Nepal earns ODI status
Nepal has become the latest nation to earn One Day International status following victory in a play-off with Papua New Guinea on Thursday.
Nepal achieved One Day International (ODI) status for the first time ever after defeating Papua New Guinea in a Cricket World Cup Qualifier play-off on Thursday.
Nepal’s victory, coupled with a Dutch triumph over Hong Kong, secured the Himalayan nation a spot in the ICC’s associate members list along with Scotland, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates.
In contrast, both Hong Kong and Papua New Guinea lose ODI status and will drop into World Cricket League Division Two.
ICC Associate Nation
The three highest ranked associated members at the World Cup Qualifier were to be awarded with ODI status until 2022, with Scotland and the UAE achieving that by reaching the competition’s Super Sixes Phase.
The Dutch side have already claimed their ODI place by winning the 2017 World Cricket League Championship, meaning that they already had a secure spot.
As a result, Nepal claims the final spot in the ICC’s associate members list.
Historic!
This is the first time in cricket history that Nepal has reached the ODI club.
After defeating Papua New Guinea by six wickets, Himalayan captain Paras Khadka said that their efforts had finally paid off.
'It's massive, it's something we have worked towards for a very long time,' said Khadka.
'As a team, we've been pushing ourselves. We're very glad that we're winning games through different situations, players are standing up and everyone's contributing. As a captain, I'm happy to lead such an amazing bunch of boys.'
Back in 2010, Nepal were playing down in the Division 5, along with Jersey, Germany and Vanuatu, among others. A series of bright seasons saw them reach the ICC World Cricket League Division Two in 2015.