Nepal suffers six-wicket defeat to UAE in first T20I – The Himalayan Times – Nepal’s No.1 English Daily Newspaper

KATHMANDU, APRIL 20

Nepal slumped to a six-wicket defeat at the hands of the United Arab Emirates in the opening match of the T20I series at the TU Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur today.

After rain interrupted play at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground, the UAE was set a revised target of 78 runs in 10 overs under the Duckworth–Lewis method. The visitors chased down the target comfortably, reaching 78 for the loss of four wickets with seven balls to spare.

UAE captain Mohammad Waseem top-scored with 33 runs, while Alishan Sharafu contributed 18. For Nepal, leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane claimed three wickets, while Kushal Malla picked up one.

Earlier, Nepal had posted 122 for eight in 18.5 overs before rain brought a premature halt to their innings. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee remained unbeaten on 32, alongside Lamichhane, who was not out on 2.

Kushal Bhurtel scored 16, Arjun Saud 13, Sandeep Jora 6, Malla 17, Basir Ahmad 14, Gulshan Jha 1, and Nandan Yadav 13. Despite getting starts, none of the Nepali top-order batsmen went on to convert their innings into a substantial score, leaving the side short of a competitive total.

For the UAE, Muhammad Jawadullah took three wickets, while Junaid Siddique claimed two. Saeed Haider and Muhammad Farooq picked up one wicket each.

The second T20I between Nepal and the UAE is scheduled for Tuesday at the same venue under floodlights.