Nepal kicked off their 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign with a resounding 7-wicket victory over the UAE in their first warm-up match. Playing at the iconic M.A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) in Chennai, the “Rhinos” showed why they are a team to watch in this tournament.
Bowling: Maintaining the pressure
After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Nepal’s attack looked sharp from the very first over. Karan KC provided the early breakthrough, dismissing UAE captain Muhammad Waseem for just 6 runs.
Although the UAE middle order tried to stage a comeback, Nepal’s “spin wizard” Sandeep Lamichhane and the reliable Karan KC kept the score in check, taking two wickets each. A late 68-run partnership between UAE’s Shoaib Khan (38*) and Harshit Kaushik (35) helped them reach 145/6, but it wasn’t enough to trouble the Nepali team.
Chase: A display of brilliant composure
Nepal had a shaky start to the chase. Both openers, Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh, were dismissed for 8 runs each, and when captain Rohit Paudel was run out for 16, Nepal was in a precarious position at 45/3.
However, what followed was a magnificent display of batting. Arif Sheikh and Dipendra Singh Airee forged an unbeaten 103-run partnership.
Arif Sheikh: 61* runs off 37 balls (8 fours, 2 sixes)
Dipendra Singh Airee: 50* runs off 31 balls (4 fours, 1 six). This pair didn’t just secure the win; they dominated. They accelerated in the final overs, scoring 45 runs in the last three overs of the chase to clinch the victory with 18 balls to spare.
Why this win matters
This wasn’t just a practice match; This was a confidence booster. Middle-order strength: This proved that Nepal can bounce back even if the top order fails. Adaptability: The team handled the Chennai heat and pitch conditions very well.
Nepal will play its second warm-up match against Canada on February 5th.
Team Score Top Performer
UAE 145/6 (20 overs) Sohaib Khan (38*)
Nepal 148/3 (17 overs) Aarif Sheikh (61*)
