10th October 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal’s rising star Gulshan Jha once again proved his class as Nepal defeated Japan by 5 wickets to secure a place in the Super Six stage of the ICC T20 World Cup Asia East Pacific Qualifiers.
Gulshan Jha Leads Nepal
With both bat and ball, Gulshan demonstrated why he is regarded as Nepal’s most reliable match-winner.
On Friday, Nepal displayed composure and confidence in the final Group B match, chasing down Japan’s target of 132 runs in just 18 overs. Gulshan’s impactful all-round contribution earned him the Player of the Match title, making him the standout performer yet again.
Nepal Tops Group B, Advances to Super Six
With this victory, Nepal topped Group B and carried 2 points into the Super Six round. Despite losing to Nepal, Japan also progressed to the next stage but without any points. Both teams had earlier defeated Kuwait, which was eliminated in the group stage.
From Group A, UAE and Qatar have already qualified for the Super Six, while the qualifiers from Group C will be determined soon. Nepal will now face UAE on Sunday at 4:15 PM (NST) in what promises to be a thrilling Super Six encounter.
Nepal’s Commanding Performance Against Japan
Nepal’s innings began with a strong partnership between Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh, who added 36 runs in the first 5 overs. Bhurtel scored 21 runs off 21 balls with three boundaries, while Aasif played an explosive knock of 38 runs off 21 balls, smashing one four and four sixes before being dismissed in the eighth over.
Skipper Rohit Paudel contributed 18 runs, but Nepal lost momentum briefly as Sundeep Jora (5) and Kushal Malla (4) were dismissed cheaply.
The innings was revived when Gulshan Jha and Dipendra Singh Airee took control, guiding Nepal safely home with an unbeaten 42-run stand for the sixth wicket.
Gulshan Jha’s Match-Winning Performance
Gulshan Jha once again lived up to expectations. He scored 28 runs off 20 balls, including one four and two towering sixes, and took two crucial wickets with the ball.
His calm temperament and confidence under pressure have made him Nepal’s go-to player in critical moments.
Bowling first after winning the toss at Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman, Nepal restricted Japan to 131/8 in 20 overs. Alongside Gulshan, Sandeep Lamichhane also took two wickets, while Sompal Kami and Nandan Yadav added one each.
Japan was once well-placed at 97/1 after 12.4 overs, but Nepal’s disciplined bowling triggered a collapse, with Japan losing wickets in quick succession and managing only 34 runs in the last 7 overs.
Nepal’s Road Ahead in the Super Six
As the Super Six stage begins, Nepal will face top sides from Groups A and C (excluding Japan). The team is expected to play four matches in total. The top three teams from the Super Six will qualify for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
With Gulshan Jha’s consistent all-round performance, Rohit Paudel’s leadership, and a balanced squad, Nepal looks poised to make history and secure a World Cup berth.
Key Takeaways
Match Result: Nepal defeated Japan by 5 wickets.
Player of the Match: Gulshan Jha.
Nepal’s Position: Group B Winner, advanced to Super Six with 2 points.
Next Match: Nepal vs UAE on Sunday at 4:15 PM (NST).
Venue: Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Oman.
Gulshan Jha – Nepal’s Rising Cricket Star
Gulshan Jha has become synonymous with reliability and performance in Nepali cricket. Whether it’s providing breakthroughs with the new ball or finishing matches with the bat, his contributions have been crucial to Nepal’s success.
Fans are calling him the “Game Changer” for a reason he performs when it matters the most. His ability to handle pressure, combined with his natural talent, is shaping him into one of Nepal’s most valuable players in international cricket.
Conclusion
Nepal’s journey in the ICC T20 World Cup Asia East Pacific Qualifiers continues with strong momentum, thanks to the heroics of Gulshan Jha. As the team gears up for the Super Six, the dream of qualifying for the 2026 T20 World Cup feels more achievable than ever.
With unity, confidence, and Gulshan’s match-winning spirit, Nepal stands ready to make the nation proud once again.
For more: Gulshan Jha Leads Nepal