Nepal were restricted to 122 for eight in 18.5 overs before rain interrupted play in the first Twenty20 International against the United Arab Emirates at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on Sunday.

Following the interruption, the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method revised UAE’s target to 78 runs in 10 overs.

Nepal, who won the toss and elected to bat in their first international match at the venue, made a steady but inconsistent start before losing momentum in the middle overs.

Openers Arjun Saud and Kushal Bhurtel gave Nepal a cautious beginning. Saud was dismissed for 13, while Bhurtel contributed 16 runs before being run out while attempting a quick single.

Sandeep Jora fell for six runs, while Kushal Malla added 17 off 21 balls, including a boundary. At the end of the powerplay, Nepal were 40 for two, with Bhurtel and Malla at the crease.

The innings struggled to accelerate under pressure from disciplined UAE bowling. Captain Dipendra Singh Airee found it difficult to rotate strike early, scoring eight runs off 14 balls before eventually finding a boundary after facing 26 deliveries.

Malla’s dismissal came soon after Nepal reached 62 for three in 10 overs. Gulshan Jha was later dismissed for 1 run via lbw, while Basir Ahmed scored 14 off 11 balls before being caught.

Nepal reached 105 for seven in 16.3 overs before rain halted play. At that stage, Dipendra Singh Airee remained at the crease trying to anchor the innings, while the lower order attempted to add quick runs.

After the resumption was delayed due to continued rainfall, the match officials reduced the contest and set UAE a revised target under the DLS method.

Nepal had handed a T20I debut to fast bowler Hemant Dhami in the match.