Kathmandu:

K P Sharma Oli on Monday was sworn in as Nepal’s Prime Minister for the fourth time to lead a new coalition government that faces the daunting challenge of providing political stability in the Himalayan nation.

The leader of Nepal’s largest communist party was appointed as prime minister on Sunday by President Ram Chandra Paudel to lead the coalition government with Nepali Congress (NC), the largest party in Parliament, apart from other smaller parties.

Oli, 72, succeeds Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ who lost the vote of confidence in the House of Representatives (HoR) on Friday, leading to the formation of the new government.

Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), Oli was sworn in by President Paudel at Shital Niwas, the main building of Rashtrapati Bhawan at a ceremony that was delayed by more than half an hour.

According to the news portal MyRepublica, the swearing-in ceremony was delayed due to the failure of the Nepali Congress to finalise the names of its ministers to join the government amid disputes within the party.

The President also administered oaths to the two Deputy PMs – Prakash Man Singh and Bishnu Paudel – and 19 other ministers. Singh would also look after the Urban Development Ministry while Vishnu Prakash Paudel would look after the Finance Ministry.

Arzoo Rana Deuba, wife of Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba is the Foreign Minister in the cabinet.

There are 10 cabinet ministers from Nepali Congress; eight, excluding PM, from CPN-UML, two from Janata Samajwadi Party and one from Lokatantrik Samajwadi Party in the government.

Outgoing Prime Minister Prachanda was also present at the ceremony, which was attended by foreign diplomats and other dignitaries.

Earlier on Sunday, President Paudel had appointed Oli as the new Prime Minister under Article 76-2 of the Constitution of Nepal, according to a notice issued by the President’s Office.

On Friday night, Oli had staked his claim to become the next Prime Minister with the backing of NC President Deuba and submitted the signatures of 165 House of Representatives (HoR) members — 77 from his Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) party and 88 from the Nepali Congress. (NC).

Oli will now need to secure a vote of confidence from Parliament within 30 days of appointment, which he is likely to secure easily as the minimum number to form a government in the 275-strong HoR is just 138.

Prachanda faced the vote of confidence as earlier last week, Oli’s party withdrew its support to that coalition and inked a new seven-point deal with Deuba to form a new coalition government.

According to the July 1 deal between NC and CPN-UML, the two parties will lead the government on a rotational basis until the next general elections scheduled for 2027.

Oli served as Nepal’s prime minister from October 11, 2015, to August 3, 2016 and then, from February 5, 2018, to July 13, 2021. He continued to serve from May 13, 2021, to July 13, 2021 — because of an appointment by the then President Bidya Devi Bhandari, described by local media as a success of Oli’s Machiavellian tricks. Later, the Supreme Court ruled that Oli’s claim to the post of prime minister was unconstitutional.

Nepal has faced frequent political turmoil as the country has seen 14 governments in the past 16 years after the Republican system was introduced.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Kathmandu:

A day before Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ lost a vote of confidence in Parliament, he gave a nod to an agreement to connect the Himalayan nation with China by rail under Beijing’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.

Quoting government sources, the MyRepublica news portal said this decision carries more operational than political significance and aligns with Nepal’s participation in Chinese President Xi Jinping’s multi-billion-dollar pet infrastructure project.

“The Cabinet meeting held on Thursday decided to approve the ‘Strengthening the Development Cooperation in Building the Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity Network’ agreement between Nepal and China,” the report quoted Communication Minister and the government’s spokesperson Rekha Sharma as saying.

However, a minister downplayed its immediate impact, stating, “This is an initial decision; details of project implementation and BRI modalities are yet to be finalised.”

‘Prachanda’ lost the vote of confidence in Parliament on Friday after coalition partner Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) withdrew support for him, a development that will lead to the formation of a new government led by ex-prime minister K P Sharma Oli.

Prachanda received only 63 votes in the 275-member House of Representatives (HoR) and there were 194 votes against the motion. At least 138 votes are needed to win the vote of trust.

A total of 258 HoR members participated in the voting while one abstained.

Prachanda’s move, made just before he departed from office, is viewed not only as progress towards implementing BRI projects but also crucial for initiatives like the Kerung-Kathmandu railway and broader infrastructure development along the Nepal-China border, the report said.

Earlier, ahead of signing a power-sharing agreement with UML, the Nepali Congress had resolved to “only accept grants and not loans under the BRI project”. The government was also set to decide on implementing the 2017 BRI agreement with China, which has been pending at the cabinet.

The BRI has raised global concerns over China’s debt diplomacy of extending huge loans to smaller countries for unsustainable infrastructure projects. The Hambantota port, which was funded by a Chinese loan, was leased to Beijing in a 99-year debt-for-equity swap in 2017 after Sri Lanka failed to pay off the debt.

