Highlights of NEP vs. UAE, ICC CWC League 2: Riding on Dipendra Singh Airee’s 94-ball 100 and Binod Bhandari’s 79-ball 56, Nepal posted 289/7 vs UAE in ICC CWC League 2 (2023-27 at C Kirrick ODI International University Tribhuvan) The order saw useful contributions from captain Rohit Paudel (39) and Gulshan Jha (44). For UAE, Ajay Kumar and Junaid Siddique picked two wickets each while Haider Ali and Khuzaima Tanveer returned one wicket each.
The UAE go into this match with renewed belief after finally ending a frustrating six-month winless streak in League Two. Their recent 25-run win over Oman not only earned them two crucial points but also showcased the depth and resilience of the squad. Captain Muhammad Waseem’s confidence in his group was evident, especially after he backed his players after an earlier loss to Nepal in the tri-series opener.
The main positive for UAE was the arrival of young opener Aryansh Sharma. His composed century against Oman underlined his potential as a long-term asset at the top of the order. Along with him, contributions from Adeeb Usmani and Harpreet Singh added stability and finishing power to the batting unit. If the UAE is to challenge Nepal again, its top order will need to replicate this dynamic.
No less important was the rise of Ajay Kumar’s left arm pacemaker. The 29-year-old quickly became a key figure in the UAE bowling attack as he followed up a three-wicket haul against Nepal with an impressive six-wicket haul against Oman. His ability to strike at crucial stages gives the UAE a real edge in winning matches, especially in conditions that can favor seam movement early on.
On the other hand, Nepal will be looking to build on their earlier win over UAE. This win gives them a psychological advantage going into this competition, especially at a place where they are comfortable and well supported. Led by Rohit Paudel, Nepal’s squad boasts a balanced mix of youth and experience.
Dipendra Singh Airee remains Nepal’s standout performer with the bat, amassing 428 runs in the last year. His ability to anchor the innings and step up when required makes him central to Nepal’s plans. With the ball, Sandeep Lamichhane continues to be their wicket-keeper, taking 18 wickets in the same period. His variation and control in the middle overs could prove decisive against the UAE middle order.
Statistically, the teams are very balanced. Nepal has a slight lead in the match record with 10 wins compared to UAE’s 8 wins from 18 ODIs. Their ODI ranking (17th) is also slightly better than UAE (20th). However, recent form suggests that little separates the two sides, with both teams having won four games in the past year.
Conditions in Kirtipur are likely to play a crucial role. Teams batting first have often aimed for totals in the 250–270 range, with the pitch offering help to both batsmen and bowlers at various stages. Nepal’s decision to bat first in this match indicates their intention to put score pressure on the UAE.
Key battles to watch include Aryansh Sharma against Nepal’s spin attack, especially Lamichhane, and Ajay Kumar versus Nepal’s middle order with Airee and Aarif Sheikh. These individual duels could ultimately shape the outcome of the match.
With both teams looking for consistency and key points, Nepal Vs. The UAE ODI will be a hotly contested affair. UAE will be looking to continue their momentum while Nepal will be looking to reassert their dominance at home.
As the road to the 2027 World Cup unfolds, matches like these could prove crucial – not only in terms of points but also in building the belief and rhythm needed to compete on the global stage.
