Nepal faced their second consecutive defeat in the ICC World Cup League 2 after losing to the United Arab Emirates by five wickets in Dubai on Thursday.

Batting first after winning the toss at the ICC Academy, Nepal were bowled out for 233 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Captain Rohit Paudel top-scored with 109 runs, marking his second One Day International (ODI) century.

Apart from Rohit, Aasif Sheikh made 35, Aarif Sheikh scored 27, and Dipendra Singh Airee contributed 23 runs. Kushal Bhurtel (7), Bhim Sharki (3), Sompal Kami (6), Karan KC (13), and Gulshan Jha (0) fell cheaply as Nepal struggled to build partnerships.

For the UAE, Zahid Ali starred with the ball, taking four wickets for 41 runs from six overs. Junaid Siddique claimed three wickets for 54 runs in his 10-over spell, while Muhammad Rohid and Haider Ali took one wicket each.

Chasing 234, the UAE reached the target in 43.3 overs, losing five wickets. Opener Aryansh Sharma led the innings with a brilliant 98, supported by Alishan Sharafu’s 45 and Muhammad Waseem’s 26.

Sandeep Lamichhane was Nepal’s most effective bowler, finishing with figures of 2 for 34 from 10 overs. Karan KC and Dipendra Singh Airee picked up one wicket apiece.

The result leaves Nepal still searching for their first win of the tri-series, having earlier lost to the United States in the opening match.