Nepal Under-19 team secured a thrilling five-run victory over UAE Under-19 via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-affected match of the ACC U-19 Asia Cup Qualifier at Mulpani Cricket Ground in Kathmandu on Saturday.

In a contest shortened to 40 overs due to a wet outfield, Nepal posted 200/9 after losing the toss. Captain Naren Bhatt led from the front with a composed 67 off 75 balls that included seven boundaries.

In response, UAE were 171-7 in 36 overs when the play was stopped due to light rain and poor visibility. At the point of interruption, Nepal were ahead by five runs on the DLS par score, handing them a dramatic win.

The turning point came just two balls before the stoppage when Santosh Yadav trapped Karan Dhiman lbw for 15, tilting the balance in Nepal’s favour. The dismissal at 5:35 pm proved decisive, as umpires determined 20 minutes later that conditions would not allow further play.

UAE’s Yayin Kiran Rai fought valiantly with an unbeaten 104 off 96 balls, smashing eight fours and five sixes to keep his side in the hunt. He shared a 75-run third-wicket partnership with Rayyan Khan, who scored 35 off 51 balls.

Nepal’s bowlers held their nerve, with Santosh Yadav and Ashok Dhami picking two wickets apiece, while Abhishek Tiwari and captain Bhatt claimed one each. Santosh was particularly effective, conceding just 23 runs from his eight overs with one maiden.

Earlier, Nepal’s innings was anchored by solid top-order contributions. Openers Sahil Patel and Niraj Kumar Yadav put on 32 runs before Niraj fell for 18. Sahil added a steady 32 off 54 balls, while Dilshad Ali’s late 34 off 40 balls, including a six, helped push the total to 200.

Ashok Dhami remained unbeaten on 10 off eight balls as Nepal closed out their innings. For UAE, Uddish Suri impressed with figures of 3-26 from eight overs, while Yug Sharma and Shalom D'Souza claimed two wickets each.

The match is part of a round-robin competition also featuring Afghanistan, Oman, and Hong Kong. The winner will qualify for the ICC U-19 World Cup.

Nepal’s win keeps them firmly in contention for a place in the global tournament.