The UAE lost the opening match of the six-team Asia Cricket Council Premier League by four wickets as Nepal comfortable chased down 192 with some ten overs to spare.
Taking place in Kuala Lumpur, UAE coach Aaqib Javed had hoped the tournament would provide his young players with an opportunity to impress ahead of the 2015 World Cup.
The former Pakistan bowler has picked five debutants in the 14-man squad in Abdul Haq, Noor Al Amin, Mohammed Shahzad, leg-spinner Irfan Sajid and all-rounder Krishnachandran Karate.
Three of these youngsters would be in the XI for the UAE, with Karate the stand out performer as he contributed 36 with the bat, took one wicket from his five overs and showed his skills in the field by helping run out Nepal batsman Shared Vasawkar.
Unfortunately his contribution could not help the UAE side start with a win as a below-par score of 191 was nothing going to be enough. After losing captain Khurram Khan (0) and opener Amjad Al (7) in the first four overs, the UAE were always facing an uphill struggle.
Swapnil Patil did give Javed’s side some hope as he fired 76 from 95 balls before being run out by Subash Khakurel to leave the score at 153-5.
There were contributions down the order from Karate and Mohammad Shahzad but some impressive bowling from Sompal Kami (3-39), Mahaboob Alam (3-21) and Shakti Gauchan (2-31) meant that Nepal were well in control.
Opener Khakurel would get Nepal off to the perfect start as he made 71 from 91 deliveries, while he was ably assisted by both Gyanendra Malla (47) and Paras Khadka (30).
There was some success for the UAE bowlers as Fayyaz Ahmed claimed 2-49 from his 9.5 overs, while Mohammed Naveed was economical as he returned 1-20 from his six overs.
The UAE continued to take wickets at rucial times but it was clear they did not have enough runs on the board and with some 10.1 overs remaining, Nepal would secure an emphatic victory.
Javed’s side will next be in action on Friday 2 May when they face Afghanistan, who like the UAE have earned one-day international status.
