By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Oct 30, 2025 13:35 PM • 38 views
DUBAI, UAE – Nepal's campaign in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 hit another snag on Thursday, as they succumbed to a five-wicket defeat against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In a disappointing outing that marked their second consecutive loss, the Nepali side failed to defend a challenging total, allowing the hosts to chase down the target comfortably and secure a much-needed victory.
Skipper Paudel's Century in Vain
Opting to bat first, Nepal posted a respectable total of 233 runs before being dismissed in the final over. The innings was virtually a one-man show, anchored by a magnificent century from captain Rohit Kumar Paudel. The young skipper displayed grit and composure, crafting a superb 109 off 130 deliveries, an effort studded with five boundaries and two sixes. While wickets tumbled steadily at the other end, Paudel provided the backbone, forming vital partnerships, including a 76-run stand with Arif Sheikh (27) for the fourth wicket and a further 54 runs with Dipendra Singh Airee (23) for the fifth. Earlier, opener Aasif Sheikh contributed 35. However, the UAE bowlers executed their plans well. Pacer Zahid Ali was the wrecker-in-chief, bagging four crucial wickets, ably supported by Junaid Siddique, who claimed three.
Sharma Masterclass Drives UAE Chase
Chasing 234, the UAE batting lineup rose to the occasion, strolling past the target with five wickets and 6.3 overs to spare, finishing at 237/5 in 43.3 overs. The undisputed star of the chase was opener Aryansh Sharma. Playing with a blend of aggression and maturity, Sharma hammered a brilliant 98 off just 98 balls, an innings peppered with 10 fours and 3 maximums.
Sharma's knock was the foundation of the successful pursuit, built on key alliances: a 76-run opening partnership with Alishan Sharafu (45), followed by stands of 56 with Rahul Chopra (15, retired hurt) and a match-defining 76-run liaison with Mohammad Wasim (26).
Nepal's bowlers found the flat Dubai pitch unforgiving and struggled for penetration. Star spinner Sandeep Lamichhane managed to chip away with two wickets, while Karan KC and Dipendra Singh Airee added one apiece, but the attack ultimately lacked the necessary bite to break the back of the chase.
Momentum Shift and Road Ahead
The defeat leaves Nepal stranded in seventh place in the League 2 standings with 12 points from 18 matches. For the UAE, this win provides a critical injection of confidence, keeping them at the bottom but reducing the gap to 8 points from the same number of fixtures. Following what was a promising start to the year, Nepal's recent performances have raised concerns. The team will be acutely aware of the need to find their rhythm swiftly in the upcoming fixtures to keep their World Cup qualification dream from fading. I've aimed for a more dynamic, descriptive journalistic style, emphasising the key players and the game's flow.
