Triangular T20I series: Nepal starts with a win

Kathmandu, Oct 18: Nepal defeated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 7 wickets in the inaugural match of the Tri-nation T20 international cricket series that began here today.

In the match held at Mulpani Cricket Stadium, the UAE posted a total of 140 runs at the loss of 7 wickets in 20 overs, after being put into bat first by the host.

Basil Hameed contributed the highest 51 runs for the visitors while Ali Naseer scored 32 and Captain Mohammad Waseem scored 17 runs. For the home team, Karan KC took 3 wickets while Gulsan Jha took 2, and Sompal Kami and Abinash Bohra took one wicket each. In reply, Nepal reached the target of 141 runs at the loss of 3 wickets in 18.5 overs.

Captain Rohit Paudel led from the front to contribute the highest 51 runs. He also won the player of the match award for his half century. Similarly, Dipendra Singh Airee scored 34, Aasif Sheikh 23, Kushal Bhurtel 14 and Kushal Malla scored 11 runs. For the UAE, Nilans Keshwani and Ali Naseer took one wicket each. Nepal will play its second match against Hong Kong tomorrow.