Kathmandu: Nepal secured a commanding victory against the United Arab Emirates, triumphing by five wickets during the ongoing 2023 Nepal Tri-Nation T20I Series.
Chasing the UAE’s target of 165 runs, Nepal achieved the required total in 19.2 overs, losing five wickets in the process. For Nepal, Asif Sheikh led the charge with a contribution of 62 runs, supported by captain Rohit Kumar Paudel with 47 runs and Dipendra Singh Airee, who remained unbeaten with 40 runs.
During the earlier overs of the first inning, Nepal’s Kushal Bhurtel, Sompal Kami, and Kushal Malla were dismissed, but the partnership of Captain Paudel and Asif amounted to a formidable 99 runs, propelling the team to victory. Muhammad Jawadullah from the UAE claimed two wickets, with Akif Raja and Zahoor Khan taking one wicket each.
The match, held at the Mulpani Cricket Ground, saw the UAE taking the batting crease first after losing the toss, amassing 164 runs in their allotted 20 overs, losing seven wickets in the process. Basil Hameed and Vriitya Aravind were the top performers for the UAE, both contributing 45 runs, with Asif Khan adding 18 runs. Nepal’s Sompal Kami and Abinas Bohara claimed two wickets each, while Karan KC and Gulsan Jha secured one wicket each.
Nepal’s journey in the series has been impressive, previously defeating the UAE in the opening match by seven wickets and securing consecutive victories against Hong Kong, first by six wickets and then by 69 runs. The team now awaits the final match against either the UAE or Hong Kong.
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