Nepal Vs UAE, ICC Cricket World Cup League Two: Shahdad-Waseem Partnership Seals 4-Wicket Win For Hosts

The United Arab Emirates clinched a composed four-wicket victory against Nepal in ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 Match 91 at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

Chasing 240 runs, UAE won with five balls remaining, largely thanks to a crucial 147-run partnership between Muhammad Shahdad and Muhammad Waseem.

Shahdad-Waseem's Crucial Partnership

UAE's chase began shakily after openers Aryansh Sharma and Alishan Sharafu fell quickly. Both batsmen departed within the first seven overs, leaving UAE struggling at 28/2 due to Nepal's early wickets. Muhammad Shahdad and Muhammad Waseem then launched a terrific recovery, with their partnership of 147 runs showing immense composure.

Shahdad anchored the innings brilliantly, scoring a career-best 96 runs off 123 balls. Waseem attacked from the other end, striking 76 runs off 73 balls and hammering four boundaries and three sixes.

This stand blunted Nepal's spinners, including Sandeep Lamichhane, who still finished with tidy figures of 1/35. The partnership decisively shifted the game in the UAE's favour. Shahdad later earned the Player of the Match award for his stellar effort.

Nepal's Batting Struggles

Nepal's batting struggled for fluency despite several players beginning well, and they never fully built momentum. Bhim Sharki provided substance with 48 runs, and Kushal Malla added 45 runs during the middle overs. Regular wickets stopped them from forming sustained partnerships.

UAE's bowlers displayed strong discipline. Dhruv Parashar was exceptional, taking 2/28 from his full 10 overs. Junaid Siddique's new-ball burst created early pressure, securing 2 for 36 runs.

Karan KC claimed three late wickets for Nepal, keeping their hopes of defending 240 alive. However, the UAE held their nerve in the final moments, sealing just their fifth win of the campaign.

Nepal Vs UAE, ICC Cricket World Cup League Two: Toss Update

UAE won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Nepal Vs UAE, ICC Cricket World Cup League Two: Playing XIs

United Arab Emirates: Alishan Sharafu (c), Aryansh Sharma (wk), Muhammad Shahdad, Shoaib Khan, Muhammad Waseem, Harshit Kaushik, Dhruv Parashar, Zahid Ali, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah.

Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Bhim Sharki, Rohit Paudel (c), Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Malla, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi.

Nepal Vs UAE, ICC Cricket World Cup League Two: Squads

Nepal: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Bhim Sharki, Rohit Paudel (c), Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Anil Sah, Nandan Yadav, Kushal Malla, Shahab Alam.

United Arab Emirates: Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Muhammad Shahdad, Rahul Chopra (c), Shoaib Khan, Muhammad Waseem, Harshit Kaushik, Haider Ali, Simranjeet Singh, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Mayank Rajesh Kumar, Zahid Ali, Muhammad Irfan.