Nepal has advanced to the Super Six stage of the ICC T20 World Cup Asia East Pacific Qualifier after topping Group B. In the final group-stage match held on Friday at Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman, Nepal defeated Japan by five wickets to secure their place as group champions.

Chasing a target of 132 runs set by Japan, Nepal reached the total in 18 overs, losing five wickets along the way. With this victory, Nepal carried two points into the Super Six stage, while Japan advanced without any points.

Both Nepal and Japan had earlier defeated Kuwait, but since Kuwait failed to qualify for the Super Six, those results do not count toward the next round. Nepal’s consecutive wins ensured they finished as Group B winners, with Japan as runners-up. From Group A, the UAE and Qatar have already qualified for the Super Six, while the final two teams from Group C are yet to be confirmed.

In Nepal’s innings, openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh gave a solid start, putting up 36 runs in five overs. Bhurtel scored 21 runs off 21 balls, while Sheikh played a quick-fire 38 off 21 deliveries, including one four and four sixes. Captain Rohit Paudel added 18 runs, while Gulshan Jha (28*) and Dipendra Singh Airee (14*) guided Nepal to victory with an unbeaten 42-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

Earlier, Japan posted 131 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Kendel Kadowaki Fleming top-scored with 60 off 46 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes, while Islam Rahman contributed 31 runs.

For Nepal, Gulshan Jha and Sandeep Lamichhane took two wickets each, while Sompal Kami and Nandan Yadav claimed one apiece.

With this win, Nepal moves a step closer to qualifying for next year’s ICC T20 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The top three teams from the Super Six stage will earn spots in the global tournament.