Nepal faces United Arab Emirates in a crucial ICC Cricket World Cup League Two clash that could shift their standings in the race for qualification spots. Both teams desperately need points to climb out of the lower table positions ahead of the World Cup Qualifier play-offs.
This is the 98th Match of the ICC Cricket World Cup League Two 2023-27, set for Saturday, April 25, 2026. The action starts at 9:15 AM IST (10:00 AM local Nepal time), with toss at 9:00 AM IST, at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.
The Kirtipur pitch offers a balanced surface, favoring batsmen early with true bounce and a quick outfield that supports scores around 250-270 in ODIs, though spinners gain grip later as it slows down. Teams batting first have a slight edge here historically. Weather looks cloudy with a 55% chance of rain and 67% humidity, temperatures around 31°C—ideal for swing bowling at the start but clear enough for a full game.
With the League Two table tight, this encounter carries massive weight for both Nepal (7th with 5 wins from 18) and UAE (8th with 5 from 20), as top-four spots lead to the World Cup Qualifier. Nepal hosts after a dismal run, desperate to leverage home advantage following their recent T20 World Cup morale boost. UAE arrives off a T20I series win in Nepal but carries baggage from narrow losses in last year’s League meetings. Key talking points include Nepal’s spin dominance at home versus UAE’s aggressive top order, and how captains Rohit Paudel and Muhammad Waseem handle early swing. Recent momentum favors UAE slightly, having edged Nepal in tight contests, but Kirtipur’s altitude could test their stamina.
NEP vs UAE Match Details
- Series: UAE Tour of Nepal 2026,
- Team: Nepal vs United Arab Emirates
- Date: April 25, 2026
- Time: 08:45 AM
- 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 ODI 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
Nepal and UAE have clashed 15 times in ODIs, with Nepal leading 9-6. Nepal’s home record shines, but UAE has stolen recent thrillers. Last five meetings: Nepal won by 3 wickets (Jul 2023), 7 wickets (May 2023), 9 runs (Mar 2023), 177 runs (Mar 2023); UAE by 42 runs (Mar 2023)—showing Nepal’s edge until UAE’s fightback. In League Two specifically, UAE won the last two narrowly: by 5 wickets (Oct 2025) and 4 wickets earlier.
Nepal Team Analysis
Nepal’s strength lies in their spin attack and middle-order resilience, but batting collapses have plagued their poor form—four straight League losses before a recent win. Rohit Paudel anchors steadily, while Kushal Bhurtel explodes at the top; Dipendra Singh Airee offers all-round bite. Sandeep Lamichhane’s returns boost spin, but pace leaks runs. Weakness: top-order fragility away from T20 flair. Recent: Lost narrowly to UAE twice last year, then four defeats.
Probable XI: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Rohit Paudel (c), Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Bhim Sharki, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, Lalit Rajbanshi
UAE Team Analysis
UAE thrives on explosive batting from Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu, with Junaid Siddique’s pace adapting well to Nepal conditions post-T20Is. Basil Hameed and Aayan Afzal Khan provide balance, but their bottom-table form stems from bowling inconsistencies. Strengths: Chasing prowess in recent wins; weaknesses: spin vulnerability. Recent: Edged Nepal in Oct/Nov 2025 League games (237/5 vs 233; 243/6 vs 239/9), plus T20I success here.
Probable XI: Muhammad Waseem (c), Vriitya Aravind (wk), Alishan Sharafu, Asif Khan, Basil Hameed, Aayan Afzal Khan, Ali Naseer, Junaid Siddique, Zahoor Khan, Aryan Lakra, Rishabh Sharma
Nepal’s home spin and Kirtipur know-how give them a narrow edge, but UAE’s recent head-to-head wins and batting firepower tilt it their way in potentially rainy conditions suiting pace. Expect UAE to chase down 240-260 for a 5-10 run victory, with Sharafu starring—momentum and squad depth prevail over Nepal’s desperation.