Nepal Hold Nerve to Beat UAE by 37 Runs in League 2 Thriller

Nepal secured a hard fought 37 run victory over United Arab Emirates in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 at TU International Cricket Ground. A disciplined bowling effort was delivered as 200 was successfully defended with the UAE being bowled out for 163 in 48.2 overs.

The win marked a strong start for Nepal in the home tri-series and provided a timely boost in the League 2 standings.

Airee Anchors Nepal After Top-Order Collapse

After being put in to bat Nepal were bowled out for 200 in 48.2 overs following a shaky start. Early wickets were lost as Aasif Sheikh, Bhim Sharki and Rohit Paudel were dismissed cheaply and leave the side at 49 for 4.

The innings was stabilised by Dipendra Singh Airee who played a composed knock of 75 from 90 balls. The innings was built with control and patience with five boundaries and two sixes struck.

Support was provided through small but important contributions. Basir Ahamad added 20 runs in a key middle order stand, while Karan KC contributed a valuable 22 in the lower order. A crucial partnership between Airee and Karan helped push Nepal to a competitive total.

For the UAE Junaid Siddique and Ajay Kumar took three wickets each, while Khuzaima Tanveer claimed two.

Karan KC Leads Clinical Bowling Display

In reply, the UAE chase was kept under constant pressure. Despite several batters getting starts no major partnership was allowed to develop.

Harpreet Singh top scored with 39, while captain Muhammad Waseem made 34. Akshdeep Nath added 30 but the innings lacked a match defining contribution.

The bowling effort was led by Karan KC who delivered an outstanding spell of 4 for 19 in 9.2 overs. Key breakthroughs were provided at crucial stages which shifted the momentum firmly in Nepal’s favour.

Strong support was provided by Sompal Kami and Sandeep Lamichhane who claimed two wickets each. Tight spells ensured that scoring opportunities were limited throughout the innings.

The UAE were eventually bowled out for 163, falling short by 37 runs.

Points Table Situation

With this result Nepal moved to 14 points from 21 matches but remained seventh in the eight team table. The UAE stayed at the bottom with 10 points.

The League 2 standings continue to be led by the United States of America followed by Scotland and Oman.

Strong Start to Home Campaign

The victory was built on a combination of Airee’s composure with the bat and a disciplined collective bowling effort. Nepal’s ability to defend a modest total under pressure highlighted improved game awareness and control in key moments.

With more matches scheduled in the home series momentum has been established early. The result keeps Nepal’s qualification hopes alive as the race for points continues in the League 2 campaign.