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**Nepal Edges Past Japan in T20 World Cup Qualifier Thriller**

**Muscat, Oman –** Nepal secured a hard-fought five-wicket victory over Japan in a tense ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier match held in Oman. Despite a strong start from Japan, Nepal managed to claw their way back and ultimately clinch the win, propelling them into the Super Six phase of the tournament.

Japan, after winning the toss and electing to bat, built a solid foundation thanks to a dynamic 86-run partnership between Kendel Kadowaki-Fleming (60 off 46 balls) and Esam Rahman (31 off 25 balls). Captain Kadowaki-Fleming was particularly aggressive, taking on Nepal’s star bowler Sandeep Lamichhane and hitting him for 6,6,4 in the 9th over. However, Nepal’s bowlers rallied after Rahman’s dismissal, restricting Japan to 131 for eight in their allotted 20 overs.

Nepal’s chase began strongly, reaching 62 for one after seven overs. Aasif Sheikh contributed a quick-fire 38 off 21 balls before being dismissed by Shoma Sugaya-Slater (2/22), which triggered a mini-collapse, giving Japan a glimmer of hope. With Nepal at 90 for five in the 13th over, a controversial not-out decision further added to the tension. Ultimately, Gulshan Jha held his nerve, guiding Nepal home with an unbeaten 28 off 20 balls.

While Nepal progresses to the Super Six, Japan must now focus on securing a top-three finish in the tournament to qualify for the T20 World Cup in India next year.

All matches are streamed live on ICC.tv and followed on the JCA App.

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