KATHMANDU: Nepal faced their second consecutive defeat in the ICC World Cup League 2 after losing to hosts UAE by five wickets in Dubai on Thursday.
Despite captain Rohit Paudel’s brilliant century, Nepal failed to post a competitive total as the other batters struggled. Weak bowling compounded the problem, leading to another loss after being defeated by the United States earlier.
Batting first, Nepal were bowled out for 233 runs in 50 overs. In reply, UAE comfortably chased down the target in 43.3 overs with five wickets in hand.
Openers Alishan Sharafu and Aryansh Sharma provided a solid start, adding 63 runs for the first wicket. Alishan was caught by Rohit Paudel off Karan KC for 45 runs. Shoaib Khan went for a duck off Sandeep Lamichhane, while captain Rahul Chopra retired hurt on 15.
Aryansh, who top-scored with 98 runs, helped steady the innings alongside Mohammad Wasim, who contributed 26. This was Aryansh’s highest ODI score. Harshit Koushik (13) was the final wicket to fall before UAE sealed victory with 58 balls to spare.
For Nepal, Sandeep Lamichhane took 2 wickets for 34 runs in 10 overs, while Karan KC and Dipendra Singh Airee picked up one wicket each.
Earlier, after winning the toss, Nepal struggled early at 26 for 2, losing Kushal Bhurtel (7) and Bhim Sharki (3). Opener Aasif Sheikh made 35 before being dismissed at 61 for 3.
Captain Rohit Paudel led the recovery with a composed 109 off 126 balls, including 5 fours and 1 six. He shared a 70-run stand with Aarif Sheikh (27) and a 54-run partnership with vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee (23). Nepal lost momentum in the final overs, adding only 39 runs in the last five.
UAE debutant Zahid Ali impressed with 4 wickets for 41 runs in six overs, while Junaid Siddique took 3 for 54.
With this loss, Nepal have dropped to seventh in the standings with 12 points from 18 matches. UAE, at the bottom of the table, climbed to 8 points with their fourth win. Nepal will next face table-toppers USA on Saturday.
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