Nepal cricket created history on Sunday by qualifying for the ICC ODI World Cup for the first time ever, defeating Namibia by 4 wickets in a nail-biting qualifier final in Harare. Captain Rohit Paudel led from the front with a magnificent 97-run knock.

Chasing a target of 268, Nepal were in trouble at 145 for 5 before an extraordinary partnership between Paudel and all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee turned the match around. Airee smashed an unbeaten 78 off just 52 balls to seal the victory.

Thousands of fans gathered at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu to watch the match on big screens, and celebrations erupted across the country when the winning runs were scored. The government declared a public holiday to honor the team's achievement.

Cricket Association of Nepal President praised the team and announced a bonus of 5 million rupees for each player. The World Cup qualification is expected to significantly boost cricket development funding and infrastructure in the country.