Nepal’s 2027 World Cup Qualification campaign begins with a crucial League 2 tri-series against Namibia and the Netherlands. Nepal open their schedule against Namibia as another important step toward the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Every match could shape Nepal’s qualification hopes. Strong performances will also improve their position in the League 2 standings during the campaign.
Here’s everything about Nepal’s fixtures, match schedule, venues, and why the tri-series could prove important in the race for World Cup qualification.
Nepal’s 2027 ODI World Cup Qualification Begins Against Namibia and Netherlands
Nepal’s 2027 ODI World Cup Qualification campaign begins with a crucial ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series against Namibia and the Netherlands.
The Rhinos will look to collect valuable points from both opponents as they continue their push for a place at next year’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
The top four teams in the League 2 standings will progress directly to the World Cup Qualifier.
Nepal currently occupies fifth place and needs to win matches against both Namibia and the Netherlands to keep its chances of direct qualification alive.
The side also enters the tri-series in encouraging form. Nepal won six of their last eight League 2 matches on home soil and remained unbeaten during the recent Asian Games Qualifier in Singapore.
ICC Cricket World Cup League Two 2023-27 Standings
The USA lead the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two 2023-27 standings with 43 points from 32 matches.
Here is the complete ICC Cricket World Cup League Two 2023-27 points table:
| Position | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | No Result | Points | Net Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USA | 32 | 21 | 10 | 1 | 43 | +0.693 |
| 2 | Scotland | 32 | 16 | 10 | 6 | 38 | +0.631 |
| 3 | Netherlands | 28 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 32 | +0.164 |
| 4 | Oman | 28 | 14 | 11 | 3 | 31 | +0.018 |
| 5 | Nepal | 28 | 11 | 15 | 2 | 24 | +0.023 |
| 6 | Canada | 28 | 10 | 14 | 4 | 24 | -0.203 |
| 7 | Namibia | 28 | 10 | 16 | 2 | 22 | -0.491 |
| 8 | United Arab Emirates | 24 | 7 | 17 | 0 | 14 | -1.016 |
Nepal’s Tri-Series Schedule and Squads Against Namibia and Netherlands
Nepal will face Namibia and the Netherlands twice each in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series.
Here is the complete schedule of all three teams, followed by the squads next:
| Day & Date | Match | Time (IST / GMT) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, 21 July 2026 | Nepal vs Namibia | 2:30 PM IST / 9:00 AM GMT | Sportpark Maarschalkerweerd, Utrecht |
| Thursday, 23 July 2026 | Netherlands vs Nepal | 2:30 PM IST / 9:00 AM GMT | Sportpark Maarschalkerweerd, Utrecht |
| Saturday, 25 July 2026 | Namibia vs Netherlands | 2:30 PM IST / 9:00 AM GMT | Sportpark Maarschalkerweerd, Utrecht |
| Monday, 27 July 2026 | Namibia vs Nepal | 2:30 PM IST / 9:00 AM GMT | Sportpark Maarschalkerweerd, Utrecht |
| Wednesday, 29 July 2026 | Nepal vs Netherlands | 2:30 PM IST / 9:00 AM GMT | Sportpark Maarschalkerweerd, Utrecht |
| Friday, 31 July 2026 | Netherlands vs Namibia | 2:30 PM IST / 9:00 AM GMT | Sportpark Maarschalkerweerd, Utrecht |
Nepal, Namibia and Netherlands Squads
Nepal, Namibia, and the Netherlands have announced 15-member squads for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series.
Here are the full squads for all three teams competing in the Utrecht tri-series:
Nepal: Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee (vc), Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Ishan Pandey, Aarif Sheikh, Gulshan Kumar Jha, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi, Bhim Sharki, Arjun Kumal, Binod Bhandari.
Reserves: Shahab Alam, Hemant Dhami, Aakash Chand, Yuvraj Khatri, Sundeep Jora.
Namibia: Gerhard Erasmus (c), Malan Kruger, Jan Frylinck, Michael van Lingen, Louren Steenkamp, Alexander Volschenk, Nicol Loftie-Eaton, JJ Smit, Zane Green, Ruben Trumpelmann, Bernard Scholtz, JC Balt, Max Heingo, Jack Brassell, Waldo Smith.
Netherlands: Scott Edwards (c), Alex Roy, Aryan Dutt, Bas de Leede, Cedric de Lange, Saqib Zulfiqar, Kyle Klein, Max O’Dowd, Logan van Beek, Noah Croes, Ryan Klein, Roelof van der Merwe, Tim Pringle, Vikramjit Singh, Zach Lion-Cachet.
What Is Nepal’s Complete 2027 World Cup Qualification Path?
Nepal’s 2027 World Cup Qualification campaign begins in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2. Their path to the tournament depends on where they finish in the League 2 standings.
- Top Four Finish: Nepal qualify directly for the 2027 Cricket World Cup Qualifier and retain their ODI status.
- Bottom Four Finish: Nepal enters the Cricket World Cup Qualifier Play-off and must finish in the top four to reach the global Qualifier.
- Final Step: Nepal must secure a top-four finish in the 10-team Cricket World Cup Qualifier to qualify for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.
Under the ICC’s expanded 14-team World Cup format, the Qualifier winner advances directly to the main group stage, while the second-, third-, and fourth-placed teams enter the Super Series to compete for the remaining World Cup spots.
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Conclusion
Nepal now enter a decisive phase of their 2027 World Cup Qualification campaign with four crucial League 2 matches awaiting in Utrecht.
Strong performances against Namibia and the Netherlands could significantly strengthen their position in the standings.
The Rhinos have shown encouraging form in recent months and will aim to build on that momentum throughout the tri-series.
Every victory could prove vital in the race for a top-four finish. With qualification hopes on the line, Nepal have little room for error.
The upcoming tri-series presents a valuable opportunity to move closer to the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and keep their qualification dream firmly alive.
