Nepal vs UAE Live Score, ICC CWC League 2: Nepal Win Toss and Opt to Bat First
The Nepal versus United Arab Emirates ODI in the ICC CWC League 2 (2023–27) has arrived at a crucial juncture for both teams, with World Cup qualification ambitions hanging in the balance. UAE enter this contest buoyed by renewed confidence after snapping a six-month winless streak in the competition, courtesy of a hard-fought victory over Oman. That result has injected momentum into Muhammad Waseem’s side, who now turn their attention to Nepal in what promises to be a closely fought encounter at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.
Nepal, however, hold a psychological edge, having defeated UAE earlier in the tri-series opener. With a superior head-to-head record (10 wins to UAE’s 8 in 18 ODIs) and a slightly higher ODI ranking, Nepal will look to capitalise on familiar conditions and strong individual performers like Dipendra Singh Airee and Sandeep Lamichhane. For UAE, rising star Aryansh Sharma’s form at the top and Ajay Kumar’s breakthrough performances with the ball have added new dimensions to their lineup.
The clash also presents a fascinating battle between two evenly matched sides, both struggling for consistency over the past year. With qualification stakes intensifying and momentum swinging, this fixture could prove crucial in shaping the League 2 standings. Expect a competitive contest where form, conditions, and composure under pressure will determine the outcome.
Nepal vs UAE Live Score Updates
Toss: Nepal won the toss and elected to bat first, signalling a clear intent to put runs on the board and apply scoreboard pressure early.
Playing XIs: Nepal: Arjun Kumal, Binod Bhandari, Bhim Sharki, Rohit Paudel, Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi. UAE: Aryansh Sharma, Adeeb Usmani, Muhammad Shahdad, Harpreet Singh, Akshdeep Nath, Muhammad Waseem, Khuzaima Tanveer, Muhammad Zuhaib, Junaid Siddique, Haider Ali, Ajay Kumar.
Live Commentary (Ball-by-Ball)
19.5 overs: Junaid Siddique to Rohit Paudel, 2 runs, played towards covers. Score: 86/2.
19.4 overs: Junaid Siddique to Rohit Paudel, No run, played towards covers. Score: 84/2.
19.3 overs: Junaid Siddique to Binod Bhandari, 1 run, played towards square leg. Score: 84/2.
19.2 overs: Junaid Siddique to Binod Bhandari, No run. Score: 83/2.
19.1 overs: Junaid Siddique to Rohit Paudel, 1 run, played towards square leg. Score: 83/2.
After 19 overs: Nepal 82/2. Binod Bhandari 28 (51), Rohit Paudel 32 (39). Muhammad Zuhaib: 2-0-11-0.
18.6 overs: Muhammad Zuhaib to Binod Bhandari, No run, played towards mid off. Score: 82/2.
18.5 overs: Muhammad Zuhaib to Rohit Paudel, 1 run, played towards mid off. Score: 82/2.
18.4 overs: Muhammad Zuhaib to Binod Bhandari, 1 run, played towards square leg. Score: 81/2.
18.3 overs: Muhammad Zuhaib to Binod Bhandari, No run, played towards point. Score: 80/2.
18.2 overs: Muhammad Zuhaib to Rohit Paudel, 1 run, played towards mid off. Score: 80/2.
18.1 overs: Muhammad Zuhaib to Rohit Paudel, Four! Played towards third man. Score: 79/2.
After 18 overs: Nepal 75/2. Rohit Paudel 26 (36), Binod Bhandari 27 (48). Haider Ali: 5-0-13-0.
17.6 overs: Haider Ali to Rohit Paudel, 1 run, played towards mid off. Score: 75/2.
17.5 overs: Haider Ali to Rohit Paudel, No run, played towards mid off. Score: 74/2.
17.4 overs: Haider Ali to Rohit Paudel, No run, played towards mid off. Score: 74/2.
17.3 overs: Haider Ali to Binod Bhandari, 1 run, played towards square leg. Score: 74/2.
17.2 overs: Haider Ali to Binod Bhandari, No run, played towards covers. Score: 73/2.
17.1 overs: Haider Ali to Binod Bhandari, No run, played towards covers. Score: 73/2.
After 17 overs: Nepal 73/2. Binod Bhandari 26 (45), Rohit Paudel 25 (33). Muhammad Zuhaib: 1-0-4-0.
16.6 overs: Muhammad Zuhaib to Binod Bhandari, 1 run, played towards covers. Score: 73/2.
16.5 overs: Muhammad Zuhaib to Rohit Paudel, 1 run, played towards covers. Score: 72/2.
16.4 overs: Muhammad Zuhaib to Binod Bhandari, 1 run, played towards mid wicket. Score: 71/2.
16.3 overs: Muhammad Zuhaib to Rohit Paudel, 1 run, played towards covers. Score: 70/2.
16.2 overs: Muhammad Zuhaib to Rohit Paudel, No run, played towards covers. Score: 69/2.
16.1 overs: Muhammad Zuhaib to Binod Bhandari, Leg bye. Score: 69/2.
After 16 overs: Nepal 68/2. Rohit Paudel 23 (30), Binod Bhandari 24 (42). Haider Ali: 4-0-11-0.
15.6 overs: Haider Ali to Rohit Paudel, No run, played towards point. Score: 68/2.
15.5 overs: Haider Ali to Rohit Paudel, 2 runs, played towards covers. Score: 68/2.
15.4 overs: Haider Ali to Rohit Paudel, No run, played towards mid off. Score: 66/2.
15.3 overs: Haider Ali to Rohit Paudel, No run, played towards mid wicket. Score: 66/2.
