By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Apr 13, 2025 13:43 PM • 97 views
Nepal kicked off their ICC U-19 World Cup Asia Qualifiers campaign on a winning note, defeating the United Arab Emirates by five runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-affected thriller at the Mulpani Cricket Ground on Sunday.
Chasing a target of 201 in a match reduced to 40 overs per side due to a wet outfield, UAE was well-positioned at 171 for 7 in 36 overs when fading light and rain forced an abrupt halt to proceedings. With no further play possible, Nepal were declared winners under the DLS method, securing two crucial points to begin their qualifying run.
Despite the loss, UAE's Yayin Kiran Rai delivered a standout performance, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 104 off 96 balls — his knock featuring eight boundaries and five sixes. However, his valiant effort lacked adequate support from the rest of the batting lineup, with Mohammad Ryan Khan contributing 35 and Karan Dhiman adding 15 as the only other batters to reach double figures.
Nepal's bowling attack kept the pressure on throughout the innings. Ashok Dhami and Santosh Kumar Yadav led the way with two wickets each, while Abhishek Tiwari and captain Naren Bhatta chipped in with one apiece.
After being put into bat, Nepal posted a competitive 200 for 9 from their allotted 40 overs. Skipper Naren Bhatta played a captain's knock, scoring a composed 67 off 75 deliveries laced with seven fours. Dilsad Ali (34), Shahil Patel (32), and Neeraj Kumar Yadav (18) provided valuable contributions in the middle, while Santosh Yadav (11) and Ashok Dhami (10*) helped push the total beyond the 200-mark.
UAE's bowling unit put in a disciplined shift, with Yudish Suri claiming three wickets. Yug Sharma and Shalom D'Souza picked up two apiece, while Ali Asgar Shams and Karan Dhiman took one each.
With the win, Nepal have taken an early step toward qualification, showing composure in a high-pressure opening clash. They'll look to carry this momentum into their next fixture as the race to secure a spot in the 2024 ICC U-19 World Cup intensifies.
