KATHMANDU, Sept 12: Nepal has defeated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 44 runs and stood as the champion of the ACC Men's Premier Cup 2026.
In the final match held at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Saturday, the UAE—chasing a massive target of 314 runs set by Nepal—was bowled out for 269 runs in 49.1 overs.
Although Rahul Chopra played a century-innings for the UAE, he could not save the team from defeat. During the chase, Rahul Chopra scored an unbeaten 100 runs off 105 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes. Additionally, Shoaib Khan contributed 52 runs, Tanish Suri 42, Harpreet Singh 33, and Khuzaima Tanveer 15 runs.
Nepal sets target of 120 runs for UAE in ACC Premier Cup
Nepali bowlers maintained tight bowling and took wickets at regular intervals. Karan KC claimed the highest number of wickets, taking three for 49 runs in nine overs, while Lalit Rajbanshi took two wickets for 43 runs in ten overs.
Similarly, Sandeep Lamichhane, Dipendra Singh Airee, Captain Rohit Paudel, Gulshan Jha, and Bashir Ahmed each took one wicket. Nepal's victory was sealed in the 49.1 over when Haider Ali was stumped by Aasif Sheikh off Bashir Ahmed's bowling for a duck.
Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, Nepal posted a massive total of 313 runs for the loss of nine wickets in the allotted 50 overs.
Opener Aasif Sheikh's magnificent century-plus innings laid the foundation for Nepal's victory. He scored 102 runs off 106 balls, hitting eight fours and four sixes.
