Nepal’s U19 team is gearing up for a high-stakes encounter against Afghanistan in the ICC U19 World Cup Asia Qualifier, set to take place on Saturday, April 19, at the Lower Mulpani Cricket Ground.
With both teams unbeaten after three matches, the winner of this clash will secure a coveted spot in the ICC U19 World Cup 2026, to be hosted in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Afghanistan currently leads the table thanks to a superior Net Run Rate (NRR), meaning a win is the only option for Nepal to book their ticket to the World Cup. A washout due to rain, which looms as a possible spoiler, would favour Afghanistan, who would progress based on their NRR advantage.
Adding spice to the rivalry, Nepal and Afghanistan recently faced off in a preparatory bilateral series, with Afghanistan edging it 2-1. However, Nepal won the final match of that series, offering a morale boost ahead of the qualifier decider.
The match promises intense cricket and strong crowd support, with tickets available via IME PAY. All eyes will be on Mulpani as Nepal aims to script history and return to the U19 World Cup stage.
Nepal’s result:
- Defeated UAE by 5 runs (DLS)
- Defeated Oman by 8 wickets
- Defeated Hong Kong by 9 wickets
Afghanistan’s result:
- Defeated Oman by 8 wickets
- Defeated Hong Kong by 8 wickets
- Defeated UAE by 180 runs (DLS)
