Kathmandu: Nepal secured a comprehensive 113-run victory over hosts Oman to strengthen their bid for a top-six finish in the ICC World Cup League 2 tri-series at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground on Tuesday.

Former captain Rohit Paudel struck a half-century as Nepal, batting first, posted 263-8. Captain Sandeep Lamichhane and Nandan Yadav then claimed three wickets each to bowl out Oman for 150 in 40 overs.

With their second win of the series, Nepal strengthened their bid for a top-six finish, which is crucial to retaining their ODI status for the next four-year cycle.

Nepal sit sixth in the eight-team standings with 28 points from 34 matches, having won 13, lost 19 and two matches ended without a result. Oman are fourth with 33 points from 30 matches. The United States have already secured the title with 49 points from 35 matches. All teams will play 36 matches by the end of the league.

Rohit scored a composed 61 off 67 balls, including three boundaries and a six, to register his 13th ODI half-century.

He had scored his third ODI century against Canada in Nepal’s opening match of the series, securing a 24-run victory.

Batting at number four, Rohit also shared an 86-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Basir Ahamad before the latter was dismissed. Rohit was caught behind by wicketkeeper Vinayak Shukla off Shakeel Ahamad.

Karan KC made a late impact with a blistering 40 off just 16 balls, hitting a boundary and four sixes, including three consecutive sixes in the penultimate over. Named player-of-the-match, he was run out in the final delivery of the innings.

Opener Arjun Kumal contributed 40 off 59 balls, while his opening partner Aasif Sheikh departed cheaply for four.

Batting at number three, Ishan Pandey scored 37 off 55 balls, including four boundaries. Basir also contributed 37 off 50 balls, including three sixes.

Dipendra Singh Airee added 22, Sundeep Jora scored 10, and Nandan Yadav remained unbeaten on seven.

For Oman, Faisal Shah, Shakeel Ahamad and Karan Sonavale claimed two wickets each.

In reply, Oman made a disastrous start, losing wickets at regular intervals to slump to 41-6 in the 12th over.

Opener Hasnan Ul Wahab (0) was bowled by Karan KC, while Mujibur Ali (2) and Hammad Mirza (4) fell to medium-pacer Nandan Yadav.

Jatinder Singh (18) was caught by Karan off Lalit Rajbanshi, while Karan Sonavale (4) and Zikri Islam (0) were bowled by Sandeep in consecutive deliveries, compounding Oman’s misery.

Batting at number six, captain Vinayak Shukla attempted to stage a recovery, scoring 77 off 83 balls, including six boundaries and a six.

However, he received little support from the other end. Nandan had Shukla caught by wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh to claim the ninth wicket.

Jay Odedra, who scored 25 off 57 balls, was the other Oman batter to reach double figures.

Nandan was Nepal’s most economical bowler, conceding just 12 runs in his six overs, including a maiden. Sandeep gave away 28 runs in his nine overs.

Dipendra Singh Airee returned figures of 2-30 from seven overs, while Karan KC and Lalit Rajbanshi claimed one wicket each.

Nepal will face Canada on Saturday and Oman on Monday at the same venue.