Nepal storm into ACC Premier Cup final after crushing Oman by 87 runs

Selangor, Malaysia, September 10, 2026 — Nepal have reached the final of the ACC Men’s Premier Cup after producing a dominant 87-run victory over Oman in the semifinal at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

After being sent in to bat, Nepal were bowled out for 147 in 45.4 overs. The innings began poorly, with Nepal reduced to 36 for four, but Dipendra Singh Airee and Basir Ahamad rescued the side with a crucial partnership.

Dipendra top-scored with 51 runs, while Basir contributed 47 as the pair rebuilt the innings and helped Nepal post a competitive total.

Oman’s Jay Odedra and Hassnain Shah were the most successful bowlers, taking three wickets each. Muhammed Imran also claimed two wickets.

Nepal’s bowlers then produced a remarkable performance, dismissing Oman for just 60 runs in 28.1 overs.

Jatinder Singh was Oman’s top scorer with 25 runs, while Jiten Ramanandi made 13. No other Oman batter managed to reach double figures.

Captain Sandeep Lamichhane and Dipendra Singh Airee led Nepal’s bowling attack with three wickets apiece. Lalit Rajbanshi and Rohit Paudel added two wickets each.

The victory sends Nepal into the tournament final, where they will face the United Arab Emirates. The UAE booked its place in the title match after defeating Hong Kong by seven wickets in the other semifinal.

The final is scheduled for Saturday.

The ACC Men’s Premier Cup carries added significance for Nepal as the tournament winner will earn a place in the 2027 Men’s Asia Cup. The continental tournament is provisionally scheduled to be held in Bangladesh from June 18 to July 4, 2027, although the reported dates remain subject to formal confirmation.