Nepal National Cricket Team
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Nepal Cricket Team History
Nepal has one of the most passionate followings in world cricket, and a team that has climbed from the fifth division of the ICC's league structure to ODI status in barely a decade. Along the way Nepal has set world records in T20 international cricket and come within a single run of beating South Africa at a T20 World Cup.
Nepal Cricket Team at a Glance
| Key Information | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rise Began | World Cricket League Division Five, 2009 |
| ODI Status Gained | 2018 |
| T20 World Cup Appearances | 2014 and 2024 |
| World Record | Fastest T20I century and team 300, vs Mongolia in 2023 |
| Nickname | The Rhinos |
The Climb from Division Five to ODI Status
Nepal entered the ICC's World Cricket League at Division Five in 2009 and rose steadily through the divisions, reaching the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh, where it beat Afghanistan and Hong Kong.
In March 2018, Nepal secured ODI status at the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe. The achievement was greeted with national celebrations, and Nepal's supporters have since become known as among the loudest and most numerous of any associate nation, travelling in large numbers to matches around the world.
World Records Against Mongolia, 2023
At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Nepal produced the most extraordinary innings in T20 international history, scoring 314/3 against Mongolia — the first team to pass 300 in a men's T20I.
Kushal Malla reached a century from 34 balls, the fastest in men's T20I cricket, while Dipendra Singh Airee struck a fifty from nine balls, also a world record. Both marks stood as the benchmarks in the format.
The 2024 T20 World Cup and Sandeep Lamichhane
Nepal returned to the T20 World Cup in 2024 in the Caribbean and United States, and came within one run of beating South Africa in St Vincent — needing two from the final ball with a wicket in hand, and falling agonisingly short against a side that would reach the final.
Leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane became the first Nepali cricketer signed by an Indian Premier League franchise and remains the country's best-known player internationally, alongside captain Rohit Paudel.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Nepal Cricket Team
When did Nepal get ODI status?
Nepal gained one-day international status in March 2018 at the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe.
What is the highest score in a men's T20 international?
Nepal's 314/3 against Mongolia at the 2023 Asian Games, the first time a men's side passed 300 in the format.
Who scored the fastest T20I century?
Kushal Malla of Nepal, from 34 balls against Mongolia in 2023.