Nepal Seek Revenge Against Oman in Crucial League 2 Clash at Kirtipur

Key facts

• Nepal face Oman in Match 103 of ICC CWC League 2 on May 5, 2026, at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.
• Nepal sit seventh in the League 2 table with seven wins; top four earn direct spot in the 50-over World Cup Qualifier.
• Nepal vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee vowed to play positively after recent inconsistency.
• Skipper Rohit Paudel said the team is used to pressure and believes a win can boost confidence.
• Oman defeated Nepal in their most recent meeting, prompting Nepal's desire for revenge.
• The pitch at Kirtipur is balanced with early assistance for bowlers; morning moisture may aid swing.
• Temperatures around 26°C with 60% humidity; low rain probability ensures a full game.
• Match live-streamed on FanCode; no Indian television broadcast.

Airee Vows Attack as Nepal Hunt Revenge

Nepal vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee has pledged an aggressive approach when his side faces Oman on Tuesday in a pivotal ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 fixture at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The Asian side, chasing a top-four finish to earn a direct berth in the 50-over World Cup Qualifier, have been inconsistent in recent League 2 action. After two victories over UAE in the ongoing home tri-series, Nepal suffered a disappointing loss to Oman, setting the stage for a revenge mission. Airee, who has been in fine form, said partnerships are improving and that a positive mindset can deliver a good result. “We couldn’t play well in the first two matches (of the tri-series). Now the partnerships are getting better. If we can play by taking that positively, we can achieve a good result against Oman,” he stated. He acknowledged his own recent run-scoring, noting that other players have struggled: “Other players are not scoring runs. Perhaps because I am a bit more focused (on my own performance), I am doing well. Earlier, I wasn’t scoring runs either.”

Paudel's Confidence Despite Table Position

Nepal captain Rohit Paudel remains optimistic despite his team's seventh-place standing with only seven wins in the current cycle. He believes a victory over Oman can provide the confidence needed for the matches ahead. “It is our nature to play under pressure. Therefore, we are hopeful that we will secure a win,” Paudel said. He drew on the team's experience from the previous cycle when they won 11 matches, noting that the same core group remains. “The same players who played a role in winning 11 matches in the previous cycle are still in the team today. We have already endured that level of pressure. Therefore, the upcoming matches will be even more important.” Paudel's remarks underscore the high stakes: a top-four finish is essential for a direct path to the World Cup Qualifier, and every match now carries extra weight.

Pitch and Conditions Favor Early Bowlers

The Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground offers a balanced surface with early assistance for bowlers. Morning moisture may provide swing, making powerplay bowlers crucial. Batting becomes easier for set players, but chasing can be tricky. The weather forecast predicts warm and slightly cloudy conditions with temperatures around 26°C and humidity at 60%. Dew is expected to have minimal impact during this day game, and rain chances are low, ensuring a full contest. Fantasy cricket analysts have highlighted the importance of bowlers who can exploit early movement, as well as top-order batsmen capable of building innings. suggests that teams winning the toss may prefer to bowl first to use the early conditions.

Match Details and Broadcast Information

The match is the 103rd of the ICC CWC League 2 2023-27 cycle. Umpires for the game are Durga Subedi of Nepal and Prageeth Rambukwella of Sri Lanka, with Wendell Labrooy of Sri Lanka serving as match referee. No TV umpire has been assigned. Live streaming is available on the FanCode app and website, but the match will not be broadcast on Indian television. As of the latest ball-by-ball updates, Nepal's Aasif Sheikh scored 67 off 78 balls and Arjun Kumal made 45 off 83, with Hassnain Shah and Siddharth Bukkapatnam bowling for Oman. The scorecard shows a steady partnership, with Nepal aiming to post a competitive total.

Wider Context: Nepal's World Cup Qualification Path

Nepal's campaign in ICC CWC League 2 is part of a longer journey toward the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. The top four teams in the league table at the end of the cycle earn a direct spot in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier event, from which teams can advance to the main tournament. Currently in seventh place, Nepal need a strong finish to climb the standings. The home tri-series against UAE and Oman provides a crucial opportunity to gather points. Oman, also competing for a top-four finish, will be eager to consolidate their recent win over Nepal. The match thus carries significant implications for both sides' qualification hopes.

What Comes Next: Pressure and Opportunity

With the tri-series concluding after this match, Nepal's performance against Oman will set the tone for the remainder of the League 2 cycle. A win would not only avenge the earlier defeat but also boost morale for the challenging fixtures ahead. Conversely, a loss could further dent their chances of a top-four finish. The team's experienced core, including Paudel and Airee, will be expected to lead from the front. For Oman, a victory would strengthen their position and put pressure on rivals. The match promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides aware that every point is precious in the race for World Cup qualification.

A Test of Character for Nepal's Squad

The match against Oman is more than just a league fixture; it is a test of Nepal's resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Skipper Paudel's assertion that the team thrives in such situations will be put to the test. The batting lineup, which has seen inconsistent contributions, will need to fire collectively. Airee's form and leadership will be crucial. As the cricketing world watches, Nepal have the chance to prove that their previous cycle's success was no fluke. The outcome on Tuesday could define their campaign and determine whether they can sustain their World Cup dream.

The bottom line

• Nepal seek revenge against Oman after a recent defeat, with vice-captain Airee promising an attacking approach.
• Nepal sit seventh in League 2 with seven wins; top four qualify for the World Cup Qualifier.
• The Kirtipur pitch offers early swing, making powerplay bowlers key; weather conditions are favorable for a full match.
• Skipper Paudel remains confident, citing the team's experience under pressure from the previous cycle.
• Live streaming available on FanCode; no Indian TV broadcast.
• The match is critical for both teams' World Cup qualification hopes.