Nepal vs Samoa Highlights: Rhinos Win by 124 Runs to Lift Asia & EAP Qualifier Trophy.

Nepal Thrash Samoa by 124 Runs to Win Asia & EAP Qualifier.

                            Nepal vs Samoa Highlights: Rhinos Dominate with a 124-Run Victory.                    Nepal produced a commanding performance to defeat Samoa by 124 runs in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia & East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier on 17 October 2025 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman.

The emphatic victory secured the tournament title for the unbeaten Rhinos and provided a memorable finish to their qualifying campaign.

Batting first, Nepal posted an imposing 211/4 in 20 overs, thanks to an outstanding innings from Aasif Sheikh and a rapid contribution from Dipendra Singh Airee. Lokesh Bam and captain Rohit Paudel then delivered a powerful finish to push the total beyond 200.

Samoa faced a demanding target of 212 but managed only 87/7 in 20 overs. Sean Solia top-scored with 40, while Nepal's bowling attack kept the required scoring rate beyond reach. Lalit Rajbanshi was among the leading performers with three wickets.

The 124-run win highlighted Nepal's batting depth, disciplined bowling and ability to perform under pressure. It also completed an unbeaten run through the group stage and Super Six phase of the tournament.
Nepal vs Samoa Match Details

Match: Nepal vs Samoa, Super Six

Tournament: ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier 2025

Date: 17 October 2025

Venue: Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Ministry Turf 1, Oman

Toss: Samoa elected to field

Nepal score: 211/4 in 20 overs

Samoa score: 87/7 in 20 overs

Result: Nepal won by 124 runs

Player of the Match: Aasif Sheikh

Nepal's Batting Display: 211/4 in 20 Overs

Nepal made the most of their opportunity after Samoa elected to field. Their top order built a strong platform, and the middle order ensured the scoring rate remained high throughout the innings.

Aasif Sheikh Leads the Charge with 69

Aasif Sheikh was Nepal's leading batter, scoring 69 off 41 deliveries. His innings featured seven fours and four sixes, combining controlled stroke play with aggressive hitting.

Aasif's contribution was particularly important because it helped Nepal maintain momentum after the opening partnership. He rotated the strike effectively and punished loose deliveries, keeping the pressure on Samoa's bowlers.

His dismissal came with Nepal already well placed to build a substantial total. The innings earned him the Player of the Match award and provided the foundation for the eventual victory.

Dipendra Singh Airee Adds a Crucial 53

Dipendra Singh Airee continued Nepal's attacking approach with 53 off 33 balls, including two fours and four sixes.

His innings helped maintain the pressure during the middle overs. Rather than allowing Samoa to regain control after Aasif's dismissal, Airee kept the scoreboard moving and ensured Nepal remained on course for a total above 200.

Airee's ability to accelerate without sacrificing the team's scoring rhythm demonstrated the value of having experienced batters in the middle order.

Lokesh Bam and Rohit Paudel Finish Strongly

Nepal's final overs provided the finishing touch. Captain Rohit Paudel remained unbeaten on 21 off 12 balls, while Lokesh Bam smashed an unbeaten 39 from just 12 deliveries.

Bam's innings included two fours and four sixes, giving him a remarkable strike rate of 325. His late assault turned an already competitive total into a daunting target.

The pair's unbeaten partnership ensured Nepal finished on 211/4. The final total gave their bowlers a substantial cushion and left Samoa needing to score at more than ten runs per over from the outset.

Samoa's Chase Falls Short

Chasing 212 for victory, Samoa needed a fast start and regular partnerships. However, Nepal's bowlers prevented the visitors from building the sustained momentum required for such a demanding target.

Samoa finished on 87/7 in their allotted 20 overs, falling 124 runs short.
Sean Solia Provides Resistance

Sean Solia was Samoa's leading run-scorer, making 40 off 37 deliveries. His innings offered some resistance during a difficult chase, but the required scoring rate continued to rise.

The problem for Samoa was not simply the size of the target. They also struggled to produce the partnerships needed to challenge Nepal's total. As wickets fell, the pressure increased on the remaining batters.

Although Solia showed determination, his innings could not transform the chase into a realistic contest.

Lalit Rajbanshi Leads Nepal's Bowling Attack

Lalit Rajbanshi delivered an important spell, claiming three wickets while restricting Samoa's scoring opportunities.

His control and ability to take wickets helped Nepal maintain their advantage throughout the second innings. Sandeep Lamichhane also contributed with a wicket, while Nepal's other bowlers supported the effort by preventing Samoa from establishing a sustained scoring rhythm.

