UAE’s task of reaching next month’s World Cup Qualifier became tougher as they fell to a second successive loss in the World Cricket League Division Two on Sunday, this time against Nepal.
In a match that was reduced to 34 overs after play was delayed by a wet outfield in Namibia, the UAE batsmen struggled at Windhoek. They only managed 114 with veteran batsman Shaiman Anwar top-scoring with 30 as Nepal’s 17-year-old spinning sensation Sandeep Lamichhane showed why he was bought by Delhi Daredevils in the IPL auction.
Lamichhane (3-30) took the key wickets of Anwar, Rameez Shahzad (4) and Muhammad Usman (0).
Nepal managed to cross the line with four wickets to spare despite being 20-3 at one stage. Skipper Paras Khadka led from the front, hitting 51 runs as Nepal reached their target in 28.5 overs.
The result leaves UAE third in the six-team standings on two points, two behind Nepal and four adrift of surprise leaders Canada (six). The Canadians defeated Kenya by 59 runs.
With the top two teams qualifying for March’s World Cup Qualifier, the UAE face must-win matches against Oman today and hosts Namibia on Wednesday.
