Nepal draw blank in WCL-2 Tri-Series

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 6:  Nepal wrapped up the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 Tri-Series in Dubai without a single win, suffering a four-wicket defeat to hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday.

This marked Nepal’s fourth consecutive loss in the series. Earlier, they were beaten by the USA by 106 runs in the opener, lost to UAE by five wickets in the second fixture, and went down to the USA again by four wickets in the third match.

Following the back-to-back defeats, Nepal skipper Rohit Paudel admitted the team fell short of expectations.

“We didn’t bat well throughout the series. In all four games, we got into decent positions but failed to build solid partnerships, allowing the opposition to claw back,” Paudel said. 

“Small mistakes cost us the matches. Decision-making is something we need to improve. We’ll go back to the drawing board and prepare properly for the ODI series scheduled next year.”

In the final match at the ICC Academy Ground, UAE chased down Nepal’s target of 240, finishing on 243 for six in 49.1 overs. Muhammad Shahdad starred with the bat, scoring a composed 96 off 123 balls, including six boundaries and three sixes. He was well supported by Muhammad Waseem, who made a brisk 76 off 73 deliveries. Sohib Khan chipped in with 29, skipper Alishan Sharafu added 18, and Harshit Kaushik contributed 13.

Karan KC led Nepal’s bowling attack with figures of 3 for 58. Nandan Yadav, Lalit Rajbanshi, and Sandeep Lamichhane picked up one wicket apiece.

Nepal, having lost the toss, were put in to bat and posted 239 for nine in their allotted 50 overs. Bhim Sharki top-scored with a patient 48 off 68 balls. Kushal Malla struck 45 off 51, vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee made 37, opener Aasif Sheikh contributed 34, Arif Sheikh added 30, and Lamichhane finished with 15.

UAE’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Dhruv Parashar, Junaid Siddiqui, and Muhammad Jawadullah claiming two wickets each, while Zahid Ali took one.

With this defeat, Nepal remain seventh in the standings with 12 points from 20 matches. UAE, despite the win, sit bottom with 10 points from the same number of games. The USA lead the table with 36 points from 24 matches.

Scotland are second with 30 points from 24 matches. The Netherlands sit third with 28 points from 24. Oman are fourth with 24 points from 20. Canada hold fifth with 21 points from 24. Namibia are sixth with 19 points from 24.

Each team in League 2 will play nine Tri-Series, totalling 36 matches. Every side will host three series at home and play six away. The top four teams will earn direct qualification for the 2027 ICC One Day World Cup.