Nepal is currently hosting a back-to-back tri-series of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Ahead of the eight ODIs at home Nepal was in a crucial juncture to keep its 2027 World Cup qualification hopes alive.
The first tri-series featuring Nepal, Oman, and the UAE commenced on April 25 (Saturday) and is scheduled to take place till May 05 (Tuesday).
Subsequently, Nepal will host Scotland and the USA in the second tri-series from 12th to 22nd May 2026.
Let’s find out if Nepal still remains in the contention to gain direct entry into the World Cup qualifiers or not.
CWC League 2: A Pathway For ODI World Cup 2027 Qualifiers
The Cricket World Cup League 2 features a 24-tri series tournament, with each of the eight teams playing 36 ODI matches. After the league concludes, the top four teams advance into the Cricket World Cup Qualifier, the last stage before the 2027 ODI World Cup.
However, the bottom four teams still have their world cup qualification hopes alive. There is still another tournament called the “Qualifier Play-Off”, which indeed serves as a second chance.
Under the Qualifier play-off, the bottom four teams will face off against the top four teams from the Challenge League, the next lower level of one-day cricket.
As of May 2026, there are few games left in the CWC league 2. But there is minimal scope for all eight teams to secure a top four finish and earn direct qualification into the World Cup Qualifier.
Nepal’s Fixtures in Home Tri Series 2026
Ahead of the tri series, Nepal had high hopes to seal a top four finish in the CWC League 2 points table. This could have been possible winning all their eight matches of the tri-series to compile a maximum of 16 points to conclude the CWC league 2 with 30 points.
However, Nepal started the tri-series with a 4-wicket win against United Arab Emirates (UAE), but suffered a 102-run loss to Oman in its next match.
Here is a detailed list of Nepal’s fixtures in phase 1 and phase 2 of the home tri series in Kirtipur scheduled in April-May 2026:
| Tri Series | Date and Day | Match | Nepal’s Outcome in a tri-series match |
| Phase 1 | April 25, 2026 (Saturday) | Nepal vs UAE | Won by 37 Runs |
| April 29, 2026 (Wednesday) | Oman vs Nepal | Lost by 102 Runs (DLS Method) | |
| May 01, 2026 (Friday) | Nepal vs UAE | Ongoing Match | |
| May 05, 2026 (Tuesday) | Nepal vs Oman | Upcoming Match | |
| Phase 2 | May 12, 2026 (Tuesday) | Nepal vs Scotland | Not Started (Upcoming Matches) |
| May 16, 2026 (Saturday) | Nepal vs USA | ||
| May 18, 2026 (Monday) | Nepal vs Scotland | ||
| May 22, 2026 (Friday) | Nepal vs USA |
Nepal’s Current Ranking in ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 Points Table
As of May 01 2026 (Friday), Nepal is placed at the penultimate position of the Cricket World Cup League 2 points table. With 6 wins and 14 losses, Nepal holds just 14 points and a subpar net-run rate (NRR) of -0.332 in the eight-team points table.
| Rankings | Team | Matches Played | Wins and Losses | Points | Net Run Rate |
| 1. | USA | 24 | 18 Wins and 6 Losses | 36 | +0.939 |
| 2. | Scotland | 28 | 14 Wins and 8 Losses | 34 | +0.925 |
| 3. | Oman | 26 | 14 Wins and 9 Losses | 31 | +0.148 |
| 4. | Netherlands | 24 | 13 Wins and 9 Losses | 28 | +0.165 |
| 5. | Namibia | 28 | 10 Wins and 16 Losses | 22 | -0.489 |
| 6. | Canada | 24 | 9 Wins and 12 Losses | 21 | -0.209 |
| 7. | Nepal | 22 | 6 Wins and 14 Losses | 14 | -0.332 |
| 8. | UAE | 22 | 6 Wins and 16 Losses | 12 | -1.228 |
Teams receive 2 points for a win, while no-result or abandoned matches allows each side to claim 1 point.
Can Nepal Secure Direct Qualification into 2027 World Cup Qualifiers?
Suppose Nepal wins all its upcoming matches, there are low chances to directly qualify for the 2027 World Cup Qualifiers. As of May 2026, Nepal’s points tally would rise to 26 if they win all six of their upcoming matches, securing additional 12 points.
Top four ranked teams such USA (36 points), Scotland (34 points), Oman (31 points), and Netherlands (28 points) are likely to be the strongest contenders to play World Cup qualifiers .
Mathematically, there is no scope for Nepal to earn direct qualification as USA, Scotland, and Oman still have few more games to play in the Cricket World Cup League 2.
Also Read: Shikhar Dhawan Supports Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli To Play ICC ODI World Cup 2027
Final Opinion
Nepal’s hopes to play the 2027 World Cup is still alive even if they fail to earn a top four finish in the CWC league 2 points table.
In conclusion, the Qualifier Play-Off could be the last opportunity for Nepal to compete against the lower-tier teams and a failure might lead to elimination.