Nepal's bowling performance was a reminder that a big total becomes even more effective when the fielding side combines disciplined lines with regular breakthroughs.
Nepal vs Samoa Full Scorecard
Nepal innings: 211/4 in 20 overs
BatterRunsBalls
Kushal Bhurtel 17 15
Aasif Sheikh 69 41
Dipendra Singh Airee 53 33
Aarif Sheikh 9 7
Rohit Paudel 21* 12
Lokesh Bam 39* 12

Total: 211/4 in 20 overs.
Samoa innings: 87/7 in 20 overs
BatterRunsBalls
Sean Solia 40 37
Darius Visser 4 10
Benjamin Mailata 11 14
Solomon Nash 3 10
Samson Sola 9 17
Caleb Jasmat 9 20

Total: 87/7 in 20 overs.

Note: The tables highlight the leading batting contributions rather than reproduce every dismissal and extra. For the complete official match record, consult a full scorecard.

Key Performances That Decided the Match

Aasif Sheikh — 69 off 41 balls

Aasif supplied the innings with its most substantial contribution, helping Nepal establish a strong platform before the late acceleration.

Dipendra Singh Airee — 53 off 33 balls

Airee's half-century maintained the scoring pressure and helped Nepal carry their momentum into the closing overs.

Lokesh Bam — 39 not out off 12 balls

Bam's explosive finish was a major reason Nepal crossed the 200-run mark.

Lalit Rajbanshi — three wickets

Rajbanshi's bowling helped prevent Samoa from building the partnerships needed to chase the target.

Rohit Paudel — 21 not out off 12 balls

The captain supported Bam's late assault and helped Nepal complete a powerful finish.
What Nepal's Qualifier Triumph Means

Nepal's victory was significant beyond the margin of the final match. The team completed the qualifying tournament unbeaten, demonstrating consistency across different opponents and match situations.

Their batting line-up showed that it could build an innings through partnerships and accelerate at the death. Meanwhile, the bowling attack proved capable of defending a large total without allowing the opposition to establish a serious challenge.

Nepal had already secured qualification for the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup before this final fixture. The victory against Samoa therefore confirmed their position as tournament champions rather than providing their first qualification opportunity.

The result also strengthened the confidence of a team that had continued to attract attention following its appearances on the global T20 stage. For Nepal's supporters, the title was a reward for the team's consistency and growing competitiveness in international cricket.

What Can Samoa Learn from the Defeat?

Despite the heavy loss, the match provided Samoa with valuable experience against a stronger opponent. Competing in regional qualifying tournaments gives developing teams an opportunity to identify weaknesses and measure their progress.

Samoa's bowling unit was unable to prevent Nepal from scoring freely during the closing overs. In the chase, the team struggled to build partnerships and keep pace with the required run rate.

Improving middle-order consistency, managing pressure during large chases and maintaining tighter bowling in the final overs will be important areas for development.

For associate cricket, these contests are about more than one result. Repeated exposure to high-quality opposition can help emerging players gain experience, refine their tactical approach and improve their competitiveness in future tournaments.

Conclusion

Nepal's 124-run victory over Samoa was a fitting conclusion to their unbeaten campaign in the 2025 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier.

Aasif Sheikh's 69, Dipendra Singh Airee's 53 and Lokesh Bam's explosive 39 not out powered Nepal to 211/4. Samoa managed only 87/7 in reply, with Lalit Rajbanshi playing a key role in the bowling effort.

The victory secured the qualifier title and underlined Nepal's strength as they looked ahead to the 2026 T20 World Cup.

What impressed you most about Nepal's performance: Aasif Sheikh's batting, Lokesh Bam's finishing or Lalit Rajbanshi's bowling? Share your opinion in the comments.

Nepal vs Samoa Highlights: Unbeaten Rhinos Rampage to 124-Run Rout, Clinch Asia & EAP Qualifier Title – ICC T20 World Cup 2025 Qualifier.

                    Al Amerat, Oman, October 17, 2025 – In a display of sheer dominance that echoed the Himalayan resilience of their homeland, Nepal scripted a flawless finale to their campaign, demolishing Samoa by a staggering 124 runs in the Super Six decider of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia & East Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground (Ministry Turf 1).

            Batting first after losing the toss, the unbeaten Rhinos erupted for a blistering 211/4 in their 20 overs, powered by Aasif Sheikh's explosive 69 off 41 balls and a late fireworks show from Lokesh Bam (39* off 12) and Rohit Paudel (21* off 12).

