The United Arab Emirates secured a thrilling 4-wicket victory over Nepal in the 90th match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 at the ICC Academy in Dubai on November 5, 2025. Chasing 240 runs, UAE reached the target with just 5 balls to spare, thanks to brilliant batting from Muhammad Shahdad (96 runs) and Muhammad Waseem (76 runs). Nepal had posted 239/9 in their 50 overs, with Kushal Malla (45) and Bhim Sharki (48) leading the scoring. The win was crucial for UAE, who had been struggling at the bottom of the League 2 standings.
Sources: ESPNcricinfo (https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-men-s-cricket-world-cup-league-2-2023-24-2027-1420525/united-arab-emirates-vs-nepal-90th-match-1507889/full-scorecard)
Match Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs | Wickets | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nepal | 239 | 50.0 | 9 | Lost by 4 wickets |
| UAE | 243 | 49.1 | 6 | Won by 4 wickets |
Venue: ICC Academy, Dubai
Date: November 5, 2025
Match Type: 50-over ODI
Toss: UAE chose to field
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Shahdad | UAE | Batsman | 96 runs off 123 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes) |
| Muhammad Waseem | UAE | Batsman | 76 runs off 73 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes) |
| Kushal Malla | Nepal | All-rounder | 45 runs off 51 balls (1 four, 3 sixes) |
| Bhim Sharki | Nepal | Batsman | 48 runs off 68 balls (7 fours) |
| Karan KC | Nepal | Bowler | 3 wickets for 58 runs in 10 overs |
Source: ESPNcricinfo full scorecard
Key Moments
- Early Collapse: Nepal lost their opener Kushal Bhurtel for just 2 runs in the second over, setting a shaky start.
- Middle-Order Recovery: Bhim Sharki (48) and Aasif Sheikh (34) steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership for the second wicket.
- Late Push: Kushal Malla’s aggressive 45 runs with three sixes helped Nepal reach 239, adding crucial runs in the final overs.
- UAE’s Rocky Start: UAE lost captain Alishan Sharafu early but recovered through a strong partnership.
- Match-Winning Stand: Muhammad Shahdad and Muhammad Waseem put together a massive 147-run partnership for the fourth wicket, turning the game in UAE’s favor.
- Tense Finish: Nepal took three quick wickets in the final overs, but UAE held their nerve to win with 5 balls remaining.
Match Analysis
Nepal’s innings struggled for momentum after losing early wickets. Despite useful contributions from Sharki, Sheikh, and Malla, they could only manage 239 runs. The bowling lacked consistency, with too many extras (21 runs) given away.
UAE’s chase was anchored by an excellent partnership between Shahdad and Waseem. The pair played smart cricket, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. Shahdad fell just short of a century, dismissed for 96 in the 47th over. Waseem’s counter-attacking innings kept the run rate under control.
Nepal’s bowlers fought back in the final overs, with Karan KC claiming three wickets. However, the target proved insufficient. UAE needed better bowling discipline throughout, while Nepal’s batting needed more contributions from the top order.
What’s Next
This victory gives UAE hope in the World Cup League 2 standings. They had been struggling with only 8 points from 20 matches before this game. Nepal, meanwhile, faces pressure after losing several matches in this Dubai tri-series. Both teams will need to improve consistency to secure qualification for the next stage of World Cup qualification.
The World Cup League 2 serves as a pathway to the 2027 Cricket World Cup, making every match crucial for associate nations like UAE and Nepal.