Fresh from T20 World Cup qualification, Nepal set sights on League 2 surge

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Oct 26, 2025

Nepal, coming after securing a historic berth in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, will begin their fifth leg of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 today at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. They take on the USA, who currently sit second in the points table with 14 wins from 20 matches.

Nepal will also face hosts UAE twice on 30 October and 5 November, while the reverse fixture against USA is scheduled for 1 November. The remaining three matches will be played at the ICC Academy in Dubai.

Currently placed seventh with five wins from 16 games, Nepal are aiming to carry forward the momentum from their last ODI tour in Scotland, where they won three out of four matches including a victory against Netherlands.

Nepal have featured seven times at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, winning four and losing three — the defeats all coming while chasing modest totals of 203, 169 and 208. However, Nepal’s batting has shown significant growth in recent tours and the side is no longer solely reliant on its traditionally strong bowling attack.

Spin is likely to play a major role in Dubai, as witnessed during the last ICC Champions Trophy held here. Nepal might field both Sandeep Lamichhane and Lalit Rajbanshi, with skipper Rohit Paudel and vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee capable of providing additional overs if needed.

Sompal Kami and Karan KC are expected to lead the pace attack. Gulshan Jha, who bowled well in the recent T20 World Cup Asia and EAP Qualifier, could be used in longer spells. Nandan Yadav may miss out due to concerns over consistency and workload in the 10-over format.

Aarif Sheikh, with two fifties in his last three ODI knocks, remains a crucial part of the middle order alongside Bhim Sharki and captain Paudel.

Nepal’s Probable XI: Kushal Bhurtel, Asif Sheikh, Rohit Paudel (C), Bhim Sharki, Aarif Sheikh, Gulshan Jha, Dipendra Singh Airee, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi.

Nepal have not been at their best in ODIs away from home apart from the Scotland series, but confidence is high and the target is clear — a perfect run in Dubai would lift Nepal one place up the League 2 standings, moving them to 20 points and strengthening their push for a top-four finish and direct entry into the Cricket World Cup Qualifier.