Nepal seal series victory against UAE after shortened affair

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The match brought to a conclusion what was a truly scintillating series, and one that showcased some impressive talent from two fast improving sides in world cricket.

The match was shortened to 10 overs per side due to the rain, and UAE opted to field first having won the toss. Nepal's 104/8 proved too mighty for their opponents, who fought valiantly in response, but were knocked over for 90 in their pursuit.

Nepal's innings got off to a stinker when Pawan Sarraf was dismissed by the dangerous Mohammad Naveed (2/6) in the first over, but skipper Paras Khadka's 14-ball 29 put pressure right back on the hosts, and two priceless middle-order cameos propelled the tourists to a seriously competitive total. Sundeep Jora's 11-ball 28 lit up proceedings with three sixes, while 21 from 13 courtesy of Binod Bhandari frustrated the UAE bowlers who struggled to hone their lines.

The chase began in promising fashion, Ghulam Shabber smacking the ball to all parts for a 15-ball 25, but once he departed, there was only Shaiman Anwar that mounted any sort of a serious challenge. He made 30 from 20 before becoming Karan KC's (2/13) first victim, and the middle and lower order then collapsed emphatically, as the Nepali bowlers served up an impressive team effort to quell any danger of a late surge.

Impressive spells at the death from Lalit Rajbanshi and Avinsah Bohara, both recording figures of 2/16, helped the away side nail down the 14-run victory.