Nepal eyes redemption against Oman in crucial League 2 clash

KATHMANDU: Nepal will take on Oman in the final match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series on Tuesday, aiming to avenge an earlier heavy defeat and end the series on a high.

The match is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Tribhuvan University Ground in Kirtipur, where home supporters are expected to turn out in strong numbers after the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) slashed ticket prices from Rs 400 to Rs 200.

Nepal heads into the contest with mixed momentum. The home side secured two wins over the United Arab Emirates during the series but suffered a crushing 102-run loss to Oman in their previous meeting — a result they will be eager to overturn.

Team selection remains a key talking point. In Nepal’s last outing, regular opening pair Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh were rested, with Arjun Kumal and Binod Bhandari stepping in.

Kumal, making his senior debut, managed just 11 runs off 22 balls, while Bhandari marked his return with a composed 56 off 79 deliveries.

It remains unclear whether Nepal will persist with the new opening combination or revert to their established pair, with the decision expected after the toss.

In the League 2 standings, Oman sits third with 31 points from 27 matches, having won 14 and lost 10.

Nepal, meanwhile, is seventh with 16 points from 23 games, while the UAE trails at the bottom with 14 points from 24 matches.

Looking ahead, Nepal will continue its international calendar with another tri-series featuring Scotland and the United States, scheduled to begin on May 12 at the same venue.