Table of Contents
The Nepal National Cricket Team vs Oman National Cricket Team Timeline highlights a competitive rivalry between two prominent Associate cricket nations. Their meetings have produced closely fought ODI and T20I contests, with both sides enjoying periods of dominance. Nepal and Oman have frequently faced each other in ICC qualification events and regional tournaments, making their matches important beyond the result alone.
The rivalry has featured memorable performances, narrow finishes and major results. Oman secured a 102-run DLS victory in April 2026, while Nepal responded just days later with an 81-run win in the return ODI at Kirtipur. This timeline explores the major meetings, turning points and important moments that have shaped the Nepal-Oman cricket rivalry.
Rivalry Overview
The Nepal National Cricket Team and Oman National Cricket Team have developed one of the most competitive rivalries in Associate cricket. Their meetings have frequently come in ICC qualification competitions, including the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 and T20 World Cup qualifying events.
The rivalry has shifted between formats. Oman established an early advantage in ODI cricket, while Nepal have enjoyed stronger results in T20Is. Their matches have also produced several close finishes, including a dramatic tied T20I decided by a Super Over in 2023.
Timeline of Major Matches
| Date | Format | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 10, 2019 | T20I | Al Amerat | Oman won by 6 wickets |
| Feb. 5, 2020 | ODI | Kirtipur | Oman won by 18 runs |
| Feb. 9, 2020 | ODI | Kirtipur | Oman won by 8 wickets |
| Sep. 19, 2021 | ODI | Al Amerat | Nepal won by 7 wickets |
| Feb. 11, 2022 | T20I | Al Amerat | Nepal won by 6 wickets |
| Feb. 18, 2022 | T20I | Al Amerat | Nepal won by 39 runs |
| Feb. 24, 2022 | T20I | Al Amerat | Nepal won by 9 wickets |
| Jun. 9, 2022 | ODI | USA | Oman won by 13 runs |
| Jun. 14, 2022 | ODI | USA | Nepal won by 7 wickets |
| Apr. 21, 2023 | ODI | Kirtipur | Nepal won by 84 runs |
| Nov. 2, 2023 | T20I | Kirtipur | Oman won by 5 runs |
| Nov. 5, 2023 | T20I | Kirtipur | Oman won Super Over |
| Sep. 18, 2024 | ODI | King City | Oman won by 1 wicket |
| Sep. 29, 2024 | T20I | King City | Nepal won by 37 runs |
| Oct. 2, 2024 | T20I | King City | Nepal won by 56 runs |
| Oct. 15, 2025 | T20I | Al Amerat | Nepal won by 38 runs |
| Apr. 29, 2026 | ODI | Kirtipur | Oman won by 102 runs, DLS |
| May 5, 2026 | ODI | Kirtipur | Nepal won by 81 runs |
The 2026 meetings are particularly important because the teams split their two Cricket World Cup League 2 matches in Kirtipur.
Historic Test Matches
There have been no Test matches between Nepal and Oman.
Neither Nepal nor Oman has historically been a Test-playing nation, so this rivalry has been built primarily through ODI and T20I cricket. Their most important fixtures have instead come through ICC qualification pathways.
Historic ODI Matches
The ODI rivalry began in 2020, when Oman won both matches in Kirtipur. Nepal responded with an ODI victory in 2021 before the teams exchanged wins in the 2022 Cricket World Cup League 2 fixtures.
One of Nepal’s biggest victories came on April 21, 2023. Nepal scored 310/8, their highest ODI total against Oman, before dismissing Oman for 226 to win by 84 runs.
The September 18, 2024 meeting in King City was another memorable contest. Oman chased Nepal’s 220/9 and reached 223/9, winning by just one wicket.
The rivalry continued in Kirtipur in April and May 2026. Oman produced 305/8 and defeated Nepal by 102 runs via the DLS method on April 29. Nepal responded on May 5 by scoring 256 and defeating Oman by 81 runs.
Historic T20I Matches
The T20I rivalry has been particularly competitive.
After Oman won the first meeting in 2019, Nepal won three consecutive T20Is against Oman in February 2022. Nepal won by six wickets, 39 runs and nine wickets respectively.
Oman regained the advantage during the 2023 T20 World Cup Asia Regional Final. Oman won the November 2 match by five runs, while the November 5 final produced one of the most memorable games between the teams.
Both sides scored 184, forcing a Super Over. Oman ultimately won the Super Over and claimed the match.
Nepal later dominated their 2024 T20I meetings in Canada, winning by 37 and 56 runs. Nepal also defeated Oman by 38 runs in the 2025 T20 World Cup Asia-EAP qualifying competition.
ICC Tournament Meetings
ICC competitions have been central to the development of this rivalry.
The teams have met in:
- ICC Cricket World Cup League 2
- ICC Men’s T20 World Cup qualifying competitions
- ICC-related regional qualification events
The Cricket World Cup League 2 matches are especially significant because the competition provides a pathway toward the Cricket World Cup Qualifier and ultimately the 2027 World Cup.
The 2023 T20 World Cup Asia Regional Final meeting is another landmark. Oman defeated Nepal in the group stage and then won the final after the Super Over.