15.2 overs: Haider Ali to Binod Bhandari, 1 run, played towards covers. Score: 66/2.
15.1 overs: Haider Ali to Rohit Paudel, 1 run, played towards mid wicket. Score: 65/2.
After 15 overs: Nepal 64/2. Binod Bhandari 23 (41), Rohit Paudel 20 (25). Muhammad Shahdad: 3.3-0-10-0.
14.6 overs: Muhammad Shahdad to Binod Bhandari, No run, played towards covers. Score: 64/2.
14.5 overs: Muhammad Shahdad to Rohit Paudel, 1 run, played towards third man. Score: 64/2.
14.4 overs: Muhammad Shahdad to Binod Bhandari, 1 run, played towards mid on. Score: 63/2.
14.3 overs: Muhammad Shahdad to Binod Bhandari, No run. Score: 62/2.
14.2 overs: Muhammad Shahdad to Binod Bhandari, No run, played towards point. Score: 62/2.
14.1 overs: Muhammad Shahdad to Rohit Paudel, 1 run, played towards third man. Score: 62/2.
After 14 overs: Nepal 61/2. Rohit Paudel 18 (23), Binod Bhandari 22 (37). Haider Ali: 3-0-7-0.
13.6 overs: Haider Ali to Rohit Paudel, 1 run, played towards point. Score: 61/2.
13.5 overs: Haider Ali to Rohit Paudel, No run, played towards covers. Score: 60/2.
13.4 overs: Haider Ali to Binod Bhandari, 1 run, played towards third man. Score: 60/2.
13.3 overs: Haider Ali to Rohit Paudel, 1 run, played towards covers. Score: 59/2.
13.2 overs: Haider Ali to Binod Bhandari, 1 run, played towards covers. Score: 58/2.
13.1 overs: Haider Ali to Rohit Paudel, 1 run, played towards mid wicket. Score: 57/2.
After 13 overs: Nepal 56/2. Binod Bhandari 20 (35), Rohit Paudel 15 (19). Muhammad Shahdad: 2.3-0-7-0.
12.6 overs: Muhammad Shahdad to Binod Bhandari, No run, played towards mid off. Score: 56/2.
12.5 overs: Muhammad Shahdad to Binod Bhandari, No run, played towards covers. Score: 56/2.
12.4 overs: Muhammad Shahdad to Binod Bhandari, No run, played towards mid off. Score: 56/2.
12.3 overs: Muhammad Shahdad to Binod Bhandari, 2 runs, played towards mid wicket. Score: 56/2.
Match Overview: A Defining Clash for World Cup Qualification
The Nepal vs UAE ODI in the ICC CWC League 2 (2023–27) is more than just another fixture—it is a defining moment in both teams’ journey towards the 2027 Cricket World Cup. With qualification pathways tightening and every point becoming critical, the clash at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur carries significant weight.
UAE come into this match with renewed belief after finally ending a frustrating six-month winless streak in League 2. Their recent 25-run victory over Oman not only earned them two crucial points but also showcased the depth and resilience within the squad. Captain Muhammad Waseem’s confidence in his group has been evident, especially after backing his players following an earlier loss to Nepal in the tri-series opener.
A major positive for UAE has been the emergence of young opener Aryansh Sharma. His composed century against Oman underlined his potential as a long-term asset at the top of the order. Alongside him, contributions from Adeeb Usmani and Harpreet Singh have added stability and finishing power to the batting unit. If UAE are to challenge Nepal again, their top order will need to replicate that momentum.
Equally important has been the rise of left-arm pacer Ajay Kumar. The 29-year-old has quickly become a key figure in UAE’s bowling attack, following up a three-wicket haul against Nepal with an impressive six-wicket performance against Oman. His ability to strike in crucial phases gives UAE a genuine match-winning edge, especially in conditions that can assist seam movement early on.
Nepal, on the other hand, will look to build on their earlier victory over UAE. That win gives them a psychological advantage heading into this contest, particularly at a venue where they are comfortable and well-supported. Led by Rohit Paudel, Nepal’s lineup boasts a balanced mix of youth and experience. Dipendra Singh Airee remains Nepal’s standout performer with the bat, having accumulated 428 runs over the past year. His ability to anchor innings while accelerating when required makes him a central figure in Nepal’s plans.
With the ball, Sandeep Lamichhane continues to be their go-to wicket-taker, having claimed 18 wickets in the same period. His variations and control in the middle overs could prove decisive against UAE’s middle order.
Head-to-Head and Form Guide
Statistically, the teams are closely matched. Nepal hold a slight edge in the head-to-head record with 10 wins compared to UAE’s 8 from 18 ODIs. Their ODI ranking (17th) is also marginally better than UAE’s (20th). However, recent form suggests there is little to separate the two sides, with both teams winning four matches each in the past year.
The 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 assistance to both batters and bowlers at different stages. Nepal’s decision to bat first in this fixture indicates their intent to put scoreboard pressure on UAE.
Key Battles to Watch
- Aryansh Sharma against Nepal’s spin attack, particularly Sandeep Lamichhane.
- Ajay Kumar versus Nepal’s middle order featuring Dipendra Singh Airee and Aarif Sheikh.
These individual duels could ultimately shape the outcome of the match. With both teams striving for consistency and crucial points, the Nepal vs UAE ODI promises to be a tightly contested affair. UAE will be eager to carry forward their momentum, while Nepal will aim to assert their dominance at home once again. As the road to the 2027 World Cup unfolds, matches like these could prove decisive—not just in terms of points, but in building the belief and rhythm required to compete on the global stage.