Samoa, tasked with an improbable chase under the glaring Omani sun, imploded spectacularly, limping to 87/7 in reply – their innings a sorry tale of collapses and capitulation, with Nepal's spinners Lalit Rajbanshi (3/13) and Sandeep Lamichhane (1/15) dictating terms.

This emphatic triumph not only crowned Nepal champions of the 2025 Asia & EAP Qualifier but also punched their ticket to the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, joining hosts India, Sri Lanka, and other pre-qualified giants like Australia, England, and Pakistan. Alongside Oman (runners-up) and UAE (third-place finishers), Nepal becomes the third associate member from this regional showdown to secure a spot in the marquee event – a historic feat for a nation where cricket battles for airspace with the world's highest peaks. Samoa, gallant in patches but outclassed, bowed out with heads held low, their spirited EAP campaign ending in heartbreak.

The victory extends Nepal's flawless streak to seven matches – four in the group stage, three in Super Six – a testament to captain Rohit Paudel's tactical acumen and a batting lineup that blends Himalayan grit with T20 flair. For Samoa, it's a learning curve in their fledgling international journey; their bowlers, led by the evergreen Saumani Tiai, showed fight early but wilted under the onslaught. As the dust settled on the Ministry Turf, celebrations erupted among the Nepali contingent – dhol drums beating, tricolors waving – while the broader cricketing world took note: the Rhinos are roaring louder than ever.

This clash wasn't just a title decider; it was a microcosm of associate cricket's evolution. Nepal, seeded directly into this qualifier after their 2024 T20 World Cup exploits, entered as favorites but faced the heat from regional rivals like UAE and Oman. Samoa, the EAP sub-regional winners, arrived as underdogs, their squad blending Samoan power with raw enthusiasm. Head-to-head, it was Nepal's first T20I against Samoa – a clean sweep in one-sided fashion. The Al Amerat ground, with its true bounce and short boundaries, promised fireworks, and Nepal duly delivered, posting their highest T20I total since the 2024 World Cup.

Pre-Match Narrative: Stakes, Strategies, and the Desert Heat

The air in Muscat hummed with anticipation as the two sides converged on Al Amerat for what promised to be a high-octane finale. Nepal, atop the Super Six table with four points from two wins (against UAE and Qatar), needed a victory to seal the title and direct qualification – Oman's parallel win over Japan would confirm the top two. Samoa, winless in Super Six but punchy from their EAP triumphs over PNG and Vanuatu, eyed an upset to force a UAE showdown for the last spot. "We're here to shock the world," quipped Samoa skipper Caleb Jasmat pre-match, his eyes gleaming with Pacific fire. Paudel, ever the strategist, countered: "We've built momentum; now we unleash it."

Toss at 10:00 AM local (12:30 PM IST): Samoa's Darius Visser called heads – it landed tails. Jasmat, no hesitation, opted to bowl first, banking on early seam movement under clear skies (temperature 32°C, humidity 45%). "The wicket looks flat, but our quicks can exploit any dew later," he reasoned. Nepal, unchanged from their Qatar thrashing, boasted a balanced XI: explosive openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh, middle-order anchors in Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee, and a spin quartet led by Lamichhane's wizardry.

Nepal XI: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Gulsan Jha, Lokesh Bam, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi.

Samoa XI: Sean Solia, Darius Visser, Benjamin Mailata, Samuel French (wk), Caleb Jasmat (c), Saumani Tiai, Fereti Sululoto, Samson Sola, Solomon Nash, Daniel Burgess, Noah Mead.

Umpires Rahul Asher and Shiju Sam, with match referee Kent Hannam overseeing, signaled play at 10:30 AM. A smattering of expat fans – Nepali workers in Oman waving flags, Samoan supporters in lava-lavas – filled the stands. Broadcast on ICC.tv and local streams, the match drew global eyes, with Nepal's diaspora tuning in from Kathmandu to Sydney. Little did they know, the next three hours would etch Nepal's name deeper into T20 lore.

Nepal's Innings: A Power-Packed Onslaught (211/4 in 20 Overs)

From the first ball, bowled by the lanky Noah Mead to Bhurtel, Nepal signaled intent. A crisp punch through covers – four! The outfield, lightning-fast after overnight watering, devoured the ball. Aasif Sheikh, at the non-striker's end, joined the fray with a flicked leg glance off the second ball – two runs. By the end of the first over, 8/0; Samoa's seamers, Visser and Mead, leaked boundaries early, the ball skidding on under blue skies.

