Nepal’s Rahul Kumar BK and Rupesh Shrivastav (left) returning to the dressing room after the end of their innings against Ireland during the ICC U-19 World Cup Qualifiers match at the Bready Cricket Club in Northern Ireland on Saturday.

KATHMANDU: Rahul Kumar BK took four wickets in the last over and scored a quick fire 38 to guide Nepal Nepal to the U-19 World Cup to be held in Australia next year with a 10-run victory over Ireland in the ICC U-19 World Cup Qualifiers at the Bready Cricket Club in Northern Ireland today.

After seven matches, Nepal accumulated 10 points and are at the third spot of the standing led by Scotland (12 points). Ireland remained second with 10 points on better net run rate. USA and Papua New Guinea have eight points each.

Nepal made 187-7 in a match reduced to 46 overs due to rain after they were put to bat first before. Ireland — given a revised target of 186 following a further delay — were bundled out for 175 in the last ball despite a solid 107-run stand between George Dockerell and Adam Coughlan.

Ireland were safely cruising to victory when they reached 161-4 in 42.5 overs before a run out of Coughlan — who was dropped on five by Rajesh Pulami in the 23rd over bowled by Sagar Pun — turned the tide on Nepal’s favour. Avinash Karn then got rid off danger man Dockerell caught by Pradeep Airee in the 45th over that also fetched Ireland five runs. They needed 14 runs from six balls with four wickets in hand.

But, Rahul claimed four wickets in the last over — getting rid of Shane Getkate with the first ball, Gareme McCarter in the third, Barry McCarthy with the fifth and Scott Cambell with the last ball.

Dockrell made 55 runs and Coughlan 48 — both from 86 deliveries — to keep Ireland in the hunt lifting the team from 54-4. Bhuwan Karki and Avinash picked up two wickets each, while skipper Prihtu Baskota had one scalp.

Earlier, a composed innings from Sagar and significant contributions down the order from Krishna Karki and Rahul helped Nepal put a stiff challenge to the Irish. Nepal hammered 51 runs in last five overs where Rahul alone smashed three fours and two sixes.

Nepal had a disastrous start when they were reduced to 5-2 losing opener Subash Khakurel (five) and Naresh Budhayer (naught) inside two overs. Worse was to follow when skipper Prithu Baskota left the pitch retired hurt for nine runs. Rajesh Pulami didn’t stay long as he was dismissed for eight off 33.

Sagar then batted sensibly with a crucial 59-run stand for the sixth wicket with Krishna. Krishna made 35 off 60 balls that included a four before Sagar fell to George Dockrell in the 41st over, two balls after Nepal took the batting power play. Sagar’s 100-ball 50 included three boundaries and a six.

Rahul joined Krishna at the crease with the scores reading 134-6 and only 32 ball left in the innings. No sooner Rahul had tried to up the ante with two consecutive fours off McCarter in the 42nd over, Krishna fell to Dockrell in the next over. Prithu made his return but once again McCarter was on target who was hit for 14 runs in the 44th over.

Dockrell slowed down the proceedings bowling Prithu (18 off 33) while giving away only five runs in the penultimate over but Rahul continued the onslaught in the final over from McCarter that fetched Nepal 21 runs. Rahul hit McCarter for two sixes and a four in the last over. Rupesh Shrivastav was unbeaten on three runs. Nepal will take on Papua New Guinea at Coleraine, Northern Ireland on Sunday.