UAE clinch rain-hit opener against Nepal in Kirtipur T20I
The visitors chased it down comfortably, reaching 78 for four in just 8.5 overs with seven balls to spare.
KATHMANDU: United Arab Emirates (UAE) got their T20I series against Nepal off to a winning start, defeating the hosts by six wickets in a rain-affected first match at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Monday.
Rain interrupted play after Nepal had posted 122 for eight in 18.5 overs, forcing a revised target of 78 runs in 10 overs for the UAE under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method.
The visitors chased it down comfortably, reaching 78 for four in just 8.5 overs with seven balls to spare.
Captain Muhammad Waseem led the way with a brisk 33 off 15 balls, smashing three fours and three sixes. Alishan Sharafu contributed 18, while Akshdeep Nath remained unbeaten on 17.
Nepal’s bowling effort was spearheaded by Sandeep Lamichhane, who claimed three wickets for just eight runs in two overs. Kushal Malla picked up one wicket.
Earlier, Nepal won the toss and elected to bat but struggled to build momentum on a tricky surface. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee top-scored with 32, while Kushal Malla made 17, Kushal Bhurtel 16, and Basir Ahmad 14. Arjun Saud and Nandan Yadav added 13 each.
UAE’s bowlers kept things tight, with Muhammad Junaid taking three wickets, Junaid Siddiqui claiming two, and Haider Ali and Muhammad Arfan one apiece.
The result leaves Nepal needing a win in Tuesday’s second and final T20I to square the series, with both sides looking to gain valuable momentum in the build-up to future international commitments.
