The stage is set for an exciting clash as Nepal hosts United Arab Emirates in the opening T20I of their bilateral series at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. This match, scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026, kicks off at 4:45 PM local time (which is 4:45 PM IST, or 11:15 AM GMT), promising a high-stakes battle between two associate nations hungry for momentum.
Expect a balanced surface at Kirtipur that starts with some early help for pacers but turns into a batting paradise later, favoring spinners with grip and turn on a relatively slow, dry track. The average first innings score here hovers around 149, so totals of 150-160 could be competitive, with chasing teams winning about 53% of games. Weather looks ideal with clear skies, temperatures around 24°C, moderate humidity, and no rain in sight—perfect for uninterrupted cricket under light winds.
This opener carries big weight for both sides in their push toward global relevance, especially with Nepal eyeing ICC events like the World Cup League 2. Under new T20I captain Dipendra Singh Airee, Nepal aims to build bench strength with young guns amid a transitional phase after recent struggles. UAE, led by the explosive Muhammad Waseem, wants to assert dominance on the road and fine-tune their white-ball setup ahead of regional qualifiers.
Recent Form
Nepal enters with mixed vibes: they beat UAE by 7 wickets in an October 2025 qualifier but lost narrowly in April 2024 (119 chasing 123). Recent momentum shows resilience, like chasing down 140 in another clash, though batting collapses have hurt them lately. UAE rides highs from a 68-run win over Nepal last year and strong showings in tri-series, but they’ve stumbled against spin-heavy attacks on turning tracks.
NEP vs UAE Match Details
- Series: UAE Tour of Nepal 2026, 1st T20I
- Team: Nepal vs United Arab Emirates
- Date: April 20, 2026
- Time: 4:45 PM Local (NPT) / 4:45 PM IST
- Venue: Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, Nepal
NEP vs UAE Live streaming Info
Free live streams for Nepal vs UAE 1st T20I are available on select platforms depending on your location.
In Nepal
Tune into Kantipur TV Max HD via cable or check local apps like NetTV for free access to the live broadcast. This is the official channel partnered with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN).
Globally
ICC.tv offers free registration and streaming in many regions, including Nepal and others without primary broadcasters—ideal for international fans seeking no-cost coverage.
India viewers can use FanCode (subscription-based), while avoid unofficial YouTube or social media links to dodge ads and risks. Check your region’s geo-blocks and use a VPN if needed for ICC.tv.
Live Streaming Info:
The 1st T20 NEP vs UAE will be liveinfo on NPLT20League.com.
Live Score Info:
Nepal vs United Arab Emirates 2026: All matches on ESPN and Cricbuzz have live scores.
Head-to-Head
In 12 T20I meetings, Nepal holds a slight 7-5 edge, showcasing their home comfort and all-round depth. UAE has snatched key wins, like the thrilling 6-wicket chase in April 2024 and a dominant 68-run victory. Last five: Nepal won (Oct 2025, 7 wkts), Nepal lost (Apr 2024, 4 runs), Nepal won (Nov 2023, 8 wkts), UAE won (Oct 2023, 4 wkts), Nepal won (Oct 2023, 5 wkts)—a rollercoaster with Nepal 3-2 up.
Nepal Team Analysis
Nepal’s strength lies in their spin-heavy attack and middle-order firepower, with Dipendra Singh Airee (captain and all-round wizard) anchoring everything alongside Kushal Malla’s explosive batting and Sandeep Lamichhane’s wily leg-spin. Recent performances highlight Kushal Bhurtel’s powerplay aggression (recent 29-run knock) and Gulsan Jha’s seam movement, but top-order fragility and over-reliance on spinners expose weaknesses on flat decks. The squad blends experience (Lamichhane’s comebacks) with youth like Hemant Dhami, signaling a rebuild.
Probable XI: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee (c), Sundeep Jora, Aarif Sheikh, Gulsan Jha, Sandeep Lamichhane, Nandan Yadav, Lalit Rajbanshi, Hemant Dhami
UAE Team Analysis
UAE packs a punch up top with Muhammad Waseem’s captaincy and big-hitting (key in recent chases), backed by Alishan Sharafu’s consistency (55-run innings lately) and Aryansh Sharma’s keeping. Spinners like Aayan Afzal Khan and Junaid Siddique thrive on grippy pitches, but their lower order lacks depth, and pace attack falters without swing—evident in losses to spin. Strengths shine in powerplay scoring and death bowling, with recent form buoyed by qualifier wins.
Probable XI: Muhammad Waseem (c), Aryansh Sharma (wk), Alishan Sharafu, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Basil Hameed, Ali Naseer, Aayan Afzal Khan, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah, Haider Ali
Key Talking Points
Watch for Airee’s captaincy debut clashing with Waseem’s aggression—both all-round threats could swing the game. Lamichhane vs UAE top order on a spinning track is huge, as is Bhurtel’s early fireworks against UAE pacers. Home advantage at Kirtipur tips Nepal, but UAE’s chase record (53% wins) keeps it tight.
Nepal edges it at home, leveraging spin and familiarity to post 155+ and defend, winning by 8-12 runs. Conditions suit their bowlers, and recent h2h momentum seals a series opener grab despite UAE’s batting flair.