By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Nov 05, 2025 14:34 PM • 22 views
Dubai, November 5 — Nepal’s poor run in the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two continued as they ended their fifth tri-nation ODI series without a single win, suffering a four-wicket defeat to hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the last match of the series at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Having earlier lost twice to the USA — by 106 runs and four wickets — and once to the UAE by five wickets, Nepal’s campaign ended in disappointment. With this defeat, Nepal has 12 points from 20 matches, placing them seventh in the League Two standings, while the UAE remains at the bottom with 10 points from an equal number of games.
Nepal’s Innings – Struggles Despite Solid Start
Put in to bat after losing the toss, Nepal posted a total of 239 for 9 in 50 overs. Bhim Sharki led the effort with a patient 48, supported by Kushal Malla (45), Dipendra Singh Airee (37), Asif Sheikh (34), and Aarif Sheikh (30). Spinner Sandeep Lamichhane chipped in with an unbeaten 15 at the end to push the total near 240. The only notable partnership came for the second wicket, as Bhim Sharki and Asif Sheikh added 74 runs, steadying Nepal after an early loss. However, a mid-innings collapse saw them lose momentum. For the UAE, Junaid Siddique, Mohammad Jawadullah, and Dhruv Parashar each took two wickets, while Zahid Ali claimed one.
UAE’s Chase – Shahzad and Wasim Power Home
In response, the UAE successfully chased the target with five balls to spare, finishing on 240 for 6 in 49.1 overs. The chase was powered by Mohammad Shahzad’s magnificent 96 off 123 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes) and Mohammad Wasim’s explosive 76 off 73 (4 fours, 3 sixes). The duo stitched a 147-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which effectively sealed Nepal’s fate. Later contributions came from Soheb Khan (29), Captain Alishan Sharafu (18), and Harshit Kaushik (13), ensuring the UAE cruised home despite late resistance. For Nepal, Karan KC was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets, while Nandan Yadav, Lalit Rajbanshi, and Sandeep Lamichhane claimed one apiece.
A Series to Forget for Nepal
The loss capped a disappointing campaign for Nepal, which struggled with both bat and ball throughout the series. Inconsistent batting, lack of death bowling control, and missed fielding opportunities proved costly. Skipper Rohit Paudel’s men now face mounting pressure to rediscover form as the League Two fixtures progress. UAE, meanwhile, will take confidence from their composed chase and the form of Shahzad and Wasim, both of whom displayed maturity under pressure.
