Nepal Qualify for Asia Cup 2027 with Victory Over UAE in ACC Men’s Premier Cup 2026 Final

Nepal's national cricket team today etched their name into the history books, overcoming a spirited United Arab Emirates (UAE) side by 45 runs in the final of the ACC Men’s Premier Cup 2026. The thrilling encounter at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, saw Nepal clinch the prestigious title and, more importantly, secure a direct qualification berth for the ODI Asia Cup 2027. Nepal Players and UAE’s Tanish Suri Get Into Heated Exchange During ACC Men's Premier Cup 2026 Final.

Nepal Win ACC Men’s Premier Cup 2026

A taste of glory in 2023. Three years later ~ they’re savouring it all over again 🏆#ACCMensPremierCup2026 #GrandFinale #ACC pic.twitter.com/roAmHc1Bt2

— AsianCricketCouncil (@ACCMedia1) September 12, 2026

The highly anticipated final, played under the Malaysian skies, brought an end to an intense tournament that served as the definitive qualification pathway for the continental showpiece. Nepal, having won the toss, elected to bat first and posted a commanding total of 313 for nine wickets from their allotted 50 overs. In response, the UAE fought valiantly but were eventually restricted to 268 runs in 49.2 overs. The triumph sends a wave of jubilation through the Himalayan nation, celebrating their second appearance at the Asia Cup, having also qualified for the 2023 edition.

Aasif Sheikh Century Powers Nepal's Dominance

Nepal's innings was spearheaded by an outstanding century from opener Aasif Sheikh, who scored 102 runs off 106 balls, including eight fours and four sixes. This marked Sheikh's second One Day International (ODI) hundred and laid a strong foundation for Nepal’s highest-ever ODI total against the UAE. He was well-supported by Arjun Kumal, who contributed 43 runs from 63 deliveries in a 97-run opening partnership. Captain Rohit Paudel added a crucial 40 runs off 44 balls, while the aggressive Gulsan Jha provided a late flourish, smashing 52 runs from just 38 balls, featuring three fours and four sixes. The collective batting effort saw Nepal surpass their previous best against the UAE and record their third-highest ODI total overall.

UAE's Fightback Falls Short

The UAE's chase was anchored by a century from Rahul Chopra, who remained unbeaten, battling hard against a disciplined Nepali bowling attack. Despite Chopra’s heroics and valuable contributions from Tanish Suri (42) and captain Harpreet Bhatia (33), the required run rate proved too steep. Nepal's bowlers maintained pressure throughout, with Karan KC leading the attack with three wickets. Lalit Rajbanshi claimed two wickets, while Sandeep Lamichhane, Rohit Paudel, Gulsan Jha, Basir Ahamad, and Dipendra Singh Airee each chipped in with a wicket to dismantle the UAE lineup.

Road to the Final and Rivalry Renewed

Both teams reached the final through convincing semi-final victories. Nepal defeated Oman by a massive 87 runs, successfully defending a modest total of 147 by bowling out Oman for just 60. The UAE, on the other hand, comfortably dispatched Hong Kong by seven wickets, after a sensational spell of 6/14 by Haider Ali restricted Hong Kong to 70. India Likely Playing XI for 1st T20I vs Afghanistan: Check Predicted 11.

The Nepal-UAE rivalry has grown intensely over the years, marked by high-stakes encounters. In their 19 ODI meetings prior to this final, Nepal held a slight edge with 11 wins to UAE’s 8. Nepal had also won their two most recent ODI matches against UAE in April-May 2026. This victory further solidifies Nepal's growing stature in associate cricket.

What's Next?

Nepal will now join the continent's cricketing powerhouses in the 2027 Asia Cup, scheduled to be held in Bangladesh from June 18 to July 4, 2027. Cricket enthusiasts will eagerly await Nepal’s performance on the grand stage of the Asia Cup. The qualification marks a significant moment for the team and its supporters, promising exciting encounters in the continental tournament ahead.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 12, 2026 04:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).