Nepal Seek Revenge Against Oman in Crucial League 2 Clash

Key facts

• Nepal face Oman in ICC CWC League 2 at Tribhuvan University Ground, Kirtipur on May 5, 2026.
• Nepal sit seventh in the League 2 table with seven wins; top four earn direct World Cup Qualifier berth.
• Dipendra Singh Airee vowed an aggressive approach after Nepal's disappointing loss to Oman earlier.
• Skipper Rohit Paudel stressed the team's experience handling pressure from the previous cycle.
• Oman batting: Hasnain Ul Wahab 28 off 39, Hammad Mirza 13 off 6 in the 11th over.
• Umpires: Durga Subedi (NEP) and Prageeth Rambukwella (SL); match referee Wendell Labrooy (SL).
• Match available live on FanCode; no Indian TV broadcast.

Airee Vows Attack After Early Setbacks

Nepal vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee has pledged an aggressive batting display when his side takes on Oman in a pivotal ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 fixture on Tuesday. The hosts, stung by a recent defeat to the same opponents, are desperate to finish their home tri-series on a high. “We couldn’t play well in the first two matches. Now the partnerships are getting better. If we can play by taking that positively, we can achieve a good result against Oman,” Airee said. He acknowledged his own recent form but noted that other batsmen have struggled to contribute.

Pressure and Experience: Paudel's Perspective

Nepal captain Rohit Paudel, who struck a six against Italy in a previous T20 World Cup qualifier, remains optimistic despite his team's inconsistent run. “It is our nature to play under pressure. Therefore, we are hopeful that we will secure a win,” he said. Paudel pointed to the core group's experience from the previous cycle, when they won 11 matches. “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.”

Match Conditions and Venue Details

The match is being played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, a venue known for its balanced pitch. Early assistance for bowlers is expected, with morning moisture offering swing for powerplay bowlers. The weather forecast indicates warm, 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 is unlikely, ensuring a full contest. Chasing has historically been tricky, but set batsmen can score big once settled.

Live Action: Oman's Innings Underway

Oman are batting first after Nepal won the toss and chose to bat. At the time of reporting, Oman were 11.3 overs into their innings, with Hasnain Ul Wahab on 28 off 39 balls and Hammad Mirza on 13 off 6. Sandeep Lamichhane and Gulshan Jha have been the bowlers, with Lamichhane conceding runs but picking up no wickets yet. The match is being streamed live on FanCode, with no television broadcast in India. Umpires Durga Subedi of Nepal and Prageeth Rambukwella of Sri Lanka are officiating, with Wendell Labrooy serving as match referee.

World Cup Qualification Stakes

Nepal currently occupy seventh place in the League 2 standings, with only seven wins in the ongoing cycle. A top-four finish is required to earn a direct spot in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier for the 50-over World Cup. Every match is therefore critical for the Asian side. A victory against Oman would not only avenge their earlier loss but also provide the confidence needed for the remaining fixtures. The team's leadership believes that the experienced core, which thrived under pressure in the previous cycle, can replicate that success.

Outlook: A Must-Win for Nepal's Campaign

With the tri-series concluding, Nepal have a clear objective: win to keep their qualifying hopes alive. Airee's call for positivity and Paudel's faith in pressure-tested players set the tone. However, the batting order's inconsistency remains a concern. Oman, meanwhile, will look to exploit any early swing and build on their recent success against Nepal. The contest promises to be a tight affair, with both teams aware that every point is precious in the crowded League 2 table.

The bottom line

• Nepal must win to stay in contention for a top-four League 2 finish and direct World Cup Qualifier entry.
• Dipendra Singh Airee and Rohit Paudel lead a team that relies on experience from the previous cycle.
• The Kirtipur pitch offers early swing, making powerplay bowling crucial; chasing is difficult.
• Oman's Hasnain Ul Wahab and Hammad Mirza are building a partnership after early overs.
• The match is streamed on FanCode; no Indian TV coverage is available.
• Nepal's batting inconsistency is a key weakness, despite Airee's recent form.