In a nail-biting start to the ICC U19 World Cup Asia Qualifier, Nepal U19 clinched a narrow 5-run (DLS method) victory over UAE U19 at the Lower Mulpani Cricket Ground – marking the venue’s first-ever international match.
The wet outfield delayed the start, reducing the contest to 40 overs per side. After being invited to bat first, Nepal posted a competitive 200/9. Skipper Naren Bhatta led from the front with a composed 67, supported by Dilsad Ali (34) and opener Sahil Patel (32). UAE bowlers kept things in check with Uddish Suri picking up 3 wickets, while Shalom D’Souza and Yug Sharma chipped in with two apiece.
UAE’s chase got off to a horror start, losing two wickets in the opening over. However, a strong 75-run partnership for the third wicket brought them back into the contest. Nepal bounced back again with two quick wickets, keeping the pressure on as the DLS method loomed with clouds hovering.
Despite wickets tumbling at one end, Yayin Kiran Rai stood tall with a brilliant unbeaten century (104*), valiantly trying to guide UAE home. Unfortunately, the lack of support from the other end proved costly. When play was halted after 36 overs due to persistent drizzle and fading light, UAE were stranded at 171/7 – five runs short of the DLS par score at that point.
Nepal’s bowlers held their nerve, with Santosh Yadav and Ashok Dhami claiming two wickets apiece. Though Rai’s heroic ton deserved a better ending, it was Nepal who celebrated a historic win in the first-ever international match at Lower Mulpani.
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