Kolkata : Nepal have punched their ticket to the 2027 ODI Asia Cup after beating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 44 runs in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup final in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
The result saw Nepal claim the tournament title for the second time and secure their place among the teams set to compete in next year’s continental competition.
The victory also means Nepal will return to the Asia Cup for only the second time. Their first appearance came in the 2023 edition, and their latest qualification gives them another chance to take on some of the biggest teams in Asian cricket, including India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The foundation for Nepal’s victory was laid by a commanding batting performance after they were asked to set the target at Bayuemas Oval. They finished their 50 overs on 313/9, with opener Aasif Sheikh producing the standout innings of the final.
Aasif took the attack to the UAE bowlers on his way to a 102-ball century, eventually finishing with 102 from 106 deliveries. His innings featured eight fours and four sixes and provided Nepal with the platform they needed to post a total beyond 300.
He first combined with Arjun Kumal for a 97-run opening stand, with Kumal scoring 43 before being run out. Aasif then added 68 for the third wicket alongside Rohit Paudel, who chipped in with a useful 40 after Ishan Pandey had been dismissed for 13.
Nepal’s lower order then ensured the momentum did not dip. Gulshan Jha smashed 52 from only 38 balls, including four sixes and three fours, before Basir Ahamad finished the innings with a rapid 15 off four deliveries. Ibrar Ahmad was UAE’s most successful bowler, taking four wickets for 62 runs.
UAE’s response never quite gathered enough momentum despite several individual contributions. The chase suffered an early setback when they slipped to 56/3 in 8.3 overs, leaving them with a sizeable task against a disciplined Nepal attack.
Tanish Suri and Sohaib Khan added support, while Harpreet Singh added 33 to keep UAE’s hopes alive. Rahul Chopra then produced a determined unbeaten century, but the lack of sustained partnerships left UAE needing too much from too little.
Karan KC emerged as Nepal’s leading bowler, returning figures of 3/49 from nine overs. Lalit Rajbanshi claimed two wickets, while Sandeep Lamichhane, Dipendra Singh Airee, Rohit Paudel, Gulshan Jha and Basir Ahamad took one wicket each as Nepal wrapped up a 44-run victory.
Lamichhane’s consistency throughout the competition also earned him the Player of the Series award after he finished with 17 wickets. Aasif, meanwhile, was named Player of the Match for his decisive century.
Nepal’s Premier Cup success now puts them on course for another appearance at the Asia Cup, with the 2027 edition scheduled to be staged in Bangladesh in the middle of next year. This will be Nepal’s second appearance in the Asia Cup, after they were also part of the 2023 ODI Asia Cup. In that edition too, Nepal defeated UAE in 2023 ACC Premier Cup to reach the Asia Cup where they’re place with likes of India and Pakistan in same group.
Sandeep Lamichhane dedicates Premier Cup triumph to Nepal flood victims –
An emotional Sandeep Lamichhane dedicated Nepal’s ACC Men’s Premier Cup triumph to the victims of the recent floods in Nepal after leading his side to the title and a place in the 2027 Asia Cup.
Lamichhane was named Player of the Tournament after finishing as the competition’s leading wicket-taker. The leg-spinner claimed 16 wickets at an average of 6.75 and an economy rate of 2.45, with best figures of 5/14.
“Feeling over the moon,” Lamichhane said after receiving the award. “Everyone back home must be really, really happy.”
His celebrations were tempered by the impact of the floods in Nepal. Lamichhane said the players had discussed the situation from the beginning of the tournament and wanted their success to provide something positive during a difficult period.
“This victory, this trophy, everything is dedicated to the flood victims,” he said.
Lamichhane also appealed for continued assistance for those affected, including families who had lost loved ones or remained in difficulty.
“Please do help Nepal at this point of time,” he said. “Nepal needs your support.”
Reflecting on Nepal’s campaign, Lamichhane said the title was built on contributions from across the squad rather than being dependent on one player.
Nepal had different match-winners throughout the tournament. Lamichhane took 5/14 against Bahrain, Karan KC claimed four wickets against Malaysia, Gulshan Jha completed the chase against Saudi Arabia, and Dipendra Singh Airee and Basir Ahamad rescued Nepal in the semi-final against Oman.
Aasif Sheikh then produced 102 in the final before Karan’s three wickets helped Nepal defend their total against UAE.
“Every day you saw a new Player of the Match from our team,” Lamichhane said. “It was not about one particular player giving his effort.”
The captain admitted Nepal were disappointed by their 15-run group-stage defeat against Hong Kong but praised the players for responding under knockout pressure.
He also thanked head coach Stuart Law, the assistant coaches, manager, analyst, physiotherapist, trainer and other members of the team management.
Lamichhane reserved particular praise for the Nepal supporters who attended the matches in Malaysia, describing them as the team’s “12th man”.
“They left their work, came down and supported us in every single game,” he said.
Lamichhane believes the latest achievement can become the starting point for further progress.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “Nepal cricket has more to offer to world cricket.”
