Nepal make cricket history after securing ODI status

Nepal have secured one-day international (ODI) status for the first time in their history - an achievement being described as “remarkable” by cricket pundits.

After beating Papua New Guinea by six wickets at the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier play-off in Harare, Nepal will now take on the Netherlands in the seventh-place play-off on Saturday knowing the third ODI spot is confirmed.

Nepal’s rise up the cricketing ranks is even more spectacular due to the fact that their administration has been banned by the International Cricket Council for the past two years. This has meant Nepal’s coach and senior players have taken over the running of the sport.

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Speaking to The National newspaper, Nepal captain Paras Khadka says he hopes that the ODI status can help transform the game in his country.

Khadka said: “As players we are pushing ourselves, and whatever happens outside we have always known that if we do well on the field, we can hopefully reach somewhere like that. Over the years we have played good cricket. Once we missed out on the Super Six and qualification was out of our hands, we knew we had to focus on ODI status.”

On Nepal’s cricketing future Khadka added that a proper management system needs to be put in place. “It is as simple as that,” he said. “If we can get a proper system and management back at home, cricket is going to prosper. No matter what happens with Nepal cricket, we need a proper management to lead the way forward.”

For now Nepal’s players and their fans are celebrating their huge achievement on the pitch. Here’s how Twitter reacted:

The rise of Nepal.

“One hell of a story”.

“Amazing, amazing feat”.

A date etched in history.

“We cannot be more proud”.