Powerplay Power Surge (Overs 1-6: 62/1, Run Rate 10.33) Bhurtel, the dasher from Pokhara, unleashed: a booming drive off Mead's third over soared for six over long-on, followed by a cut that bisected point and cover. Aasif, no slouch, danced down to Tiai's medium-pace in the fourth, lofting inside-out over extra cover – another maximum. The duo's telepathic running piled singles, twos; by the fifth over, 45/0. Samoa turned to spin prematurely – Burgess's off-breaks in the sixth – but Bhurtel rocked back, pulling fiercely for four. Enter Jasmat, rolling his arm over: a quicker one cramped Bhurtel, who edged to French behind the stumps. 51/1 (Bhurtel 28 off 20, 3x4, 2x6). Aarif Sheikh strode in, but Aasif bossed: a slog-sweep off Burgess for six, then a ramp shot over third man. Powerplay ended at 62/1 – Nepal's highest in qualifiers.

Our live correspondent, filing from the boundary: "Nepal's off to a flyer! Bhurtel's gone, but Aasif's in beast mode – strike rate 150 already." Social media buzzed: #NepalRhinos trending in Kathmandu, fans posting eagle memes for the soaring total.

Middle-Order Mastery (Overs 7-15: 110/3 at 15 Overs, Run Rate 7.33) Aarif, nephew of the legendary Paresh, settled with a nurdle off Solia's seam-ups. Aasif, eyes on fifty, accelerated: against Tiai's cutters, he carved a late-cut for four, then muscled a length ball over midwicket – six more. The 10th over, bowled by Sululoto (left-arm pace), was carnage: Aasif's pull for four, Aarif's whip off hips for two, single – 12 runs. 90/1 at 10 overs; Samoa's fielding frayed, a missed stop at deep square costing four.

Aasif's fifty arrived off 30 balls in the 12th – a milestone cheered wildly. But Tiai struck back: a slower bouncer deceived Aarif (9 off 10), gloved to French. 110/2. Enter Airee, the all-round dynamo, who ignited: off Burgess, he reverse-swept for four, then switch-hit for six – audacious! Aasif, feeding off the vibe, hammered Sululoto for back-to-back boundaries – a drive, a loft. 140/2 at 15 overs. Tragedy struck in the 16th: Tiai's yorker – Aasif (69, 7x4, 4x6) yorked, middle stump rattled. 142/3. Paudel joined Airee; the skipper flicked Nash for four, Airee slogged for six. But Burgess foxed Airee (53 off 33, 4x4, 3x6) with a googly – bowled. 160/3 after 16.4, as per live updates. Nepal relentlessly hammered; Samoa's bowlers, depleted, bled 20 in the 17th alone.

Death Over Dynamite (Overs 16-20: 51 Runs, No Wickets) Jha (1 off 2) fell cheaply to Mead, but Paudel and Bam turned carnage mode. Bam, the finisher from Butwal, exploded: off Mead's 18th, full toss dispatched for six; next ball, hoicked over cow corner – another! Paudel, classy as ever, carved Tiai for four through point. 18th over: 20 runs – Bam's pull six, Paudel's ramp four, scampered threes. 19th (Sululoto): Bam's blade – inside-out loft six, straight drive four, single. Paudel capped the 20th (Jasmat): slog-sweep six! Nepal ended 211/4 – a tournament-high, surpassing their 197 vs UAE.

Aasif's knock: elegant yet brutal, his 69 blending anchors with assault. Airee's 53: tempo-setter. Bam's 39* off 12 (3x4, 3x6): SR 325, pure T20 elixir. Samoa's attack: Tiai 2/42 (best), others expensive. Paudel post-innings: "We backed our batsmen; 200+ was the target, and we smashed it."

Samoa's Chase: A Dismal Demolition (87/7 in 20 Overs)

Chasing 212 on a tiring pitch – now offering turn – Samoa needed fireworks. But Nepal's seam-spin cocktail extinguished hopes early. Target: 10.60 per over. Reality: a crawl to collapse.

Early Evaporation (Overs 1-6: 28/3, Run Rate 4.66) Karan KC thundered in: first ball to Solia, swinging away – edged, caught behind! 0/1. Visser, the Dutch-Samoan all-rounder, poked Lamichhane's first (second over) – stumped by Aasif off a ripper. 10/2. Mailata, burly opener, muscled a six off KC but holed out to long-on off Rajbanshi's left-arm darts – 28/3 at powerplay end. French and Jasmat huddled; Nepal's fielding – Bhurtel at point diving, Airee at covers swooping – electric.

