Nepal Defeats UAE by Seven Wickets in T20 World Cup Warm-Up Match

Nepal registered an emphatic seven-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in an ICC T20 World Cup warm-up match played in Chennai, India, on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 146 runs, Nepal reached the total comfortably, losing only three wickets with 18 balls to spare.

Early Setbacks for Nepal

Nepal’s chase did not begin smoothly. Openers Kushal Bhurtel and Asif Sheikh were both dismissed for eight runs each, while captain Rohit Paudel was run out after scoring 16 runs off 19 balls.

At 45 for 3 in 6.5 overs, Nepal appeared under pressure.

Arif and Dipendra Seal the Win

The momentum shifted when Arif Sheikh and Dipendra Singh Airee came together at the crease. The duo put on an unbeaten century partnership for the fourth wicket, steering Nepal to victory with controlled yet aggressive batting.

Arif Sheikh played a standout knock, scoring 61 not out off 37 balls, including eight fours and two sixes. Dipendra Singh Airee provided excellent support, remaining unbeaten on 50 off 31 balls, with four fours and one six.

Nepal completed the chase at 148/3 in 17 overs.

UAE’s Batting Effort

Earlier, after losing the toss and being sent in to bat, UAE posted 145 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Sohail Khan top-scored for UAE with an unbeaten 38 off 27 balls, while Harshit Kaushik contributed 35 runs and opener Aryan Sharma added 25. Mohammad Zohaib chipped in with 19 runs.

Nepal’s Bowlers Impress

Nepal’s bowling attack was led by Karan KC and Sandeep Lamichhane, both of whom claimed two wickets each.

• Karan KC took 2 wickets for 26 runs in 3 overs
• Sandeep Lamichhane returned figures of 2 for 24 in 4 overs

Dipendra Singh Airee also made an impact with the ball, conceding just 12 runs in 3 overs and taking one wicket, completing an excellent all-round performance.

What’s Next

Nepal will play their second warm-up match against Canada on Thursday at 3:15 PM, once again in Chennai.