Nepal faced a five-run defeat at the hands of Oman in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier at Kirtipur-based Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground on Thursday.  

With this victory, Oman became the winner of Group 'A' while Nepal first runner-up.

Chasing the target of 146 set by Oman, Nepal were restricted to 140-9.  

For Nepal, Bibek Yadav scored highest 39 runs off 24 balls while Kushal Bhurtel 26, Karan KC 15 and Sandeep Jora 12. 

Oman's Bilal Khan took three wickets while Aqib Ilyas, Shakeel Ahmad and Mehran Khan claimed two wickets each. Likewise, captain Zeeshan Maqsood claimed one wicket. 

Earlier, invited into bat first after losing the toss, Oman scored 145 in allotted 20 overs at the loss of nine wickets.

For Oman, Zeeshan Maqsood made 32 runs off 26 balls. Similarly, Naseem Khusi scored 25, Pratik Athavale 24, Shakeel Ahmad 22 and Ayaan Khan 18.

For Nepal, Karan KC took three wickets while Sompal Kami and Sandeep Lamichhane claimed two wickets each. Likewise, Gulshan Jha and Avinash Bohora took one wicket each.

Nepal will play against the UAE, the winner of Group 'B' in the semifinals on Friday.