KATHMANDU: Nepal has set the United Arab Emirates (UAE) a target of 314 runs in the final of the ACC Premier Cup.
Batting first after winning the toss at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Nepal posted 313 runs in 50 overs.
Opener Asif Sheikh scored a century for Nepal, while all-rounder Gulshan Jha contributed a half-century. Sheikh completed his century in 103 balls, hitting eight fours and four sixes.
Sheikh was eventually dismissed for 102 runs off 106 balls after being caught by Haider Ali. Meanwhile, Jha, who came in at No. 5, scored 50 runs off 36 balls, including three fours and four sixes.
Nepal lost opener Arjun Kumal to a run-out on the final ball of the 21st over after a misunderstanding with Sheikh. Kumal scored 43 runs off 63 balls, including six fours, and shared a 97-run partnership with Sheikh.
Rohit Paudel scored 40 runs off 44 balls with two fours, while Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 18 runs off 18 balls. Ishan Pandey made 13 runs off 20 balls, and Karan KC was dismissed for one run off two deliveries.
For the UAE, Ibrar Ahmed claimed four wickets, while Khuzayma Bin Tanveer took two. Adil Usmani and Haider Ali claimed one wicket each. The UAE have now begun their chase of Nepal’s target.
Both teams are seeking their second ACC Premier Cup title. Nepal won the inaugural edition in 2023, defeating the UAE by seven wickets in the final in Kathmandu. The UAE won the 2024 edition after defeating hosts Oman.
The final carries added significance as the winner will secure a place in the upcoming Asia Cup.
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