Nepal posted 289 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs against the United Arab Emirates in the 100th match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

After electing to bat, Nepal made a cautious start and lost two early wickets inside eight overs. Arjun Kumal fell for 11, while Bhim Sharki was dismissed for a duck, leaving Nepal at 29 for 2. Captain Rohit Paudel attempted to steady the innings but departed for 39, caught off Junaid Siddique, as Nepal slipped to 96 for 3 in the 22nd over.

Wicketkeeper-batter Binod Bhandari provided stability with a composed 56 off 79 balls, hitting seven boundaries. However, his dismissal at 132 for 4 in the 28th over left Nepal needing a strong finish.

Dipendra Singh Airee delivered that impetus with a fluent century, scoring 100 off 94 balls, including 13 fours and a six. He anchored the innings through the middle overs and accelerated towards the end, ensuring Nepal maintained a healthy scoring rate.

Aarif Sheikh contributed 11, while Gulsan Jha added a quick 44 off 38 balls, striking four boundaries and two sixes to boost the total in the death overs. Nepal collected 38 runs in the final five overs despite losing two wickets, finishing strongly at 289 for 7.

Extras played a notable role, contributing 28 runs, including 14 wides.

For the UAE, Junaid Siddique and Ajay Kumar were the most effective bowlers, taking two wickets each, while Haider Ali and Khuzaima Tanveer picked up one apiece. The bowlers maintained discipline through the middle overs but struggled to contain Nepal’s late surge.