Dubai, Oct 31 (IANS): International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman N. Srinivasan Friday congratulated Nepal and Uganda for qualifying for ICC World Cricket League Division 2 (WCL Div.2), which will be played in Namibia Jan 17-24, 2015.

Nepal and Uganda sealed their progression after reaching the final of Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 3 in Kuala Lumpur Thursday.

In the final, Nepal defeated Uganda by 62 runs and the two sides will now join hosts Namibia, Canada, Kenya and the Netherlands in WCL Div.2.

"The two finalists competed consistently over the past week, and deserve to be promoted. Their performances demonstrate the strong standard and depth of cricket in Associate and Affiliate countries, and I congratulate both teams on their achievements," said Srinivasan in an ICC release.

"Nepal and Uganda now progress to Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 2, which is the final step in the qualification pathway to the ICC Intercontinental Cup, as well as the 50-over Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Championship.

"Following the recent decision to provide Associate and Affiliate Members a clear pathway to Test cricket through the ICC Intercontinental Cup, these two teams are taking the next step on that pathway towards Test cricket, and I wish them well,” he said.

Srinivasan also thanked the tournament organisers and the venues for staging a successful tournament.

“I would like to thank the Malaysian Cricket Association, the venues and all the staff and volunteers for their role in organising this important ICC event,” he said.