Nepal vs United Arab Emirates, 2nd T20I, April 21, 2026

Nepal triumphed over the United Arab Emirates by 8 wickets in a thrilling T20 encounter at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur. Sandeep Lamichhane's exceptional bowling and Kushal Bhurtel's commanding batting performance were key to Nepal's victory.

Match Summary

Nepal won the toss and opted to bowl first. The United Arab Emirates managed to score 128 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Akshdeep Nath was the standout performer with the bat for UAE, scoring an unbeaten 53 runs off 42 balls. For Nepal, Sandeep Lamichhane was the star with the ball, taking 3 wickets for just 6 runs in his 4 overs.

In response, Nepal chased down the target comfortably in 15.5 overs, scoring 129 runs with the loss of only 2 wickets. Kushal Bhurtel was sensational with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 84 runs off 57 balls, ensuring a smooth chase for his team. Dipendra Singh Airee provided good support with a quickfire 23 not out.

Detailed Narrative

• United Arab Emirates Innings:

  • The UAE innings started poorly with Muhammad Waseem getting out for a duck, trapped lbw by Hemant Dhami.
  • Adeeb Usmani contributed a brisk 30 off 22 balls before falling lbw to Sandeep Lamichhane.
  • Alishan Sharafu and Harpreet Singh Bhatia were dismissed cheaply.
  • Akshdeep Nath played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings with his unbeaten half-century (53*), hitting 3 fours and 4 sixes.
  • Muhammad Arfan added valuable lower-order runs with his knock of 32 off 36 balls.

• Bowling Highlights:

  • Sandeep Lamichhane's spell was pivotal, claiming figures of 4-1-6-3, dismantling UAE's middle order.
  • Hemant Dhami also bowled effectively, taking two key wickets.

• Nepal Innings:

  • Nepal began their chase strongly with Kushal Bhurtel leading from the front.
  • Despite losing Kushal Malla (19) and Santosh Yadav (1) early on, Bhurtel remained composed and aggressive.
  • His unbeaten knock of 84 included an array of boundaries: 12 fours and 2 sixes, striking at a rate of over 147.

• Key Partnerships:

  • The partnership between Kushal Bhurtel and Dipendra Singh Airee was crucial in steering Nepal to victory without further hiccups.

• Player of the Match: Kushal Bhurtel for his match-winning innings.

This match showcased an all-around performance from Nepal with significant contributions from both bowlers and batsmen, leading to their comprehensive win over UAE.