Match: 87th Match, ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM local time (9:30 AM match start)
Venue: ICC Academy (Oval 1), Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Format: 50-over ODI
Tournament Context
This match is part of the tri-series in Dubai running from October 26 to November 5, 2025, featuring UAE, Nepal, and USA. The series forms an important part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 global qualification pathway.
Nepal are currently seventh on the League 2 points table with 12 points from 16 matches (5 wins, 9 losses, 2 no-results), while they struggle to improve their position in the qualification race. Meanwhile, USA sit second with 28 points from 20 matches. UAE, the hosts, are at the bottom of the table with six points.
Team News & Likely Playing XIs
UAE Squad
Rahul Chopra will captain the 15-member UAE squad. The team includes: Rahul Chopra (c/wk), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma (wk), Dhruv Parshar, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Mayank Kumar, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Shahdad, Muhammad Waseem, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Shoaib Khan, Simranjeet Singh, and Zahid Ali.
UAE Likely XI (Source: Emirates Cricket/Cricket Times):
- Muhammad Waseem
- Harshit Kaushik
- Alishan Sharafu
- Rahul Chopra (c & wk)
- Haider Ali
- Shoaib Khan
- Dhruv Parshar
- Muhammad Rohid Khan
- Junaid Siddique
- Simranjeet Singh
- Zahid Ali
Note: Official playing XI not yet confirmed. Lineup based on recent squad selections.
Nepal Squad
Nepal’s squad for the tri-series includes: Rohit Paudel (C), Dipendra Singh Airee (VC), Sandeep Lamichhane, Aasif Sheikh, Anil Sah, Kushal Bhurtel, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Bhim Sharki, Kushal Malla, Aarif Sheikh, Lalit Rajbanshi, Gulshan Jha, and Shahab Alam.
Nepal Likely XI (Source: CricNepal/ICC):
- Kushal Bhurtel
- Aasif Sheikh (wk)
- Rohit Paudel (c)
- Kushal Malla / Aarif Sheikh
- Dipendra Singh Airee (vc)
- Gulshan Jha
- Sompal Kami
- Sandeep Lamichhane
- Karan KC
- Lalit Rajbanshi
- Nandan Yadav
Note: Official playing XI not yet confirmed. Lineup based on recent squad selections and form.
Venue & Conditions
Pitch Report
The ICC Academy Cricket Stadium is known for its firm and dynamic surface that provides consistent bounce and pace, making it ideal for fast-paced and competitive matches.
The pitch at ICC Academy generally offers good support for both batters and bowlers. Teams batting first typically aim for totals between 240-270 runs. Spin bowlers usually play a key role in the middle overs as the pitch can offer some turn.
Weather Forecast
Weather on October 30, 2025, in Dubai is expected to be around 34°C maximum and 24°C minimum. There are normally 10 hours of bright sunshine each day in Dubai in October, with very little chance of rain.
Conditions will be hot and dry, perfect for cricket. Humidity levels should be moderate compared to summer months, making it comfortable for players.
Players to Watch
| Category | UAE Player | Nepal Player |
|---|---|---|
| Top Batters | Alishan Sharafu – scored 58 runs in the recent T20 qualifier against Nepal | Kushal Bhurtel – is in very good form currently with both bat and ball |
| Muhammad Waseem – Experienced opener | Aasif Sheikh – Reliable wicketkeeper-batter | |
| Haider Ali – Explosive middle-order batter | Rohit Paudel (c) – Captain and key batter | |
| Top Bowlers | Muhammad Rohid Khan – Spin bowler capable of exploiting Dubai’s dry surfaces | Sandeep Lamichhane – Star leg-spinner |
| Junaid Siddique – Will spearhead the pace attack | Sompal Kami – Top wicket-taker for Nepal in League 2 with 17 wickets | |
| Simranjeet Singh – Pace bowling all-rounder | Dipendra Singh Airee – Took 3/22 in recent T20 match vs UAE |
Recent Form
Nepal: Nepal recently achieved an incredible milestone by defeating Test-playing nation West Indies in T20Is and qualified for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 with an unbeaten run in qualifiers. They come into this match with high confidence after their T20 success.
UAE: UAE recently sealed their berth for the T20 World Cup 2026. However, they are struggling in League 2 and will look to use home advantage to climb up the points table.
Head-to-Head
The teams met recently in October 2025 during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier, where Nepal won by just 1 run in a thrilling encounter. These teams share an intense rivalry often called the “Associate Derby.”
What to Expect
This match is crucial for both teams. UAE will want to make the most of home conditions and gain important points to move away from the bottom of the table. Nepal, despite their recent T20 success, need to improve their ODI form in League 2 to stay in contention for direct qualification.
The pitch at ICC Academy should offer something for both batters and bowlers. Expect a competitive total if a team bats first – anywhere between 240-270 runs could be defendable. Spinners from both sides will be key in the middle overs.
Nepal will be boosted by having former Australia coach Stuart Law in their camp, who has already helped them qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Match Prediction
Nepal enter as slight favorites based on their recent form and confidence from T20 success. However, UAE’s home advantage and knowledge of conditions could level the playing field. The team that handles pressure better in key moments – especially in the death overs – will likely win this closely fought contest.
Predicted Winner: Nepal (55-45)
The match promises to be an exciting encounter between two evenly matched Associate nations fighting for crucial World Cup qualification points.
Where to Watch:
All matches of the CWC League 2 will be streamed live on ICC.tv. Fans can also watch on FanCode (India), Kantipur Max TV (Nepal), and Willow TV (USA).