India has protested to China over BRI’s $60-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor flagship project as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

File image of Bangladesh pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib.© X (Twitter)

Bangladesh stormed into the Super 8s of the T20 World Cup 2024, with a thumping victory over Nepal. Asked to bat first, Bangladesh had a terrible outing as they got bundled out for just 106 as Nepal’s entire bowling unit equally contributed. However in the second innings, the tables turned completely in the favour of Bangladesh as they bowled out Nepal for 85 and won the game by 21 runs. Nepal, who were already knocked out from the Super 8s race, now ended their T20 World Cup campaign with a humiliating defeat. 

On a lighter note, a wild celebration from a Nepal fan caught everyone’s attention. During Bangladesh’s innings, Nepal skipper Rohit Paudel dismissed Towhid Hridoy for 9, who was caught by Sandeep Lamichhane at short-fine leg. 

As Hridoy walked back to the dugout, the camera shifted towards the stands, where a Nepal fan could not hide his excitement and jumped into a pool to celebrate the wicket. 

Pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib‘s career-best figures of 4 for 7 with an astounding 21 dot balls headlined Bangladesh’s dominant bowling performance as they entered the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup.

Having nearly shocked South Africa in their previous game, Nepal bowlers were again on target, bowling out Bangladesh for 106 but Tanzim along with seasoned Shakib al Hasan (2/9) and Mustafzur Rahaman (3/7) bowled out Nepal for 85 in 19.2 overs.

Nepal were on course at 78 for 5 at one stage before losing their last five wickets for seven runs as a determined Bangladesh team used all its reservoir of experience after a disappointing batting show.

“As a bowling unit we bowled really well. We could have done better with bat. The top order could have batted tighter. Bangladesh bowled really well with the new ball. Losing 4 wickets in the powerplay put us under a lot of pressure. They were always challenging us, they bowled really well in the powerplay,” said skipper Paudel after the match. 

“As a batting unit we need to step up, we need to know where to score runs and how to assess conditions. We’re up to the mark with our bowling and fielding. This team has great potential, we need to back each and every player, I feel we will do very well in the next World Cup,” he added.

(With PTI Inputs)

The T20 World Cup 2024 was witness to a controversial moment during the Bangladesh vs Nepal match on Monday, involving a contentious DRS call. Bangladesh successfully defended 106, the lowest total ever defended in the men’s T20 World Cup, to beat Nepal by 21 runs on Monday at the Arnos Vale Ground, sealing progression to the Super Eight stage of the tournament. Putting into bat first, Bangladesh were bundled for 106. But, Tanzim Hasan Sakib scythed through Nepal’s top order and Mustafizur Rahman‘s death bowling masterclass helped Bangladesh pull off the lowest successful defence in a men’s T20 World Cup.

The controversial moment happened when Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Jaker Ali were at the crease in the 14th over. The former was given LBW off Sandeep Lamicchane. Sakib even went walking towards the pavilion. Just then, visuals showed that the non-striker Jake was looking at one particular direction. And suddenly, he asked Sakib to go for DRS with less than a second left on the review timer. 

The DRS call was criticised by social media, with some users asking, “how can the ICC allow this” in a T20 World Cup. 

When Tanzim was out on LBW, Bangladeshi player the non-striker Jaker went to the dressing room to ask for assistance during the DRS call.

How is @ICC able to permit this? Not even the umpire knows about this.even after the allotted time has passed,the third umpire is still used pic.twitter.com/wQXbRzJn5V

— (@VK50th) June 17, 2024

Hey ICC it is allowed…????? @ICC

Non Strike Batsman Asking Help From His Team For DRS Call Is It Fair For Nepal Team..???#T20WorldCup | #BANvNEP | #Bangladesh | #NepalCricket | #ICC | @BCBtigers | @CricketNeppic.twitter.com/WYf1XWTrYw

— CSN (@Cricketand56672) June 17, 2024

After suffering a 21-run defeat against Bangladesh, Nepal captain Rohit Paudel admitted that losing four wickets in the powerplay put his side under a lot of pressure but they fought back well in their last ICC T20 World Cup match.

Bangladesh defeated Nepal by 21 runs at the Arnos Vale Ground in Kingstown, St Vincent, defending the lowest score (106) in the big event’s history.

The captain lauded his bowlers for their superb performance against Bangladesh and admitted that the batters needed to play well. Paudel said they need to step up as a batting unit and assess the wicket a lot better and added that the team has great potential and he hopes to do better going ahead.

“As a bowling unit we bowled really well. We could have done better with the bat. The top order could have batted tighter. Bangladesh bowled really well with the new ball. Losing 4 wickets in the powerplay put us under a lot of pressure. They were always challenging us, they bowled really well in the powerplay. As a batting unit we need to step up, we need to know where to score runs and how to assess conditions,” Paudel said in a post-match presentation.

