Nepal Through to ICC World T20 2014

Abu Dhabi: Nepal joined Afghanistan and Ireland to become the third team to qualify for the ICC World T20 in Bangladesh after a last-ball win against Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi.

It's the first time Nepal will be heading to a world event.

Nepal needing 13 to win in final over but Sharad Vesawkar swung the pendulum with a six down the ground followed by an inside-edged four through fine leg. Vesawkar was back on strike to face the final delivery with scores level and pierced a packed ring through extra cover in a five-wicket win.

Chasing 144, Nepal's got off to a solid start, but Hong Kong kept chipping away every time it appeared Nepal was about to seize control. Tanwir Afzal bowled opener Subash Khakurel behind his legs for 16 and Sagar Pun made 22 off 19 before he was pinned on the crease by a full delivery by Haseeb Amjad.

Gyanendra Malla and Paras Khadka came together and added 33 for the third wicket before Malla heaved Aizaz Khan to deep midwicket for 30. Atkinson kept Nepal off balance with a series of bowling changes as dot balls kept piling up to bring the equation to 34 off 20 balls for Nepal to win.

Earlier, after sending Hong Kong into bat, Nepal had bowled and fielded marvellously for the majority of the innings before a hiccup in the final two overs allowed Hong Kong to reach 143 for 8.

Hong Kong had a handful of players cross 20, but none made it past 25. The dangerous Irfan Ahmed was the first of three wickets for seamer Jitendra Mukhiya, edging a short ball to Nepal captain Paras Khadka at first slip in the second over.

Brief scores
Hong Kong 143 for 8 (Mukhiya 3-32, Karn 2-28)
Nepal 144 for 5 (Khadka 46, Malla 30)
Result Nepal won by five wickets

Scores	Upcoming	Results
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 5th T20I Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings - 42nd Match Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians - 43rd Match Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals - 44th Match 45th Match - Gujarat Titans v Royal Challengers Bangalore - April 28, 10:00 GMT 46th Match - Chennai Super Kings v Sunrisers Hyderabad - April 28, 14:00 GMT 4th T20I - Pakistan v New Zealand at Lahore New Zealand won by 4 runs 41st Match - Sunrisers Hyderabad v Royal Challengers Bangalore at Hyderabad Royal Challengers Bangalore won by 35 runs

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