Nepal Sets 201-Run Target for UAE in ICC World Cup League 2 Clash

Kathmandu. In a crucial ICC World Cup League 2 match held at the home ground of TU Cricket Stadium, Nepal has set a target of 201 runs for the UAE.

Sent in to bat after losing the toss, Nepal was bowled out for 202 runs in 48.2 overs. 

All-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee was the top scorer for Nepal with 75 runs, though he received little support from the other batters. In his half-century innings (75 runs), Airee faced 90 balls, hitting 5 fours and 2 sixes. 

Nepal's start was not ideal. Opener Kushal Bhurtel scored 24 runs, while Aasif Sheikh was dismissed for just 7 runs. Captain Rohit Paudel also returned to the pavilion after scoring only 2 runs. In the middle order, Karan KC added 22, Bashir Ahmed 20, Aarif Sheikh and Sompal Kami contributed 15 runs each, while Bhim Sharki was out for 10 runs. 

For the UAE, Aayan Afzal Khan and Junaid Siddique bowled exceptionally well, taking 3 wickets each. 

Nepal's playing XI for today's match includes Aasif Sheikh (wicketkeeper), Kushal Bhurtel, Bhim Sharki, Rohit Paudel (captain), Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Bashir Ahmed, and Lalit Rajbanshi. 

This match is vital for both Nepal and the UAE to finish in the top six and retain their ODI (One Day International) status. Currently, Nepal is in seventh place with 12 points from 20 matches, including 5 wins, 13 losses, and 2 no-results. The UAE is in eighth place with 10 points from the same number of matches, including 15 losses. 

Meanwhile, the UAE, having started their chase, has already lost 2 wickets within the first three overs.