Kushal Bhurtel century pushes Nepal closer to T20 World Cup Qualifier semi-finals

Thrashing of Philippines all but secures a place in the last four, but Oman make them wait

Kushal Bhurtel, left, was unbeaten on 104 as Nepal amassed 218 for three from their 20 overs against the Philippines at the Oman Cricket Academy. Photo: Subas Humagain

Kushal Bhurtel became the third Nepal batsman to score a century in T20 international cricket, as his side took a sizeable leap towards a place in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup Qualifier in Al Amerat.

The 25-year-old opener was unbeaten on 104 as Nepal amassed 218 for three from their 20 overs against the Philippines at the Oman Cricket Academy.

It is third highest score by a player from his country, after the efforts of Gyanendra Malla and Paras Khadka in 2019.

His stand of 171 for the third wicket with Dipendra Singh Airee, which is the best in Nepal’s T20I history, laid the platform for a 136-run win against the lowest-ranked side in the eight-team competition.

Nepal’s victory followed on a day after they had beaten hosts Oman by 39 runs in their tournament opener.

Only the two sides who make it to Friday’s final will earn qualification for the main event in Australia in October.

Although Nepal are all but assured of a place in the last four, the result on the neighbouring field meant Monday's final group matches still have something riding on them.

An unbroken stand worth 129 between Zeeshan Maqsood (76 not out) and Kashyap Parajapati (74 not out) took Oman to a nine-wicket win over Canada.

Canada had carried a huge net run-rate advantage into the fixture with them, by virtue of a hefty opening day win over the Philippines.

It is mathematically possible for the Canadians to deprive Nepal a place in the next phase if they beat them by a sizeable margin on Monday, and if Oman also pick up a significant run-rate boost in the course of beating the Philippines.

Going into the last day, Nepal's net run-rate is 4.375, Canada's is 2.512, while Oman's is -0.563.

Nepal beat Oman by 39 runs