Inclement weather ruins Nepal’s World Cup qualifying hopes

The Men’s Under-19 national cricket team of Nepal had to endure heartbreak in the 2026 ICC Under-19 Men’s World Cup Qualifier,which concluded in Kathmandu recently. The hosts' dream of making it to the final round of the competition was shattered,following cancellation of their decisive match against formidable Afghanistan without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain and unplayable ground conditions. Although both teams remained unbeaten and were tied on points,Afghanistan ended up benefiting from the situation. The Afghan outfit was declared winners based on a higher net run rate,and they sealed the qualifying spot for the 2026 World Cup taking place in Namibia and Zimbabwe. The excitement surrounding the high stake fixture between the undefeated sides was palpable and had reached fever pitch. However, rain played spoilsport,bringing the highly anticipated match to an anticlimactic end, leaving everyone ...