Nepal vs UAE: An Exciting T20I Series Begins in Kirtipur
This match marks the return of international cricket to Kirtipur after a significant period. On April 20, 2026, Nepal will host the United Arab Emirates for the first T20I of a two-match series at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground. The excitement is palpable, especially since this will be the first men’s international fixture played under floodlights in Kirtipur.
The match is scheduled to start at 5:00 PM NST, which is 4:45 PM IST and 3:15 PM GST. Fans are eager to see how their national team performs after a long hiatus from high-stakes matches.
In the first T20I, Nepal batted first but managed to score only 122 runs in 18.5 overs. This total falls short of the average first innings score of 149 at this ground. Yet, there was a glimmer of hope as Dipendra Singh Airee emerged as Nepal’s top run-scorer with 32 runs.
However, it was the UAE that shone brightly in this encounter. They won by 6 wickets using the DLS method, showcasing their prowess on the field. Muhammad Waseem led the charge for UAE, scoring 33 runs and proving instrumental in their victory.
On the bowling side, Muhammad Zuhaib-Zubair stood out for UAE with three wickets, effectively dismantling Nepal’s batting lineup. Sandeep Lamichhane matched him with three wickets for Nepal but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
As observers look ahead, they anticipate what adjustments Nepal might make for their next game. The team has shown potential but will need to elevate its performance to compete effectively against UAE.
Fans and officials alike are hopeful that this series will reignite interest in cricket within Nepal and inspire future generations of players. The atmosphere at Kirtipur promises to be electric as everyone looks forward to seeing how this story unfolds.
