Nepal wins ACC Men’s Premier Cup after defeating UAE

Nepal defeated the United Arab Emirates by 44 runs in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup final held at Bayuemas Oval in Malaysia to claim the title and secure qualification for the Asia Cup.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nepal posted a total of 313 for nine. The innings was anchored by Aasif Sheikh, who scored 102 runs from 104 balls, including eight fours and four sixes. Sheikh shared a 93-run opening partnership with Arjun Kumal, who contributed 43 runs. Later in the innings, Gulshan Jha provided late acceleration with 52 runs from 38 balls, while captain Rohit Paudel added 40.

In response, the UAE was bowled out for 269 in 50.1 overs while chasing a target of 314. Rahul Chopra led the UAE effort with an unbeaten century, supported by Tanish Suri (42) and Harpreet Bhatia (33). Nepal’s bowling attack was led by Karan KC, who took three wickets, while Lalit Rajbanshi claimed two. Other bowlers, including Sandeep Lamichhane and Rohit Paudel, each took one wicket to secure the victory.