After six unsuccessful bids in the past, the sheer will and determination of the boys in red and blue have finally overcome the Afghanistan jinx. And a victory makes all the more sweet as it came at the biggest cricketing stage.

Nepal finished level on four points with Bangladesh, but just missed out on a spot in the next stage to the hosts who progressed despite a shocking two-wicket loss to Hong Kong. Bangladesh, one of the two Test-playing sides in the preliminary round, advanced on better run rate (+1.466 net run rate) against Nepal’s (+0.933).

Subash Khakurel (56) hit a maiden half-century to propel Nepal to 141-5 before Jitendra Mukhia claimed a  career best 3-18, including two scalps in two balls in the fifth over, to restrict Afghanistan to 132-8 in 20 overs. Nepal, though, had to overcame a nervous last over when Asghar Stanikzai (49 off 36 balls) hit 14 runs off the first four balls including three fours off Sompal Kami.

Nepal could not have planned for a better stage to end their poor run against Afghanistan, who entered the tournament as the best Associate team on the back of their upset win over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup.

Having ended Nepal’s losing streak at the cricket’s biggest stage, skipper Paras Khadka hopes to draw the attention of the cricketing world towards Nepal. The 26-year-old also asked for better infrastructure to enhance their skills. “The team is improving. But we need to improve on our infrastructure too as we compete at higher level,” demanded the captain.

Meanwhile, social media was abuzz with words of praise for Team Nepal. “Lol, sign up Jitendra Mukhiya for the CPL somebody (sic). Four overs of Yorkers worth the price of gold. 21 years old, imagine if he got exposure,” tweeted Ian Bishop, the former West Indies fast bowler turned commentator.

Anand Vasu, managing editor of Wisdon India, added: “Nepal hold on for a major win... and plenty to be proud of even if they could not make it to the next round.”

Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal Chairman Kamal Thapa also joined the bandwagon. “What a excitement. Finally we won,” he tweeted. “Proud to see Nepal flag flying high at Chittagong, Bangladesh. Hats off to the hard work of our boys.”

And Nepali Congress youth leader Gagan Thapa too could not hide his excitement, either. “How we played is more important than whether we won or lost. The message from today’s game is that a little support can push Nepali cricket forward.”

KMG announces Rs 1m reward for Team Nepal

The Kantipur Media Group has announced a cash reward of Rs 1million for the Nepali cricket team in recognition of their outstanding performance on their T20 World Cup debut.

KMG Chairman and Managing Director Kailash Sirohiya made the announcement after Nepal’s win over Afghanistan on Thursday, with the hope to boost the morale of Nepali players in the future. Nepal defeated Afghanistan in their final preliminary round match of the ICC T-20.

Afghanistan fell short of the 142-run target by nine runs. Earlier, Nepal had registered a crushing 80-run victory against Hong Kong before going down

by eight wickets against the host team Bangladesh.