Nepal and Oman emerged triumphant in their respective semi-final matches within the Asia region qualifiers, thereby sealing their spots in the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup. Oman displayed their dominance by securing a ten-wicket victory over Bahrain, while Nepal showcased their resilience by overcoming a challenging chase to defeat the UAE by eight wickets.
Oman's Aqib Ilyas played a pivotal role, taking four wickets while conceding only ten runs, which significantly contributed to limiting Bahrain to a total of 106/9. Openers Kashyap Prajapati and Pratik Athavale swiftly achieved the target in less than six overs.
In Nepal's contest, spinners Kushal Malla and Sandeep Lamichhane bowled economically, restricting the UAE to a total of 134/9. Vriitya Aravind managed to score a half-century but received minimal support from his teammates. Nepal's opener, Aasif Sheikh, played a match-winning and unbeaten innings, accumulating 63 runs.
With Nepal and Oman securing their berths in the 2024 T20 World Cup, which will be hosted in the West Indies and the USA jointly, a total of 18 teams have now solidified their positions. The remaining two berths will be determined through the Africa Qualifiers, taking place from November 22 to 30 in Namibia.
It is worth noting that Nepal is set to make their debut appearance in the World Cup, which will be held in the United States of America and the West Indies next year. This marks the first time Oman will advance beyond the preliminary stage in the competition.
The upcoming ninth edition of the tournament, held since 2007, is significant for hosting 20 teams for the first time. These teams will be divided into five groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the Super Eight stage.
The 2024 T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in multiple venues, including Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, and three venues in the USA - Dallas, Florida, and New York.
The grand finale of the 2024 T20 World Cup is set to take place on June 30, 2024.
Countries that have secured their places in the 2024 T20 World Cup encompass Australia, England, India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, along with the West Indies (as the host nation), the USA (also the host), Papua New Guinea, Canada, Nepal, and Oman.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
WATCH: Sachin Tendulkar surprises Team India in dressing room, presents star batter with 'Best Fielder' Award, gives inspiring speech
IND vs SL: Virat Kohli dances to 'My name in Lakhan' as Wankhede crowds go berserk
'This is called world-class bowling': Amir, Shoaib take cheeky jibe at Pakistan pacers after India rout Sri Lanka
