Having lost the first T20I and won the second bout in nail-biting circumstances, Nepal managed a favourable result in the third, securing series victory with a 14-run win over the UAE in Dubai in a hard-hitting, rain-affected battle.
Read More: Shaiman Anwar, bowlers power UAE to easy win in first T20I
The match brought to a conclusion what was a truly scintillating series, and one that showcased some impressive talent from two fast improving sides in world cricket.
Victory for Nepal!
They take the series 2-1 with a 14-run win, limiting UAE to 90/8 from their ten overs. #UAEvNEP SCORECARD ?https://t.co/ATt6D486GV pic.twitter.com/sIwqbn9EU7
— ICC (@ICC) February 3, 2019
The match was shortened to 10 overs per side due to the rain, and UAE opted to field first having won the toss. Nepal’s 104/8 proved too mighty for their opponents, who fought valiantly in response, but were knocked over for 90 in their pursuit.
Read More: Dipendra Airee stars in comeback win for Nepal
Nepal’s innings got off to a stinker when Pawan Sarraf was dismissed by the dangerous Mohammad Naveed (2/6) in the first over, but skipper Paras Khadka’s 14-ball 29 put pressure right back on the hosts, and two priceless middle-order cameos propelled the tourists to a seriously competitive total. Sundeep Jora’s 11-ball 28 lit up proceedings with three sixes, while 21 from 13 courtesy of Binod Bhandari frustrated the UAE bowlers who struggled to hone their lines.
Plenty of fanfare on show as Nepal secured a 2-1 series win in the T20Is against UAE in Dubai! #UAEvNEP pic.twitter.com/aAKnJPXmgF
— ICC (@ICC) February 3, 2019
The chase began in promising fashion, Ghulam Shabber smacking the ball to all parts for a 15-ball 25, but once he departed, there was only Shaiman Anwar that mounted any sort of a serious challenge. He made 30 from 20 before becoming Karan KC’s (2/13) first victim, and the middle and lower order then collapsed emphatically, as the Nepali bowlers served up an impressive team effort to quell any danger of a late surge.
Read More: Paras Khadka century hands Nepal first-ever ODI series win
Impressive spells at the death from Lalit Rajbanshi and Avinsah Bohara, both recording figures of 2/16, helped the away side nail down the 14-run victory.
