Associate EL-CLASSICO, Nepal Clinch Victory Over UAE

Al Amerat, Oman – October 12, 2025
Nepal scripted one of the most dramatic finishes in recent T20 cricket history, edging past the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by just one run in a nail-biting Super Six clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier 2025/26. The victory not only showcased Nepal’s fighting spirit but also strengthened their campaign for a coveted T20 World Cup berth.

 A Gritty Start with the Bat

Winning the toss, Nepal opted to bat first on a dry and slightly unpredictable Al Amerat pitch. Openers Aasif Sheikh and Kushal Bhurtel gave the team a stable start, weathering UAE’s disciplined new-ball attack.
Aasif anchored the innings brilliantly with a well-constructed 51 off 47 balls, while Bhurtel added a valuable 28 off 26 deliveries. Despite losing wickets in intervals, Nepal managed to post a competitive total of 140/6 in 20 overs, thanks to some late hitting from Gulshan Jha else Nepal lacked boundaries for continuous 7 overs in a T20 game.

The Turning Point – Airee’s All-Round Brilliance

If Nepal’s innings was about stability, their bowling effort was about heart and discipline.
Dipendra Singh Airee once again proved why he is Nepal’s ultimate game-changer and referred as TIGER by the Nepali fans. His 4-over spell was a masterclass in control and composure under pressure — picking up 3 crucial wickets and choking UAE’s momentum during the middle overs.

Even as UAE’s Dhruv Parashar threatened to take the game away with a fiery 32 off 18 balls, Airee and Sompal Kami kept their nerve.

 Final Over Madness: From Despair to Delight

The real drama unfolded in the final over. UAE needed just 1 run off the last 2 balls — victory seemed inevitable. But cricket, as always, had its own script.
A brilliant piece of fielding from Rohit Paudel led to a run-out, and in the very next ball, chaos ensued as another UAE batter was run-out while attempting a desperate single.

As the stumps broke up and the Nepal players erupted in celebration, UAE were left stunned at 139/9, falling short by a solitary run.

It was a finish that will be remembered by every Nepali cricket fan — a match that tested nerves, showcased grit, and proved that this young team knows how to fight till the very last ball.

 Player of the Match: Dipendra Singh Airee

For his all-round brilliance — tight bowling, sharp fielding, and crucial late-order runs — Dipendra Singh Airee deservedly took home the Player of the Match award. His calm under pressure and consistency once again made him Nepal’s standout performer.

 What This Means for Nepal

This victory was not just about two points — it was about belief. With the Super Six stage determining the top spots for the T20 World Cup 2026, every win matters immensely.
Nepal’s narrow triumph over UAE keeps their qualification hopes alive and sends a clear message to the cricketing world: Nepal can hold its own against any team in crunch moments.

 A Match to Remember

From Aasif Sheikh’s anchoring innings to Airee’s heroics and the unforgettable double run-out finale — this match had everything.
It was a day when Nepalese cricket fans around the world felt their hearts race in unison as always they refer to their team as cardiac kids. This is reminder that in cricket, as in life, it’s never over until the very last ball is bowled.