Live update: "Samoa's top order in tatters! Rajbanshi's gold already." The pressure mounted; dots piled, required rate soared to 12+.

Middle-Order Meltdown (Overs 7-15: 65/6 at 15 Overs, Run Rate 4.33) French (15 off 20) anchored, but Rajbanshi struck twice: Tiai (0) LBW, Sululoto (2) bowled by a slider. 42/5. Sola joined French, but Paudel's part-time off-spin bamboozled Sola (8) – caught at midwicket. 55/6. Nash (11) and French rebuilt tentatively, but Lamichhane's googly in the 14th castled Nash. French, battling, reached 22 off 35 before Yadav's seamers induced a top-edge – caught at covers off KC. 70/7 at 16 overs. Burgess (2*) and Mead (0*) stonewalled.

Rajbanshi's 3/13: miserly, match-winning. Lamichhane 1/15 in three overs: vintage control. KC 2/20. Samoa's batsmen, overawed, managed just 17 boundaries total – no sixes post-Powerplay.

Jasmat reflected: "We bowled well up top, but their total was Everest. Our chase lacked partnerships." Paudel: "Bowlers executed plans; proud of the unit."
Key Performances: Rhinos' Rampagers and Samoa's Strugglers

Aasif Sheikh (69 off 41, 7x4, 4x6, Player of the Match): The gloveman's blitz set the tone – his fifty the fastest in Nepal's qualifiers. "Felt the ball come on nicely," he grinned post-match.

Lokesh Bam (39 off 12, 3x4, 3x6):* Late heroics; SR 325 redefined finishing. Aarif Sheikh (9) edged it, but his calm presence stabilized.

Dipendra Singh Airee (53 off 33, 4x4, 3x6): Acceleration king; his reverse sweep viral on highlights.

Lalit Rajbanshi (3/13): Spin sensation; his arm ball dismantled Samoa's core. Lamichhane's experience (1/15) complemented.

For Samoa: Tiai (2/42) fought valiantly; French's 22 gritty, but isolated.
Post-Match Glory: Title Lift, Qualifications, and Fan Frenzy

Nepal's seventh straight win clinched the title outright – Oman pipped UAE but trailed on NRR. The 2026 T20WC lineup: 20 teams, with Nepal, Oman, UAE joining Africa qualifiers' Namibia, Zimbabwe. Paudel lifted the trophy amid confetti; Airee danced bhangra. "This is for Nepal's dreams," Paudel said, tears welling.

Points Table (Super Six):

TeamPlayedWonLostPointsNRRNepal 3 3 0 6 +2.450
Oman 3 2 1 4 +1.120
UAE 3 1 2 2 +0.890
Others - - - - -

Fan reactions: Kathmandu streets partied; #RhinosRoar trended. Samoa's Jasmat: "Proud of our fight; back stronger."

Tournament Context: Nepal's Unbeaten Odyssey

Nepal's journey: Group B wins over Kuwait (88 runs), Japan (chase of 120). Super Six: UAE (7 wkts), Qatar (DLS). Samoa: EAP heroes, but Super Six woes (losses to Japan, UAE).

This 124-run win – Nepal's biggest T20I margin – cements their rise since 2014 debut. As the sun set on Al Amerat, the Rhinos eyed 2026 – where mountains meet the global stage.

Brief Scores: Nepal 211/4 (20 ov) (Aasif 69, Airee 53, Bam 39*; Tiai 2/42) beat Samoa 87/7 (20 ov) (French 22; Rajbanshi 3/13) by 124 runs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who won the Nepal vs Samoa match in the 2025 Asia & EAP Qualifier?

Nepal defeated Samoa by 124 runs on 17 October 2025 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman.
2. What was Nepal's score against Samoa?

Nepal scored 211/4 in 20 overs, setting Samoa a target of 212 runs.
3. How many runs did Samoa score?

Samoa finished on 87/7 in 20 overs, losing the match by 124 runs.
4. Who was Player of the Match in Nepal vs Samoa?

Aasif Sheikh received the Player of the Match award after scoring 69 runs from 41 balls.
5. How many runs did Dipendra Singh Airee score?

Dipendra Singh Airee scored 53 off 33 balls, including two fours and four sixes.
6. Who was Nepal's leading bowler?

Lalit Rajbanshi was one of Nepal's leading bowlers, taking three wickets in the match.
7. Did Nepal qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup through this match?

Nepal had already secured their place in the 2026 T20 World Cup before this fixture. The victory against Samoa secured the qualifier tournament title and completed their unbeaten campaign.

Nepal cricket team latest news