SATV Kathmandu Oct 09: Nepal began their ICC T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia Pacific Qualifiers campaign in Oman with a commanding victory over Kuwait.

In their opening match on Wednesday night, Nepal defeated Kuwait by 58 runs. Chasing a target of 142 runs set by Nepal, Kuwait were bowled out for 83 runs in 18.1 overs. Clinto Anto top-scored for Kuwait with 26 runs, while Yasin Patel added 19.

For Nepal, Lalit Rajbanshi took 2 wickets for 17 runs in 4 overs, while Sandeep Lamichhane claimed 2 wickets for 22 runs in his 4-over spell. Captain Rohit Paudel also grabbed 2 wickets, conceding just 7 runs in 2 overs. Kusal Bhurtel, Sompal Kami, and Nandan Yadav took one wicket each.

Earlier, after losing the toss and being put in to bat first, Nepal posted 141 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs, thanks to a half-century from opener Kusal Bhurtel. He scored 66 runs off 56 balls, including 3 fours and 3 sixes. Dipendra Singh Airee was run out for 20, while Gulshan Jha played a quick cameo of 20 runs off just 6 balls, smashing 3 consecutive sixes in the final three deliveries of the 19th over.

For Kuwait, Anudeep Chenathamara took 2 wickets for 22 runs in 4 overs, while Naveen Raj also claimed 2 wickets, conceding 40 runs in 4 overs. Mohammad Aslam and Akif Farooq took one wicket each.

With this win, Nepal have secured their place in the Super Six stage. They will face Japan next in the group stage on Friday.