MUSCAT, OCTOBER 12
Nepal, fondly known as the Cardiac Kids in the cricketing fraternity, pulled off a nerve-wracking one-run victory against arch-rivals United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a pulsating encounter at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat on Sunday.
With this dramatic win, Nepal secured two crucial points to move to second place in the Super Six standings, just behind Oman in net run-rate, with four points.
Nepal posted 140 for six before restricting the UAE to 139 for nine to seal a nerve-wracking one-run victory. The UAE required three runs for victory and two to force a Super Over, but ultimately fell agonizingly short by a single run against the Himalayan nation - much to the delight of the rapturous Nepali supporters in the stands.
Batting first, Aasif Sheikh top-scored with a composed 51 off 47 balls, laced with four boundaries and a six. He shared a solid 56-run opening stand with Kushal Bhurtel, who provided early momentum with a brisk 28 off 26 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes.
At one stage, Nepal appeared set for a commanding total, but the middle order faltered, failing to capitalize on the strong start. In-form all-rounder Gulshan Jha added a quick-fire 14 off just five balls, striking two boundaries and a towering six over extra cover before being dismissed.
In reply, UAE's chase got off to a shaky start as skipper Muhammad Waseem fell early, caught by Bhurtel off Sompal Kami while attempting a pull shot. However, Alishan Sharafu anchored the innings with a fluent 58 off 40 balls, decorated with three fours and five sixes. His dismissal - bowled by Dipendra Singh Airee while trying to clear the ropes - shifted the momentum back in Nepal's favor.
Dhruv Parashar nearly single-handedly took UAE to the brink of victory, but his attempt to finish the match with a big hit ended in heartbreak as he holed out to Sandeep Jora at long-on. Airee, who was entrusted with defending 10 runs in the final over, held his nerve brilliantly, delivering pinpoint yorkers to seal the win.
Airee was deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-winning spell of 4-0-22-3. Sompal Kami, Gulshan Jha, and Sandeep Lamichhane also chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, UAE captain Muhammad Waseem admitted the defeat was tough to digest. "It's never easy to lose such a close game. Nepal played fantastic cricket today. We'll look to bounce back stronger in the next fixture," he said.
Nepal skipper Rohit Paudel expressed delight over the result, saying, "I'm extremely happy with the team's performance and even happier for our fans who travelled from across Oman to witness this fascinating contest."
Nepal will face Qatar under the lights in their next fixture on Monday at the same venue as part of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup Asia and East-Pacific Qualifier.