With IANS and ANI inputs

T20 WC 2024: Bangladesh beat Nepal by 21 runs© X (Twitter)

Bangladesh vs Nepal, T20 World Cup 2024 LIVE Updates: Bangladesh Will Seal Super 8 Spot With Win© X (Twitter)

Match 37 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024 has Bangladesh taking on Nepal at the Arnos Vale Ground, Arnos Vale, St Vincent on Monday (IST). Bangladesh have played 3 matches in the series and they are currently ranked second on the points table, while Nepal have played 2 matches in the series and they are currently ranked fourth on the points table. Both teams last played against each other in Match 6 of the ICC World T20, 2014 where Shakib Al Hasan scored the highest fantasy points for Bangladesh with 62 match fantasy points while Paras Khadka topped the fantasy points leaderboard for Nepal with 50 match fantasy points.

In the last match played by Bangladesh against the Netherlands, Bangladesh beat the Dutch by 25 runs. The top fantasy player for Bangladesh was Rishad Hossain who scored 91 fantasy points.

In their last match in this series against South Africa, South Africa beat Nepal by 1 run. The top fantasy player for Nepal was Kushal Bhurtel who scored 140 fantasy points.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The pitch at the Arnos Vale Ground, Arnos Vale, St Vincent is balanced. The average 1st innings score at this venue in the last 20 matches is 106 runs.

Weather Report

Temperature is expected to be around 26.85 degree Celsius with 79% humidity. Winds at a speed of 4.06 m/s are expected.

Pace or Spin?

The venue is suited for both Pacers and Spinners alike.

Fantasy Prediction: Top Captain and Vice-Captain Picks

Shakib Al Hasan (BAN)

Shakib Al Hasan is an all-rounder with an average of 43 match fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 8.8 and is a fairly consistent player in terms of fantasy points. The experienced left-hander has scored 75 runs in the last three matches.

Sagar Dhakal (NEP)

Sagar Dhakal is a bowler with an average of 51 match fantasy points in the last 4 games, a fantasy rating of 8.7 and is a fairly consistent player in terms of fantasy points. The slow left-arm orthodox bowler has taken four wickets at an average of 15 in the recent three matches.

Mustafizur Rahman (BAN)

Mustafizur Rahman is a bowler with an average of 59 match fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 8.5 and is a differential player for your Fantasy Team. Mustafizur bowls left-arm fast medium and has taken 10 wickets in the recently played five matches.

Dipendra Singh Airee (NEP)

Dipendra Singh Airee is a good-to-have player for your Fantasy Team. He has an average of 46 match fantasy points in the last 10 games and a fantasy rating of 8.4. Airee bats right-handed and has scored 12 runs in the recent three matches. He can also give you some bowling fantasy points, bowling off break and in the recent matches has taken four wickets.

Taskin Ahmed (BAN)

Taskin Ahmed is a fast bowler with an average of 62 match fantasy points in the last 10 games, a fantasy rating of 8.3 and can be a good safe pick for your Fantasy Team. Taskin bowls right-arm fast and in recent five matches, he has taken eight wickets.

Fantasy Team

Wicket-Keeper: Jaker Ali

Batters: Tanzid Hasan, Kushal Bhurtel and Kushal Malla

All-Rounders: Shakib Al Hasan, Dipendra Singh Airee, Rishad Hossain and Gulshan Jha

Bowlers: Sagar Dhakal, Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed

Captain: Jaker Ali

Vice-Captain: Mustafizur Rahman

Heinrich Klassen’s decisive run-out on the final delivery secured a nail-biting one-run victory for South Africa against Nepal, ending the Asian side’s hopes of advancing to the Super Eight stage in the Ground D match of the ICC T20 World Cup at the St. Vincent Stadium. Needing two runs from the last ball to stay alive in the tournament, Nepal’s Gulsan Jha was run out at the non-striker’s end by Klaasen, preventing what seemed like an inevitable Super Over. It was a heartbreaking end for Nepal, who had outperformed South Africa for much of the match.

(Also Read: ‘Azam Khan Won’t Return To Pakistan Because…’: T20 World Cup Exit Sets Internet Ablaze)

However, fans were quick to spot a huge umpiring blunder. On the last ball, Ottneil Baartman bowled a short-pitched delivery to Gulshan, who tried to flick it towards the point region. However, the extra bounce on the delivery saw Gulshan mistime his shot.

#HeinrichKlaasen‘s act on the last ball meant Nepal’s heroic performance went in vain!

