Nepal’s hopes to qualify for the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup suffered a huge setback after they lost their Asia Qualifier match to hosts United Arab Emirates by 13 runs at the Sevens Stadium in Ajman, the UAE on Saturday.

The loss puts Nepal two points below the hosts, who have maintained their unbeaten streak in the competition and sit in the summit of the four-team group with six points from three matches.

The top-placed finishers at the end of the double round-robin league will advance to the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, which is set to take place in Malaysia.

It means Nepal’s dream to play their maiden U-19 Women’s World Cup is not over yet.

Nepal’s defeat gives the UAE—who are looking to reach their second World Cup after debuting in the main event in 2023 in South Africa—an edge in the race but Puja Mahato’s side will need extra effort in their remaining fixtures, particularly against the UAE when the two sides meet again on November 13 in the second round of the competition.

Nepal gave the UAE early scare dismissing opener Emily Thomas for a duck, trapped lbw by Mahato, in the first over and Samaira Dharnidharka for eight in the fourth, caught by Rachanna Chaudhary off Krishma Gurung.

Thomas’s opening partner Lavanya Keny and Rinitha Rajith rebuilt the innings taking the UAE past 75 but Riya Sharma broke their stand when she caught and bowled the former for 20 in the 12th over.

Rajith continued the resistance to drag the UAE close to the 100-run mark before Seema KC dismissed her in 14.1 overs. Rajith departed with 33-ball 48 which would prove crucial in their defence of the 122 total.

Sharma was the pick of Nepal’s bowling with 3-15.

Nepal started the chase at a slow pace as they lost opener Sabitri Dhami for six and were at 39-2 halfway into the innings when Sana Praveen fell to Mekak Thakur in the 9.3 overs.

Puja Mahato rekindled Nepal’s hopes with 48 and took her side past 100 total with some support from Sony Pakhrin (19) and Jyotsnika Marasini (11 not out).

But Indhuja Nandakumar put a break to Nepal’s march removing Mahato in the 18.4 overs.

The target was still achievable with 20 more needed from eight balls but Nepal fell short in the final push.