Qatar beats Saudi, Nepal confirms as group winners

KATHMANDU: Nepal has been declared the winner of Group ‘A’ of the ACC Premier Cup T-20 cricket tournament.

Nepal’s group winner was revealed on Tuesday, after reaching the semi-finals on Monday. Qatar defeated Saudi Arabia by 15 runs on Tuesday, confirming Nepal as the group winner before the final match.

Nepal leads the group with six points heading into the final match. Nepal plays Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.

Qatar is in second position, with four points from all matches played. Before the last match, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Hong Kong were level at two points apiece.

Nepal will face Saudi Arabia in the group’s last match, while Malaysia will play Hong Kong. It is possible that four teams, including Qatar, will finish second in the group.

Oman, the host of the 10-team Cup, is in Group ‘B’. Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Cambodia are among the countries represented. Oman leads the way with 6 points heading into the final game. Kuwait and the UAE have four points apiece.

In the present condition, it appears like Nepal will face Kuwait or the UAE in the semi-finals.

The top two teams in the group will advance to the semifinals. The semi-finals will take place on April 19, followed by the final on April 21.