Twitter Reactions: Nepal earn ODI status, thanks to Netherlands' win over Hong Kong

After Nepal defeated Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers 2018 by six wickets on Thursday, thanks to youngsters Sandeep Lamichhane and Dipendra Airee’s fiery bowling performance. It then depended on the Hong Kong vs Netherlands match to see who wins the status of the 16th ODI playing nation. The two teenagers took 4 wickets each to bring down the opponents for 114 and almost sweep them out of the competition.

When the Nepalese batsmen walked out to chase the total, they didn’t really find it difficult as they chased down the total for the loss of 4 wickets in a matter of 23 overs. Airee’s contribution in the game wasn’t done as he walked out with the bat and scored a half century. That along with the 20s from skipper Khadak and Aarif Sheikh helped them get over the line quite comfortably.

Nepal weren’t still over the line in the larger picture and it was the veteran Dutch bowler who helped the nation grab the position. Roelof van der Merwe’s 4 for 18 and one run out in the match against Hong Kong won took the Netherlands to a 44-runs win. But the victory meant more to the Nepalese cricket team, as it finally secured their status as a One-Day International playing nation after 22 years of being an Associate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

After the win, Nepal captain Paras Khadka took to Twitter to thank and congratulate his team and countrymen for all the hard work and support over the years. The tweet read: “Thank you everyone for the support..Just been years and years of toil, persistance, sacrifices, commitment and hardwork..Finally WE BECOME An ODI nation.. Congratulations to everyone who has been part of Nepal cricket’s incredible journey .. God Bless..!!!”

Thank you everyone for the support..Just been years and years of toil,persisitance,sacrifices,commitment and hardwork..Finally WE BECOME An ODI nation..
Congratulations to everyone who has been part of Nepal cricket's incredible journey ..
God Bless..!!!

— Paras Khadka (@paras77) March 15, 2018

The cricketing community was not far behind in congratulating the Himalayan nation.

Here are some of the tweets:

To the well wishers of Nepal Cricket : Its the “Result” of Years of “Hard Work” ! Years of “Patience” ! Hard work of many “Legends” and here we are now. A big proud day for all the people of Nepal??What a beautiful journey so far. Together its Possible. Nepal – An ODI Nation ! pic.twitter.com/Vvbp1go5yq

— Sandeep Lamichhane (@IamSandeep25) March 15, 2018

Nepal fans ⬇️

Paras Khadka just recorded this message especially for you! ??? #CWCQ pic.twitter.com/glEbUl635g

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 15, 2018

Nepal get ODI status for the first time in their cricket history! team with loads of talent, what a day. Congratulations @CricketNep @paras77 #Cricket

— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) March 15, 2018

Welcome to the ODI club, Nepal.

Congratulations, @CricketNep @BhawanaCAN! What a terrific journey!

— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) March 15, 2018

IT'S ALL OVER IN KWEKWE! NEPAL HAVE ODI STATUS FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER! Hong Kong all out for 130. Netherlands win sends Hong Kong to the 9th place playoff against PNG.

— Peter Della Penna (@PeterDellaPenna) March 15, 2018

@paras77 congrats mate! Looking forward to my first tour to Nepal!! ??

— Kevin O'Brien (@KevinOBrien113) March 15, 2018

Immense Joy and Happiness is when your short of words .Nepal finally an ODI nation.

— Sharad Vesawkar (@SharadCric) March 15, 2018

What a pride moment for all Nepali today. Nepal to be tagged as ODI Nation. Thank you for the real heroes who played really hard and those involved officials who helped us with limited resources, you are truly our ambassadors as always. Congratulations all !

— Bhawana Ghimire (@BhawanaCAN) March 15, 2018

ODI status for Nepal! Amazing, amazing feat. Dear @EmiratesCricket, I think at least two bilateral tours to Kathmandu need to be organised asap. Per year. For ever. Thanks

— Paul Radley (@PaulRadley) March 15, 2018

Wow! Our longtime dream came true. Welcome Nepal, in the world of ODI!

— Gagan Thapa (@thapagk) March 15, 2018

??????

Read how Nepal became an ODI side for the first time in their history!

REPORT ➡️https://t.co/OSU82OYwzc pic.twitter.com/Z07zQ2F3Ot

— ICC (@ICC) March 15, 2018

Congratulations!!! https://t.co/Sq7Vc1qUUr

— cricnepal.com (@cricnepal) March 15, 2018

Congratulations to @CricketNep on their wonderful achievement.

— Khürråm (@1_PAK) March 15, 2018

NEPAL SECURE ODI STATUS! ??#CWCQ pic.twitter.com/veJ5FOMMDi

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 15, 2018

Congratulations to all 30 million Nepalis out there watching (the scores). Let's hope you can now galvanise & take advantage of the potential you have in this great sport – you CAN be the next @ACBofficials! A guaranteed #WCLC spot and ODI status for 4yrs. #CWCQ #NEDvHK #PNGvNEP

— Tim Cutler (@timcutler) March 15, 2018

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