Nepal Defeated by UAE in Home T20I Series Opener

Kathmandu, April 20 – Nepal suffered a 6-wicket defeat against the United Arab Emirates in the first match of the T20 International series held at the Tribikram Singh Creation Cricket Ground. Due to rain interruptions, the game was halted temporarily, and the UAE was set a revised target of 78 runs from 10 overs according to the DLS method. The UAE successfully chased down the target with four wickets down and seven balls to spare. UAE captain Mohammad Wasim top-scored with 33 runs, while Alishan Sharafu contributed 18 runs. From Nepal’s bowling attack, Sandeep Lamichhane took three wickets, and Kushal Malla claimed one.

Earlier, Nepal managed 122 runs for 8 wickets in 18.5 overs before rain stopped play. Nepal’s captain Dipendra Singh Airee was unbeaten on 32, while Sandeep Lamichhane remained not out on 2. Other notable scores included Kushal Bhurtel with 16, Arjun Saud 13, Sandeep Zora 6, Kushal Malla 17, Barir Ahmad 14, Nandan Yadav 13, Gulshan Jha 1, and Sher Malla dismissed without scoring. UAE bowlers Mohammad Juheb took 3 wickets, Junaid Siddiqui had 2, while Syed Haider and Mohammad Arfan took one wicket each. The second T20I between Nepal and UAE is scheduled for Tuesday.