Competition: ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2
Match Number: Match 90 (ODI no. 4925)
Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM Local Time (9:30 AM GST / 11:00 AM IST)
Venue: ICC Academy (Oval 1), Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Series: 2025/26 Season
Context: A Must-Win Battle
Both teams arrive at this match desperate for points in the ICC World Cup League 2 qualification race. UAE remain at the bottom of the League 2 table with just eight points from four wins in 20 matches, making home advantage crucial for their survival hopes.
Nepal sit slightly better but have also struggled for consistency. In their recent match against USA, despite scoring 271 runs thanks to late-order contributions from Karan KC and Dipendra Singh Airee, they could not defend the total.
The two teams met just days ago on October 30, 2025, where UAE clinched a five-wicket victory, with wicketkeeper-batter Aryansh Sharma scoring 98 runs off 98 balls. Nepal will be eager for revenge.
Expected Playing XIs
Nepal (Likely XI)
Source: Outlook India, Possible11
- Kushal Bhurtel
- Aasif Sheikh (wk)
- Bhim Sharki –
- Rohit Paudel (c)
- Aarif Sheikh
- Dipendra Singh Airee
- Gulsan Jha
- Sompal Kami
- Karan KC
- Sandeep Lamichhane
- Lalit Rajbanshi
Note: This lineup is based on the squad announced for the series. Official playing XI to be confirmed at toss.
United Arab Emirates (Likely XI)
Source: Outlook India, Possible11
- Alishan Sharaf
- Aryansh Sharma (wk)
- Muhammad Waseem
- Rahul Chopra (c)
- Shoaib Khan
- Harshit Kaushik
- Dhruv Parashar
- Haider Ali
- Zahid Ali
- Junaid Siddique
- Muhammad Rohid Khan/Simranjeet Singh – Bowler
Note: This lineup is based on recent team selections. Official playing XI to be confirmed at toss.
Players to Watch
| Role | Player | Team | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batter | Rohit Paudel | Nepal | Nepal captain scored a commanding century of 109 runs from 130 balls in the previous match against UAE |
| Batter | Aryansh Sharma | UAE | Fell just two runs short of a century in the last UAE vs Nepal match, scoring 98 runs off 98 balls |
| Batter | Dipendra Singh Airee | Nepal | Key all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball in crucial moments |
| Batter | Muhammad Waseem | UAE | Experienced opener who can anchor the innings |
| Bowler | Sandeep Lamichhane | Nepal | Nepal’s premier leg-spinner, crucial in Dubai’s spin-friendly conditions |
| Bowler | Zahid Ali | UAE | Debutant took four wickets for 41 runs in six overs in the previous match |
| Bowler | Karan KC | Nepal | Fast bowler who can contribute valuable runs with the bat lower down |
| Bowler | Sompal Kami | Nepal | Experienced all-rounder in Nepal’s bowling attack |
Pitch and Weather Report
The surface at ICC Academy will be balanced with good help for both pacers and spinners. Early moisture may assist fast bowlers with some swing, but as the match progresses, spinners will become increasingly important.
Weather in Dubai is clear with temperature expected around 29°C with 48% humidity and 8.3 km/h wind speed, with no chances of rain. These are perfect conditions for uninterrupted cricket.
Teams batting first typically target scores around 260-280 on this surface. The pitch tends to slow down in the second innings, making chasing slightly more challenging under Dubai’s warm conditions.
What to Expect
This rematch promises fireworks. UAE’s recent defeat to USA, where they were dismissed for just 49 runs while chasing 293, exposed serious batting inconsistencies. They’ll want to prove that performance was an aberration.
Nepal have the edge in spin bowling with Sandeep Lamichhane leading their attack, which could be crucial on Dubai’s slower surfaces. However, UAE’s recent victory over Nepal gives them psychological momentum.
The toss could be important – batting first allows teams to set a target and put pressure on the opposition in hot afternoon conditions. Expect both captains to consider this carefully.
With both teams fighting for World Cup qualification points, every run and wicket will matter. The match should be tightly contested, with Nepal’s all-around balance potentially giving them a slight advantage.
Where to Watch
The match will stream live on FanCode starting at 11:00 AM IST. In Nepal, Kantipur TV HD and the Nepal Cricket Board’s YouTube channel may offer coverage.
For live scores and ball-by-ball updates, fans can follow ESPNcricinfo throughout the match.