The final at the Kinrara Oval was a rematch between the two teams who played in the championship match of the previous edition. Nepal yet again came up with a dominating performance against a team with whom they had lost in the opening match of the tournament.

Nepali middle order failed to capitalise on a century opening wicket stand as they were bundled out for 223 in 49.5 overs. Uganda replied cautiously losing their first wicket for 50 runs in 18 overs but succumbed to a disciplined spin attack, crumbling to 161 in 44.1 overs.

Skipper Paras Khadka was over the moon after lifting the trophy. “We worked really hard for this. After losing the first game, we really had to pull our socks up, and I think everyone contributed, it was a team effort,” Khadka told the ICC website.

“Everyone has been pushing themselves for this event because we know it’s a pathway to ODI status, as well as the ICC Intercontinental Cup and the ICC World Cricket League Championship.  We want to be there, and we are doing whatever we can from our side to get to that level.”

Coach Pubudu Dassanayake sent in Sagar Pun to open with Naresh Budhayer after regular opener Subash Khakurel suffered a groin injury. The move worked as the new opening pair put on 107 runs for the first wicket.

Henry Ssenyondo gave Uganda the breakthrough with a return catch of Budhayer. Budhayer made 51 off 73 balls with two fours and a six for his second half century of the tournament.

Pun was next to go after making 64 off 99 balls that included five fours and a six. Gyanendra Malla then stepped in to take the team across 200-run mark but Nepal lost their last six wickets for just 15 runs. Malla, who slammed a century against Singapore, made 56 off 65 with five fours. Paras (13) was the remaining batsman to reach double figures.

Roger Mukasa picked up 6-27 from 3.5 overs for Uganda. The man-of-the-match claimed three wickets in the last over. Khadka said the flurry of wickets was the area of concern for his team. “We tried to play too many shots at the closing stages and we need to work on our finishing,” Khadka said.

Mukasa (51) was also the key performer for Uganda with the bat who opened the innings with Arthur Kyobe but retired hurt before returning to prolong Nepal’s wait for victory.

Bhuwan Karki returned with 4-39 from eight overs for Nepal. Basanta Regmi became the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 14.

It was mission accomplished for coach Dassanayake. “We achieved what we were after. We just had a bad start to the tournament but we were always a better side. I am glad from the performance of my boys,” said Dassanayake.