Nepal Secures Thrilling 6-Run Victory Over UAE

Nepal clinched a crucial win over the UAE today by a thrilling margin of 6 runs. In an ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 encounter, Dipendra Singh Airey played a key role in the victory, scoring 100 runs off 94 balls. Nepal posted 289 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 50 overs, while the UAE, chasing a target of 255 runs in 38 overs as per the DLS method due to rain, managed only 248 runs for 8 wickets.

On 18th Baishakh in Kathmandu, Nepal hosted the UAE at the Tribhuvan Cricket Ground as part of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. Despite Mohammad Shahdad top-scoring for the UAE with 65 runs, it was not enough to secure victory. Shahdad formed a significant 80-run partnership for the third wicket with Harpreet Singh, who contributed 41 runs. Other UAE batsmen included Aryash Sharma with 33, Adib Usmani 14, Mohammad Juhaib 1, and captain Mohammad Wasim, who was dismissed without scoring.

Khaijima Vin Tanvir scored an aggressive 49 runs from 26 balls, while Akshdeep Nath remained unbeaten on 26 off 32 balls. Bowling for Nepal, Sandeep Lachhimani took 3 wickets, with Sompal Kami and Nandan Yadav claiming two wickets apiece.

Batting first, Nepal won the toss and scored 289 runs for 7 wickets in their full 50 overs. Vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airey showcased an impressive century, hitting 13 fours and one six. After four years, Vinod Bhandari returned to the national squad, adding 56 runs in his comeback match. Gulsan Jha scored 44, opener Arjun Kumal made 11, captain Rohit Paudel contributed 39, while Bhim Sarki was dismissed without scoring. Arif Sheikh made 11 before getting out, and Sompal Kami remained not out without scoring.

Among UAE bowlers, Ajay Kumar and Junaid Siddiqui took two wickets each, while Haider Ali and Khaijima Vin Tanvir picked up one wicket apiece. Nepal will play their fourth match against Oman on Tuesday.