A Dashain Century to Remember: Rohit Paudel Creates ODI History Against Canada

Kathmandu, October 11, 2026

Historic Century Against Canada

Nepal's former ODI captain Rohit Kumar Paudel reportedly scored 101 runs against Canada on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman during the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2. His innings helped Nepal reach 235 runs and set Canada a target of 236. The century marked his third ODI hundred and second outside Nepal, making him the first Nepali cricketer to reach both milestones, according to the reported match figures.

A Difficult Start for Nepal

Nepal faced early trouble after Canada won the toss and chose to field. Openers Aasif Sheikh and Ishan Pandey departed cheaply, leaving Nepal struggling at 10 runs for two wickets. Paudel helped rebuild the innings with Arjun Kumal and later Basir Ahamad. He reached his half-century in 75 deliveries before continuing toward his reported century, providing much-needed stability to Nepal's batting lineup.

His First ODI Century Came in 2022

Paudel's journey to three ODI centuries began on March 25, 2022, when he scored 126 runs against Papua New Guinea at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

At the time, it was the highest individual ODI score by a Nepali batter. He also became only the second Nepali player, after Paras Khadka, to score an ODI century. Although Nepal lost the match by six runs, the innings established Paudel as one of the country's most promising batters.

His Second Century Made History in Dubai

On October 30, 2025, Paudel scored 109 runs from 130 deliveries against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai.

With that innings, he became the first Nepali cricketer to score two ODI centuries and the second Nepali, after Paras Khadka, to register an ODI hundred outside Nepal.

Despite his performance, Nepal lost the match by five wickets. Both of Paudel's first two ODI centuries came in losing efforts, making his individual achievements even more notable.

Third Century, Another Historic Milestone

His reported 101-run innings against Canada would take his ODI century count to three, more than any other Nepali batter.

It would also make him the first Nepali player to score two ODI centuries outside Nepal, following his earlier hundred against the UAE in Dubai.

His three reported century scores of 126, 109 and 101 reflect his ability to produce important innings against different international opponents.

From Young Talent to Nepal's Leading Batter

Born on September 2, 2002, Paudel made his ODI debut against the Netherlands in August 2018.

He gained international attention in January 2019 when, at the age of 16, he became the youngest male cricketer at the time to score an international half-century.

He later became the first Nepali batter to score 1,000 ODI runs and established himself as Nepal's leading ODI run-scorer.

At just 24 years old, Paudel has already represented Nepal internationally for more than eight years, becoming one of the country's most recognized cricket players.

Why This Match Matters for Nepal

The ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 is part of the qualification pathway for the 2027 Men's Cricket World Cup.

Before the October 11 match, Nepal stood seventh in the standings with 24 points from 32 matches, while Canada was sixth with 25 points from 33 matches.

Nepal's opportunity to finish among the top four had already ended following Oman's victory over Canada. The team's remaining matches are now particularly important for protecting its ODI status and improving its position in international cricket.

A Special Dashain Moment for Nepal

Paudel's reported century has given Nepali cricket supporters something to celebrate during Dashain.

Beyond the individual records, his performance reflects Nepal's progress in international cricket and offers inspiration to young players dreaming of representing the national team.

As Nepal continues its League 2 journey, Paudel's achievements remain an important part of the country's cricket story.