Kathmandu: Nepal slumped to a 102-run defeat against Oman on DLS method in their second match of the ongoing ICC World Cup League 2 (WCL-2) tri-series at the TU Cricket Stadium, Kirtipur, on Wednesday.

Opting to bat first, Oman rode on a magnificent century from captain Jatinder Singh to post a formidable 305-8. In reply, Nepal were struggling at 155-7 in 36.5 overs when rain halted play, with Oman declared winners under the DLS method.

Nepal had opened their campaign with a 37-run win over the UAE, while Oman had suffered a 25-run defeat against the same opponents.

Nepal’s batting falters

Chasing a stiff target, Nepal got off to a shaky start and lost wickets at regular intervals. Openers Kushal Bhurtel (1) and Aasif Sheikh (19) fell early, followed by captain Rohit Paudel (10) and Basir Ahamad (1), leaving the hosts reeling at 57-4.

Dipendra Singh Airee, batting at number six, attempted to revive the innings with a fighting knock of 60 off 62 balls, studded with seven fours and a six—his second consecutive half-century following the match against the UAE. However, he found little support from the other end and was eventually dismissed by Muhammed Imran, caught by Wasim Ali.

Aarif Sheikh contributed 14, while Gulshan Jha (14) and Sompal Kami (2) were at the crease when rain interrupted play.

For Oman, Nadeem Khan was the pick of the bowlers with 3-42 from his 10 overs. Shakeel Ahmed chipped in with 2-16 in an economical eight-over spell, including a maiden.

Jatinder’s masterclass powers Oman

Earlier, Oman opener Jatinder Singh produced a career-best 130 off 96 balls to anchor his side’s innings. It marked his fourth ODI century and his second against Nepal, earning him the player-of-the-match award.

The 37-year-old surpassed Oman’s and his previous highest ODI score as of 118 runs. He struck 15 boundaries along with four sixes in a composed innings.

Jatinder shared an 80-run opening stand with Aaqib Ilyas (Ashish Odedara?) and added 81 runs for the third wicket with Hammad Mirza. He was eventually dismissed in the 35th over, caught by Basir Ahamad off Sompal Kami with Oman at 192-4.

Jiten Ramanandi added a brisk 43 off 43 balls, while Aryan Bisht (35 off 35), Hammad Mirza (30 off 47), and Aaqib Ilyas (23 off 48) also made valuable contributions.

Sompal Kami was the standout performer with the ball for Nepal, claiming 4-59 in nine overs, including two wickets in successive deliveries in the final over. Sandeep Lamichhane took 2-24 from his 10 overs, while Dipendra Singh Airee picked up 2-56.

League standings

In the ongoing three-year ICC World Cup League 2 cycle featuring eight teams, Nepal remain seventh with 14 points from 22 matches, having registered six wins, 14 defeats, and two no-results.

Oman sit third with 31 points (14 wins, nine losses, three no-results), while the UAE are at the bottom with 12 points from 22 matches.

The United States lead the standings with 36 points from 24 matches, followed by Scotland with 30 points from an equal number of games.