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Kathmandu, Oct. 12 — Nepal narrowly beat the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by a single run in a thrilling Super Six match during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & East Asia Pacific Qualifier held in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday, marking a significant progress toward securing a spot in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Opting to bat first following their toss victory, Nepal scored 140 runs for six wickets in 20 overs.

Top scorer Aasif Sheikh made 51 off 47 deliveries, hitting five boundaries and providing stability to the innings. Although they began steadily, Nepal found it difficult to increase the pace later on as UAE bowlers maintained a disciplined line.

In response, the UAE needed 10 runs from the last over, but Dipendra Singh Airee delivered an outstanding performance, allowing only eight runs and claiming three wickets. His calmness under pressure dramatically shifted the game in Nepal’s advantage.

The over saw intense action: after conceding a single off the first two deliveries, Airee was struck for a six by Dhruv Parashar on the third. However, Parashar was caught near the boundary on the following ball, followed by two run-outs—one by Sandeep Jora and the other due to skipper Rohit Paudel’s quick throw—which secured Nepal’s exciting victory. UAE were all out for 139.

This win has placed both Nepal and Oman at four points each in the Super Six rankings.

Nepal’s next match is against Qatar on Monday. Securing a victory in this game will nearly guarantee their qualification for the T20 World Cup, which is set to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February to March 2026.