Nepal hold their nerve to edge out Oman in thrilling ten-run victory

Nepal held their nerve to secure a thrilling ten-run victory over Oman in a high-scoring ODI encounter, despite excellent innings from Jatinder Singh and Hammad Mirza that threatened to snatch victory for the hosts.

Half-centuries from Rohit Paudel, Dipendra Airee and Dev Khanal helped Nepal post a challenging 280 all out from their 50 overs, before Oman fell agonisingly short, finishing on 270 for seven.

Nepal's innings was built around a magnificent fourth-wicket partnership of 139 between captain Paudel and Airee, who came together at 99 for three.

Paudel top-scored with 80, while Airee contributed an excellent 69 as the pair laid the foundations for a formidable total. Earlier, opener Khanal struck 57 and Ishan Pandey made 29, but Nepal's middle-order acceleration was checked by an impressive spell from Shah Faisal.

The Oman bowler claimed five wickets for 57 runs, including four late dismissals, as Nepal lost their final seven wickets for just 42 runs after reaching 238 for three.

Jay Odedra provided excellent support with three for 44, while Samay Shrivastava collected two wickets.

Oman's reply was dominated by a superb second-wicket partnership of 158 between Jatinder Singh and Hammad Mirza. Jatinder struck an excellent 89, while Mirza contributed 87 as the pair appeared to be steering their side towards a memorable victory.

However, Nepal fought back superbly, with Lalit Rajbanshi removing both established batters to turn the contest back in their favour. Oman subsequently slipped from 190 for one to 232 for six, with Airee also making crucial breakthroughs.

Hassnain Shah kept Oman's hopes alive with an unbeaten 40, but the required scoring rate proved just beyond their reach.

Rajbanshi finished with two for 53, while Airee claimed two for 60. Leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane was particularly economical, conceding just 37 runs from his ten overs while taking one wicket.

It was a contest that swung dramatically in both directions, but Nepal's greater composure during the decisive closing stages ultimately proved the difference.

Score Summary:

Nepal 280 all out (50 overs; Rohit Paudel 80, Dipendra Airee 69, Dev Khanal 57; Shah Faisal 5-57, Jay Odedra 3-44) beat Oman 270-7 (50 overs; Jatinder Singh 89, Hammad Mirza 87, Hassnain Shah 40\*; Lalit Rajbanshi 2-53, Dipendra Airee 2-60) by 10 runs.