Watch South Africa in action next in #USAvSA in #Super8 | WED, JUN 19, 6 PM | #T20WorldCupOnStar pic.twitter.com/zZco3Dn1sZ

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 15, 2024

Fans on social media, however, argued that the ball should have been called a wide. They even shared screenshots on social media to back their argument.

Here’s how internet reacted: 

…not given wide pic.twitter.com/AsPEgaouOY

— Namaste Nepal (@NamasteNepal_) June 15, 2024

Another umpiring decision cost a match bartman bowled 2 bouncers in last 2 balls he was given warning this last was over his head but SA intentionaly diverted umpires from calling wide & even comentators were sleeping thats why batters ran slowly as it was wide #Nepal pic.twitter.com/UHm0yFLaWT

— Adil Ali Shah (@AdilAliShah13) June 15, 2024

How many bouncer allowed in one over ???@mufaddal_vohra @CricCrazyJohns

Ye to wide v lag rha h mereko….#nepal #SAvsNep #t20inUSA pic.twitter.com/dsl8xlB2c8

— Raushan Prasad (@RaushanPrasad07) June 15, 2024

Bad umpiring cost Nepal this match. In last over Bartman bowled 2 bouncers one of them was wide.

— remon (@remoon125) June 15, 2024

Last Ball Wicket But that last ball was Wide Because 5th ball is one bounce, Why didn’t Umpire notice that? #WC2024 #JusticeForNepal #Nepal #SAvsNEP pic.twitter.com/uuC3v6U3Yz

— Kaviieee (@unknownprsn17) June 15, 2024

Nepal’s spinners had dominated, restricting South Africa to a modest 115/7. The South African innings was anchored by opener Reeza Hendricks, who scored 43 runs, while Tristan Stubbs was the only other batter to cross a strike rate of 100, finishing unbeaten on 27 off 18 balls. Nepal’s bowlers, Kushal Bhurtel and Dipendra Singh Airee, were exceptional, sharing seven wickets between them and keeping the Proteas’ batters in check.

In response, Nepal looked well on their way to victory. Their top-order batsmen had the chase under control, reaching 85/2 by the 14th over with the required rate comfortably manageable.

However, South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi turned the tide with a brilliant spell, taking 4/19, which put immense pressure on the Nepali chase. Fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Ottneil Baartman then held their nerve, bowling the final two overs to perfection and leaving Nepal needing eight runs from the last over.

The tension peaked as Gulsan Jha struck a boundary off the third ball of the final over, bringing the equation down to two runs from the last ball. Klassen’s quick reflexes and sharp throw ensured that Jha was caught short of the crease, sealing a memorable win for South Africa and breaking Nepalese hearts.

(With Added Inputs)

Nepal’s dream of entering the T20 World Cup 2024, Super 8s stage, shattered after they lost against South Africa in a nail-biting thriller. Opting to bowl first, Nepal restricted the Proteas to 115/7 in 20 overs with Kushal Bhurtel scalping four wickets. Later in the chase, Nepal always had an upper hand as their batters stitched good partnerships. However, it was spinner Tabraiz Shamsi‘s deadly spell of 4/19, which completely changed the result of the game as the Proteas sealed victory on the very last ball.

On the last ball of the match, Nepal needed 2 runs to win. Batter Gulshan Jha failed to connect the bat with Ottneil Baartman’s delivery as the ball went straight to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, who threw it towards Heinrich Klaasen on time, resulting in Nepal batter’s run out. 

As the celebrations began in South Africa’s camp, Gulshan Jha sat in disbelief after the loss. His teammate Sompal Kami tried to console him but Jha, who got teary eyed, took some moments and then walked away to the dugout.

Nepalese players crying……!!!!

– This is the youngest team in this world cup, they put up a great performance against South Africa but very sadly lost by just 1 run. Nepal has won our hearts…..#SAvNep#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/B1YqreD0Q0

— Khal!D ‌ (@bd71khalid) June 15, 2024 

Needing eight runs off the final over in pursuit of a modest target of 116 for a stunning upset win, the Nepalese fell agonisingly short at 114 for seven with Gulshan Jha run out off the final ball as he attempted a single off Ottneil Baartman to force a super over.

“Very grateful to have got the win. Don’t think we were anywhere near our best tonight. For large parts, don’t think we thought we’d be on the right side of that as well. Lot of learnings for us. We’ve got a really good pace attack and you have to back that. We spoke about coming in with energy and see if there was anything in the wicket,” said South Africa skipper Aiden Markram after the win. 

“They (Nepal) bowled really well and made it tough for us. They put us under a lot of pressure and it shows the quality they have. Mix that with a lack of conviction in our dressing room so there’s a lot of learnings for us. It’s about backing the players we’ve developed and going forward with that,” he added.