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The United States (USA) secured a resounding 106-run victory over Nepal in the 85th match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup (2023-27) League 2 on October 26, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Batting first after Nepal won the toss and elected to field, the USA posted a formidable 262/6 in 50 overs, boosted by half-centuries from Andries Gous (75 off 100) and Milind Kumar (70 off 50).
Nepal’s response collapsed to 156 runs in just 39.1 overs, with their top order failing miserably, losing three wickets for no runs after the first ball.
American left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh shone with a personal best of 6/27, earning him the Man of the Match award and setting a new record as the first bowler to take six wickets against Nepal in an international match. Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane was their standout bowler with 2/56, but it wasn’t enough to stem the tide.
This was an effective display by the USA, who combined solid batting depth with devastating spin, while Nepal’s collapse exposed the vulnerabilities of their middle order against quality spin.
Positive moment: The victory extends the USA’s impressive run, marking their eighth win in 12 League 2 matches and consolidating their position at the top of the points table.
This result boosts their net run rate and keeps them on course for a top-two finish, guaranteeing direct qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup (with the top four finishers advancing through a qualifier if necessary).
Player boost: Harmeet Singh’s haul not only broke records but also highlights the USA’s growing depth in spin, a key asset for future tournaments.
Batsmen like Gous and Kumar showed resilience on a batting-friendly pitch, giving them confidence heading into the remaining League 2 matches and the 2026 T20 World Cup. Broader implications: As an Associate Nation, this performance underscores the rapid rise of the U.S. since their heroic showing in the 2024 T20 World Cup, attracting more investment and talent from their diverse national structure.
Campaign setback: The resounding defeat leaves Nepal with a 5-10 win-loss record, relegating them further down to around seventh place in the eight-team table.
With only a few matches remaining, this loss damages their net run rate and qualification hopes; They now need near-perfect results to fight for a top-four spot and have a chance of qualifying for the 2027 World Cup.
Team Morale and Tactics: Captain Rohit Paudel and coach Monty Desai face critical scrutiny after another batting collapse; the top three managed just 66 runs combined.
Nepal’s reliance on all-rounders like Airee was exposed, and their spin attack (despite Lamichhane’s efforts) could not contain the aggressive US middle order.
Fan and Media Reaction: Nepalese fans expressed their frustration on social media, not only with the defeat but also with the quality of the ICC broadcasts. They criticized the commentators for focusing on Indian domestic cricket instead of the trajectories of the partner nations, calling it a “stain on the ICC” just 450 meters from their home base in Dubai. This reinforces calls for better promotion of associated cricket to boost the sport’s global growth.
This match was a stark tale of two Associates: the US’s professional execution against Nepal’s notorious implosion, which reinforced the former’s position as an emerging power and exposed the latter’s need for batting stability.
Harmeet Singh’s record-breaking run could be a turning point for the US bowling unit, potentially giving it a greater role in upcoming ICC events. For Nepal, the 106-run thrashing is a wake-up call: wins in the remaining matches are essential to salvage pride and points, but the psychological blow could linger.
Overall, it highlights the competitive parity (and gaps) in League 2, where every match defines World Cup dreams. Fans and pundits alike are excited by the US’s dominance, but the negative reaction to the broadcasts underscores a larger issue: the ICC must invest more in equitable coverage to truly globalize cricket. With the series underway, a fiercer rivalry is expected in the deciding match.
