KATHMANDU: The Under-19 Nepali cricket team, which secured a spot in the ICC U-19 World Cup to be played in Bangladesh next year, returned home today.

The Nepali U-19 team made it to the ICC U-19 World Cup after defeating Ireland by three wickets in the qualifying match played in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday.

Buoyed by its latest win in the qualifier, the team is high with hope that it will also win the ICC U-19 World Cup. Nepal will be playing for the seventh time in the ICC U-19 World Cup four months hence.

"The credit for this victory goes to the hard work and team spirit," said Raju Rijal, the skipper of the Nepali team amidst a crowd of sports enthusiasts, well-wishers and journalists, upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

Rijal said although it was a tough competition, Nepal succeeded to win due to the mutual cooperation and hard efforts of the team members, stressing the need for working even harder for winning the World Cup. The batsmen and bowlers could be brought into better form if the team gets a chance to play practice matches abroad and the concerned bodies should take initiatives to that end, he added.

Coach of the Nepali team Jagat Tamata said there is a good chance for the Nepali team now and victory would certainly be on Nepal's side if the team goes to play in the World Cup with adequate practice. He said the players needed more exposure. He also suggested improvement in the team's batting department.

Nepal, Ireland, America, Uganda and Papua New Guinea had competed in the qualifying round.

Nepal defeated Papua New Guinea by nine wickets in the first match while posting a 171 runs win over Uganda in the second match in the selection round. In the third match, Nepal defeated America by six wickets.

The team was given a rousing welcome at the TIA by office-bearers and employees of the Cricket Association Nepal and cricket enthusiasts.

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