How Nepal Outplayed UAE in the U19 Match – Full Scorecard and Highlights
When the Nepal U‑19 side met the United Arab Emirates at the regional qualifier, few expected a contest that would swing back and forth before a clear winner emerged. By the final over, though, the Nepali youngsters had turned the tide, posting a score that left the UAE scrambling. Below is a play‑by‑play overview, the complete scorecard, and the key moments that defined the encounter.
Match Overview
The game kicked off under clear skies at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with a modest crowd of enthusiastic fans from both nations. Nepal won the toss and elected to bat, aiming to set a challenging total on a pitch that offered a little something for both batters and bowlers.
Final Scores
- Nepal U‑19: 155/7 in 20 overs
- UAE U‑19: 149/9 in 20 overs
With a six‑run margin, Nepal clinched the victory, edging out the UAE by a narrow but decisive margin.
Batting Breakdown – Nepal
Nepal’s innings began cautiously. Opener Dipendra Singh steadied the ship with a composed 34, anchoring the early partnership. The real catalyst arrived at number three, Sujan Rai, who smashed 58 off 45 balls, peppering the boundary with fours and a crucial six.
Key contributions:
- Sujan Rai – 58 (45) – 8 fours, 1 six
- Dipendra Singh – 34 (28) – 3 fours
- Rohan Tamang – 22* (16) – 2 fours, 1 six (finished not out)
The lower order added valuable runs, with Rohan Tamang and Ajay Shrestha stitching a 25‑run partnership that pushed the total beyond the 150‑run mark.
Bowling Highlights – UAE
UAE’s bowlers started strong, nicking early edges and keeping the run rate under control. Ahmed Al‑Mansoor bowled an economical spell of 3 for 22, while Mohammed Al‑Shehri picked up two vital wickets with a tidy 2 for 24.
Despite the early pressure, the middle overs saw the run‑rate creep up as Nepal’s batsmen rotated the strike and found gaps.
UAE Batting – A Fight‑Back That Fell Short
Chasing 156, the UAE began with a swift 20‑run opening partnership, courtesy of Khalid Al‑Mansoor (27) and Yousef Al‑Baker (31). However, a dramatic wicket tumble at 70/3 shifted the momentum. Rashid Al‑Khalifa and Faisal Al‑Haddad stitched a resilient 45‑run stand, narrowing the gap to just 10 runs with 12 overs remaining.
In the final overs, the pressure showed. A couple of quick wickets – Mohammed Al‑Hadi caught at mid‑wicket and Jamal Al‑Saadi bowled with a yorker – left the UAE needing 12 runs off the last two overs. Their final push fell just short, ending at 149 for 9.
Key Turning Points
1. Sujan Rai’s Mid‑Innings Assault
Rai’s aggressive 58 turned a modest total into a competitive chase. His timing against the slower ball and ability to find the boundary on the leg side gave Nepal the cushion they needed.
2. The UAE Spin Burst
Spinner Salim Al‑Qasim claimed 3 wickets for 19 runs in his four overs, breaking the crucial 70/3 partnership. His variations in flight and pace were the undoing of the UAE’s middle order.
3. The Final Over Drama
With 12 runs required off 12 balls, Nepal’s death bowler Pratap Gurung delivered a tight spell, conceding just two runs while taking a wicket, sealing the win.
Full Scorecard Snapshot
| Team | Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Wickets | Overs | Runs Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nepal | Dipendra Singh | 34 | 28 | 3 | 0 | - | - | - |
| Nepal | Sujan Rai | 58 | 45 | 8 | 1 | - | - | - |
| Nepal | Rohan Tamang | 22 | 16 | 2 | 1 | - | - | - |
| UAE | Khalid Al‑Mansoor | 27 | 22 | 2 | 0 | - | - | - |
| UAE | Yousef Al‑Baker | 31 | 25 | 3 | 0 | - | - | - |
| UAE | Rashid Al‑Khalifa | 19 | 14 | 1 | 0 | - | - | - |
| UAE | Faisal Al‑Haddad | 13 | 12 | 1 | 0 | - | - | - |
What This Means for Both Sides
For Nepal, the win reinforces their growing depth at the junior level. The blend of experienced openers and a hard‑hitting middle order suggests a pipeline of talent ready for senior duty. The bowling unit, especially the death overs, displayed composure beyond their years.
UAE, while disappointed, can take heart from the fighting chase. The early partnership and resilience in the middle overs show potential. Tweaking the death‑over strategies and adding a bit more variety to the spin attack could bridge the narrow gap in future fixtures.
Where to Catch the Highlights
Full video highlights, including the decisive six from Sujan Rai and the final over drama, are available on the official Asian Cricket Council YouTube channel. A concise 3‑minute recap can also be found on the tournament’s website under the “Match Highlights” section.
