Dev Khanal cracked a half-century as Nepal posted a target of 192 runs for the United Arab Emirates in the final match of the Asia Regional Qualifier for the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday.

Opting to bat first, the U19 captain smashed three boundaries and a six to score 51 runs off 84 balls, before being caught by Aayan Afzal Khan in the 27.5th over.

Bishal Bikram KC put 38 while Uttam Rangu Thapa Magar put 36 runs on the scoreboard off of 50 and 48 balls respectively. Both, KC and Magar also fell leg before wicket (lbw) to Aayan Afzal Khan.

Similarly, Milan Bohara and Hemant Dhami smashed a boundary each, contributing 10 and 15 runs.

Dipesh Kandel also managed to put 15 runs on the scoreboard before being sent back to the pavilion by Harsh Desai in 48.5 overs.

The U19 rhinos have been on an undefeated win streak, registering their fourth consecutive win in the tournament, against Malaysia, on Tuesday.

Nepal has to win against hosts UAE to return to the U-19 World Cup for the first time since 2016.

Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Zimbabwe have already qualified for the 2024 World Cup as the best-placed full-member nations from the previous edition of the World Cup in 2022.

The remaining five spots will be fulfilled through the regional qualifier—Asia, East-Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe, and Americas—with one team from each region securing a place at the Sri Lanka finals.