By beating the United Arab Emirates by nine runs (using the D/L system) in their last World Cup League 2 triangular series match on Thursday at the TU cricket venue, Nepal has earned an automatic spot in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Qualifiers.
In the decisive match, the United Arab Emirates set a lofty 311-run aim for Nepal. As a result of poor lighting, further play was not feasible when Nepal reached 269 runs with the loss of six wickets in 44 overs.
Aarif Sheikh scored 52 runs, but Bhim Sharki scored 67 runs to lead Nepal in scoring. Gulsan Jha and Kushal Bhurtel both scored 50 runs.
Two Nepali batters were sent back to the pavilion by Aayan Afzal Khan, who took three wickets for the UAE.
After winning the toss and deciding to bat first, the visitors scored 310 runs in their allotted 50 overs while losing six wickets.
UAE batsman Asif Khan achieved an undefeated century in just 41 balls after entering the fray at position six in the 38th over. With the aid of 11 sixes and four boundaries, he scored 101 runs in 42 deliveries to attain the milestone.
Third man Vriitya Aravind held the UAE innings together by remaining at the crease and hitting 94 runs in 138 balls. Eight boundaries and two sixes were struck by the hitter.
Muhammad Waseem, the captain, scored an astounding 63 runs in 49 balls. For the UAE, Rohan Mustafa and Asif Khan each scored 20 and 22 runs.
In response, Nepali bowlers had trouble getting out at regular intervals, allowing the visitors to score a sizable total.
Aryan Lakra, the opener, was bowled by Lalit Rajbanshi for 6 runs in 2.5 overs.
Sandeep Lamichhane's leg-before catch of UAE captain Muhammad Waseem in 16.2 overs was not witnessed by Nepal till the 17th over.
In 22.6 overs, Chundangapoyil Rizwan (3 runs) was run out. After being bowled by Dipendra Singh Airee and being caught by Gulshan Jha, Aayan Afzal Khan followed him in 26.1 overs.
In 37.3 overs, Airee also claimed Rohan Mustafa's wicket by leg-before trapping him.
