The United Arab Emirates delivered a powerful performance to defeat Nepal by 43 runs in the Bowl Match 5 of the Hong Kong International Sixes at Mission Road Ground in Mong Kok on November 9, 2025. Batting first, UAE posted a strong total of 129/5 in their six overs. Nepal struggled in the chase and could only manage 86/4, falling well short of the target. Nilansh Keswani was named Player of the Match for his explosive batting display. The victory ended Nepal’s campaign in the tournament after they had earlier defeated India by a record 92-run margin.
Sources: Khabarhub, ESPNcricinfo, Kathmandu Post
Match Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs | Wickets | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | 129/5 | 6 | 5 | Won by 43 runs |
| Nepal | 86/4 | 6 | 4 | Lost |
Top Performers
| Player | Team | Role | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nilansh Keswani | UAE | Batsman | 50 runs off 10 balls (10 sixes, 5 fours) |
| Muhammad Arfan | UAE | Batsman | 16 runs off 4 balls (4 sixes, 1 four) |
| Zahid Ali | UAE | Batsman | 30 runs off 10 balls (3 sixes, 1 four) |
| Mohammad Aadil Alam | Nepal | Batsman | 32 runs off 12 balls (4 sixes, 1 four) |
| Sundeep Jora (c) | Nepal | Batsman | 31 runs off 11 balls (4 sixes, 1 four) – Not Out |
| Rashid Khan | Nepal | Bowler | 2 wickets for 36 runs in 2 overs |
Note: The scorecard shows Nilansh Keswani scored 50 runs off 10 balls according to the detailed data provided, though one source reported 73 off 15 balls. The official scorecard data has been used.
Key Moments
- UAE’s Flying Start: Khalid Shah gave UAE a quick start before falling for 4 runs in the first over
- Keswani’s Explosive Knock: Nilansh Keswani smashed a blistering 50 off just 10 balls, hitting an incredible 10 sixes and 5 fours with a strike rate of 500.00
- Middle Order Support: Muhammad Arfan (16 off 4 balls) and Zahid Ali (30 off 10 balls) kept the momentum going with quick-fire contributions
- Nepal’s Bowling Effort: Rashid Khan picked up two crucial wickets, while Lokesh Bam and Rupesh Singh claimed one each
- Nepal’s Chase Falls Short: Despite contributions from Sundeep Jora (31 not out) and Mohammad Aadil Alam (32), Nepal never got close to the target
- Muhammad Farooq’s Late Show: Remained unbeaten on 24 off 6 balls to push UAE past 129
Match Analysis
UAE’s batting display was built on aggressive strokeplay from the start. Nilansh Keswani’s incredible knock of 50 runs off just 10 deliveries set the tone for the innings. His ability to clear the boundary with ease, hitting 10 sixes, put Nepal’s bowlers under immense pressure. The middle order contributions from Muhammad Arfan and Zahid Ali ensured UAE maintained their scoring rate throughout the innings.
Nepal’s chase never gained momentum despite captain Sundeep Jora’s steady innings. Mohammad Aadil Alam provided some resistance with 32 runs, but the target of 130 proved too steep in the six-over format. The UAE bowlers maintained discipline, with Muhammad Farooq picking up two wickets in the final over to seal the victory.
This format of cricket, with only six overs per side and explosive batting requirements, favored the team that got off to a flying start. UAE’s powerplay performance essentially won them the match.
What’s Next
This loss marked the end of Nepal’s journey in the Hong Kong Sixes 2025. Despite their earlier record-breaking 92-run victory over India in the Bowl competition, they finished their campaign with this defeat. The match was also significant as it was part of the farewell tournament for Nepal’s Sharad Vesawkar, who played in Nepal’s maiden T20 World Cup in 2014.
UAE progressed to the Bowl Final where they faced Sri Lanka. The tournament continued with Pakistan ultimately winning the main Cup final against Kuwait by 43 runs.