Nepal have reached the final of the ACC Men’s Premier Cup after defeating Oman by 87 runs in the semifinal at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur. Chasing a target of 148 runs, Oman were bowled out for just 60 runs in 28.1 overs as Nepal’s bowlers delivered an outstanding performance.

Nepal had earlier been dismissed for 147 runs in 45.4 overs. Dipendra Singh Airee top-scored with 51 runs, while Basir Ahmad contributed 47 runs to help Nepal set Oman a target of 148.

Nepal will now face the United Arab Emirates in the final on September 12. The UAE defeated Hong Kong by seven wickets in the second semifinal to book their place in the title clash.

The winner of this edition of the Premier Cup will be the only team to qualify for the 2027 Asia Cup. The runner-up will not receive an Asia Cup qualification spot, making the final particularly important for Nepal.

In the 2024 edition, the top three teams qualified for the Asia Cup. However, the qualification format has been changed this time. Nepal therefore must defeat the UAE in the final to secure its place in the 2027 Asia Cup.