Nepal has gained ODI status for the first time in Himalayan history after crushing Papua New Guinea by six wickets in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier play-off in Harare, Zimvave.

Nepalese bowlers laid the platform for the wide-ranging win, with Sandeep Lamichhane and Dipendra Airee taking four wickets respectively to send home their opponents for 114 in just 27.2 overs at Old Hararians Sports Club.

It was another unsatisfactory batting display from PNG, who has now been bowled out for 200 or fewer in four of their five matches in the aforesaid competition. By this defeat, it confirms PNG will lose its ODI status.

Paras Khadka's decision to field upon winning the toss was justified when Sompal Kami trapped Assad Vala, the PNG captain, lbw in the third over for 10. Karan KC then got into the act, getting rid of the hazardous Tony Ura for 11, as the scoreboard read 29/2.

Nepal was not to be shorn of though, as Airee capped a fine individual display with a composed inning of 50* from 58 balls to see his side home. He was skillfully supported by Aarif Sheikh, who chipped in with a useful 26 before becoming Vanua's second sufferer, as Nepal reached their target with 27 overs to spare.