Memorable Rivalry Moments
| Moment | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| First Official T20I | 2019 | Began the modern rivalry |
| Oman won both early ODIs | 2020 | Oman established early ODI dominance |
| Nepal’s three-match T20I winning streak | 2022 | Nepal gained momentum in T20 cricket |
| Nepal scored 310/8 | 2023 | Major ODI batting performance |
| 184-184 T20I tie | 2023 | Match required a Super Over |
| Oman won the Super Over | 2023 | One of the rivalry’s most dramatic finishes |
| Oman won by one wicket | 2024 | Extremely close ODI chase |
| Oman scored 305/8 | 2026 | Major ODI total |
| Nepal won by 81 runs | 2026 | Nepal responded strongly in the next ODI |
The 2023 Super Over thriller:
The November 5, 2023 final ended with both teams on 184. Oman eventually prevailed in the Super Over, creating one of the closest finishes in the rivalry.
Nepal’s 310/8:
Nepal’s 310/8 in April 2023 remains their highest ODI score against Oman. They followed it with a comprehensive 84-run victory.
Oman’s one-wicket victory:
In September 2024, Oman chased 221 against Nepal and won by only one wicket, making it one of the narrowest ODI finishes between the sides.
The 2026 ODI split:
Oman won the April 2026 match by 102 runs through the DLS method, but Nepal bounced back six days later to win by 81 runs.
Greatest Individual Performances
| Performance Type | Team | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Major ODI Batting Performance | Nepal | Part of 310/8 in 2023 |
| Major ODI Batting Performance | Oman | Part of 305/8 in 2026 |
| Successful ODI Chase | Oman | Won by 1 wicket in 2024 |
| T20I Pressure Performance | Oman | Super Over victory in 2023 |
| T20I Team Performance | Nepal | Three consecutive wins in 2022 |
The rivalry has featured strong performances from both sides, particularly in qualification cricket.
Nepal’s batting highlights include the team’s 310/8 in 2023 and several successful T20I batting performances during their winning run in 2022 and 2024.
For Oman, the 2026 ODI victory was particularly impressive from a team perspective. Oman posted 305/8, their highest ODI total against Nepal, before restricting Nepal to 155/7 in a rain-affected chase.
The most memorable individual performances are often linked to high-pressure qualification matches, where batting partnerships and bowling spells have had a direct effect on World Cup qualification campaigns.
Record-Breaking Matches
| Record | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Nepal’s highest ODI score vs Oman | 310/8 |
| Oman’s highest ODI score vs Nepal | 305/8 |
| Nepal’s biggest ODI win | 84 runs |
| Oman’s biggest ODI win | 102 runs, DLS |
| Narrowest ODI win | Oman by 1 wicket |
| Highest tied T20I score | 184-184 |
| Super Over match | November 5, 2023 |
The 310/8 by Nepal in 2023 and Oman’s 305/8 in 2026 stand out as the highest team totals in the ODI rivalry.
Nepal Key Player Milestones
| Player | Timeline Role | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Sandeep Lamichhane | 2021–2026 | Nepal’s major spin-bowling threat against Oman |
| Rohit Paudel | 2022–2026 | Important middle-order batter and captain |
| Dipendra Singh Airee | 2022–2026 | Key all-rounder and consistent performer |
| Kushal Malla | 2023 | Scored 108 off 64 balls against Oman |
| Aasif Sheikh | 2022–2026 | Important opening batter |
| Karan KC | 2020–2026 | Key pace-bowling all-rounder |
Kushal Malla’s 108 from 64 balls was the standout performance when Nepal scored 310/8 against Oman in April 2023. He was named Player of the Match, while Sandeep Lamichhane took 3/45.
Oman Key Player Milestones
| Player | Timeline Role | Notable Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Aqib Ilyas | 2019–2026 | Major batting figure in the rivalry |
| Zeeshan Maqsood | 2019–2024 | Experienced captain and all-rounder |
| Bilal Khan | 2019–2026 | Leading left-arm pace option |
| Jatinder Singh | 2024–2026 | Important top-order batter and captain |
| Ayaan Khan | 2022–2026 | Useful all-round contributor |
| Nadeem Khan | 2026 | Important bowling contributor |
Final Thoughts
The Nepal-Oman rivalry has grown from a relatively young Associate-cricket contest into a recurring battle with major qualification implications. Oman had the early advantage in ODI cricket, while Nepal established a strong T20I record after 2022. Close matches, dramatic chases and the unforgettable 2023 Super Over have given the rivalry a distinctive identity.
The 2026 ODI series added another chapter, with Oman winning one match convincingly before Nepal responded with an 81-run victory. With both teams continuing to compete for major ICC opportunities, Nepal versus Oman is likely to remain an important fixture in Associate cricket.
FAQ
1. When did Nepal and Oman first play each other?
Their first official T20I was played on October 10, 2019, with Oman winning by six wickets.
2. Have Nepal and Oman played Test cricket?
No. They have not played Test matches against each other.
3. Who has the better ODI record?
Oman have historically held the ODI advantage, winning five of the first eight completed ODI meetings listed in head-to-head records.
4. What was the most dramatic Nepal vs Oman match?
The November 5, 2023 T20I final is among the most memorable. Both teams scored 184 before Oman won the Super Over.
5. What happened in their most recent ODI meeting?
Nepal defeated Oman by 81 runs on May 5, 2026, after scoring 256 and bowling Oman out for 175.
