KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 11

Nepal advanced to the Super Six stage as group winner after defeating Japan by five wickets in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia Pacific Qualifiers being held in Oman.

In the Group 'B' final at Al Amerat ground, Nepal chased Japan's target of 132 runs in 18 overs, losing five wickets.

Asif Sheikh top-scored with 38 runs, followed by Gulsan Jha (28) and Kushal Bhurtel (21).

Batting first, Japan managed 131 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs.

With two straight victories, Nepal secured four points to top the group, while Japan, with two points, also progressed to the Super Six as runner-up.