Nepal Secures Dominant 7-Wicket Win Over UAE in T20 World Cup Warm-up

3rd February 2026, Kathmandu

Ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, the Nepalese cricket team’s clinical performance led to a 7-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday.

Nepal Secures Dominant 7-Wicket

The Mid-Innings Masterclass Chasing a target of 146, Nepal found themselves in a slight spot of bother at 49/3 after losing openers Kushal Bhurtel (8), Aasif Sheikh (8), and skipper Rohit Paudel (16). However, the game shifted dramatically when Aarif Sheikh and Dipendra Singh Airee joined forces.

The duo shared an unbeaten century partnership to steer Nepal home in just 17 overs.

Aarif Sheikh: Smashed a brilliant 61* off 37 balls (8 fours, 2 sixes).

Dipendra Singh Airee: Anchored the chase with a solid 50* off 31 balls (4 fours, 1 six).

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Bowling Highlights. Earlier, Nepal opted to field after winning the toss. The bowlers kept the pressure on from the start. Karan KC provided the early breakthrough by bowling UAE captain Muhammad Waseem for 6.

Sandeep Lamichhane and Karan KC both claimed 2 wickets each, while Dipendra Singh Airee chipped in with 1 wicket and a crucial run-out. UAE managed 145/6 in their 20 overs, thanks to a late 68-run stand between Harshith Kaushik (35) and Mayank Kumar (38*).

What’s Next for Nepal? The Nepalese squad will face Canada in their second warm-up match on February 5 (Magh 22) in Chennai. Nepal is placed in Group C alongside England, the  West Indies, Scotland, and Italy.

Their World Cup campaign officially begins against England in Mumbai on February 8.

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