The United Arab Emirates (UAE) defeated Nepal by six wickets in the rain-affected opening match of the T20 International series on Monday.

The visitors successfully chased a revised target of 78 runs in 10 overs, reaching the mark in 8.5 overs for the loss of four wickets.

The chase was spearheaded by UAE captain and opener Muhammad Waseem, who smashed 33 runs off just 15 deliveries. Waseem particularly targeted debutant Hemant Dhami, punishing the young fast bowler for 20 runs in the very first over.

Leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane led Nepal’s bowling effort, claiming three wickets for a mere eight runs, though his clinical spell was not enough to defend the total in the shortened format.

Earlier, having won the toss and elected to bat at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Nepal were at 122 for the loss of eight wickets in 18.5 overs when heavy rain halted proceedings. The lengthy interruption forced match officials to significantly reduce the contest.

Nepal’s innings was marked by a lack of momentum as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Opener Arjun Saud was bowled by Junaid Siddique for 13 in the third over, while Sandeep Jora (6) and Kushal Bhurtel (16) followed soon after. Bhurtel was run out in the sixth over after hitting a boundary and a six.

Kushal Malla struggled to accelerate, making 17 off 21 balls before falling leg-before to Zuhaib Zubair. Basir Ahmed contributed 14, while Gulshan Jha was dismissed for just one. Nandan Yadav provided a late spark, hitting two sixes for a quick-fire 13 before being caught. At the time of the rain stoppage, captain Dipendra Singh Airee was unbeaten on 32, supported by Lamichhane on two. UAE's Zuhaib was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets.

The second match of the series is scheduled for Tuesday.