Nepal beat UAE to qualify for 2027 Asia Cup

Nepal secured a place in the 2027 Asia Cup by defeating the United Arab Emirates by 44 runs in the final of the ACC Men's Premier Cup on Saturday. The victory at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marks only the second time Nepal has qualified for the continent's premier ODI tournament. Nepal posted a total of 313 for 9 after winning the toss and electing to bat. Opener Aasif Sheikh was the cornerstone of the innings, scoring 102 runs off 106 balls. His century, featuring eight fours and four sixes, provided the foundation for a competitive total. Gulshan Kumar Jha accelerated the scoring in the later overs, contributing 52 off 38 deliveries. Arjun Kumal added 43, and captain Rohit Kumar Paudel made 40. Chasing a target of 314, the UAE were bowled out for 269 in 49.1 overs. Despite a valiant unbeaten century from Rahul Chopra, who scored 100 off 105 balls, the UAE could not overcome the required rate. Sohaib Khan provided support with 52 runs, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled to build substantial partnerships. Karan KC was the pick of Nepal's bowlers, taking three wickets.