Nepal faces Oman in crucial match to retain ODI status

Nepal’s national cricket team will face host Oman today in a decisive match to retain its One Day International (ODI) status in the final game of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 series. The match, scheduled to begin at 11:15 AM Nepali time at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman, is critical for Nepal to secure a top-six finish in the League 2 standings.A victory against Oman would allow Nepal to reclaim the sixth position in the standings, which is crucial for maintaining ODI recognition. Teams finishing in the top six of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 table will retain their ODI status, making this match highly significant for Nepal’s future in international cricket.In the ongoing tri-series, Nepal initially performed strongly, defeating both Canada and Oman in its first two matches. However, Nepal suffered a defeat against Canada in the third match on Saturday.Following its victory over Nepal, Canada climbed to sixth place in the standings with 29 points from 36 matches. Nepal, with 28 points from 35 matches, dropped one spot to seventh. If Nepal defeats Oman today, it will surpass Canada and return to sixth place.As of October 17, 2026, the United States leads the table with 47 points, followed by Scotland with 45 points and the Netherlands with 38 points. Oman is in fourth place with 33 points, while Namibia is fifth with 33 points. Canada holds the sixth spot with 29 points, and Nepal is seventh with 28 points. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is in eighth place with 19 points.Teams finishing in the top six of League 2 will retain their ODI status. The bottom two teams in the standings will have to compete in the ICC World Cup Qualifier Play-off to fight for their ODI recognition. Nepal gained ODI status in 2018, and retaining it is a major challenge for the team.Nepal is set to participate in the Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, in February-March 2026. Nepal will begin its T20 World Cup campaign against England on February 8, 2026. In March, Nepal will play ICC CWC League 2 fixtures against Oman and the UAE. In May, Nepal will host the United States and Scotland for a CWC League 2 tri-series. In July, Nepal will travel abroad to play a CWC League 2 tri-series against the Netherlands and Namibia. In October, Nepal will travel to Oman for another League 2 tri-series against Oman and Canada.