singh Airee (20), Sandeep Jora (5), and Kushal Malla (4) fell cheaply. Opener Aasif Sheikh managed only 2. Kuwait’s Navinraj Rajendran (2/40) led the bowling, supported by single wickets from Mohammad Aslam, Anupdeep, and Mohammad Farooq.

Kuwait’s Chase Collapses Under Nepal’s Bowling Onslaught

Chasing 142, Kuwait crumbled to 83 all out in 18.1 overs. Openers Clinto Anto (26) and Yasin Patel (19) offered brief resistance, but Nepal’s bowlers ran riot. Sompal Kami struck with the fourth ball, bowling Ravija Sandaruwan for a duck. Nandan Yadav dismissed Usman Patel for a duck, while Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi had Mit Bhavsar caught for 11, leaving Kuwait in early trouble.

Sandeep Lamichhane (2/22), Rajbanshi (2/17), and Paudel (2 wickets) were relentless, with Kami, Yadav, and Bhurtel chipping in with a wicket each. Kuwait’s batting folded under pressure, unable to build partnerships against Nepal’s varied attack.

Key Moments

• Bhurtel’s Match-Defining Knock: His unbeaten 66 guided Nepal to a defendable total.

• Gulsan’s Explosive Cameo: His 20 off 6 balls, including three sixes, swung momentum.

• Early Breakthroughs: Kami and Yadav’s opening strikes derailed Kuwait’s chase.

Looking Ahead

With this win, Nepal sit atop Group B and face Japan in their second match on Friday, October 10. Kuwait, now 0-1, will look to bounce back in their next fixture. The top three teams from this qualifier will advance to the 2026 T20 World Cup, and Nepal’s emphatic start signals their intent to secure a spot.