ICC Cricket World Cup League 2: Nepal’s Path to Direct Qualification for the Global Qualifier Becomes Even More Challenging
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After winning six matches across two rounds during the ICC World Cup League 2 held in Kathmandu last April, the Nepal national cricket team was filled with enthusiasm. However, since arriving in the Netherlands, the team’s confidence has taken a hit.
Following back-to-back defeats against Namibia and the Netherlands in the seventh round of the ICC World Cup League 2 currently underway in the Netherlands, Nepal’s direct path to the World Cup Global Qualifier has become significantly more difficult.
Additionally, Nepal’s One Day International (ODI) status is now under threat.
The tour to the Netherlands was regarded as Nepal’s final opportunity to secure direct qualification for the World Cup Global Qualifier.
However, the team has lost four points from these two matches. Nepal currently has 24 points on the points table, placing them fifth. Considering the standings of teams above, Nepal’s chances of moving up seem slim.
Only the top four teams will gain direct entry into the Global Qualifier.
Nepal has only six matches remaining in the World Cup League 2.
Current Situation
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In the eight-nation World Cup League 2, each team is scheduled to play 36 matches. Having played 30 so far, Nepal currently holds 24 points, ranking fifth.
The United States leads the table with 43 points from 32 matches, followed by Scotland with 38 points from the same number of games. The Netherlands, sitting third, has accumulated 34 points in 29 games, while Oman is fourth with 31 points from 28 matches.
Canada and Namibia share 24 points with Nepal but rank sixth and seventh respectively; Canada has played two more matches than Nepal, while Namibia has played one less. The United Arab Emirates are at the bottom with only 14 points.
Given this table, Nepal is unlikely to encounter the top two teams, the United States and Scotland, even if it wins nearly all its remaining matches. Both teams have already qualified for the Global Qualifier.
Facing the Netherlands will also be challenging; however, a single victory could secure Nepal a spot in the Global Qualifier.
Nepal might overtake Oman to reach fourth place, but this would require Nepal to win all remaining matches and Oman to lose all theirs—an unlikely scenario.
Meanwhile, Canada and Namibia pose a substantial threat of overtaking Nepal in the standings.
Struggles From The Beginning
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Nepal has faced ongoing struggles since the beginning of the 2023-27 cycle.
For much of the season, the team appeared to be in seventh place, with the United Arab Emirates occupying the bottom position.
The Nepalese team particularly struggled with batting throughout the season.
Of the 18 away matches played, Nepal lost 12, which did not contribute positively to their campaign.
However, there was notable improvement during the two rounds held in Nepal in April/May, facing Oman and the UAE, then Scotland and the USA. Nepal secured victories in 6 out of these 8 matches, climbing from seventh to fifth place.
The tour to the Netherlands was seen as Nepal’s last chance to remain in the top four. The International Cricket Council (ICC) had also emphasized the importance of this tour for Nepal’s World Cup journey.
Nepal will play two more matches in the Netherlands.
Following this, Nepal’s schedule includes matches against Oman and Canada in the final round.
Another Chance Remains
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Nepal still has another chance. Teams that do not finish in the top four of League 2 will enter the Qualifier Play-off.
The Play-off will feature eight teams: four competing in the Challenge League and four relegated from League 2. The Challenge League consists of 12 teams divided into two groups. So far, Jersey (a North European island nation), Kuwait, Uganda, and Italy have demonstrated strong performances, while Hong Kong and Papua New Guinea follow behind.
Overall, Nepal will need to win at least two matches during the ongoing round and then perform well in the final round to secure a top-four finish.
Nepal has historical precedent for this challenge. In the 2019-23 season, Nepal won 11 consecutive matches, securing a top three finish, and had the potential to maintain similar performance in the remaining matches.