Kathmandu, Oct. 10 -- Nepal chased down Japan's 132-run target with five wickets in hand in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier at Al Amerat, Oman, on Friday.

Aasif Sheikh was the star with 38 off 21 balls, hitting one four and four sixes. He shared a 27-run partnership with Kushal Bhurtel (21) for the first wicket, giving Nepal a solid start.

Captain Rohit Paudel scored 18 before being dismissed LBW by Sabaorish Ravichandran, while Sundeep Jora (5) and Kushal Malla (4) fell cheaply.

Dipendra Singh Airee remained unbeaten at 14, and Gulshan Jha contributed 28 off 20 balls, striking two sixes to guide Nepal past the target in 18 overs.

Japan's bowlers had early success, with Shoma Slater taking two wickets for 22 runs, whi...