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KATHMANDU, April 25 – In a thrilling encounter of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2, Nepal secured a vital 37-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the TU International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur today. The win was anchored by a resilient batting performance from Dipendra Singh Airee and a lethal bowling spell by Karan KC.

Dipendra Singh Airee’s Heroics Steady Nepal

After being put into bat first, Nepal faced a disastrous start, losing opener Aasif Sheikh (7) with just 5 runs on the board. The top order crumbled under pressure, leaving the hosts reeling at 49/4 as captain Rohit Paudel departed for a mere 2 runs.

However, Dipendra Singh Airee stepped up as the savior, playing a calculated and crucial knock of 75 runs off 90 balls, decorated with 5 boundaries and 2 sixes. He found support in Kushal Bhurtel (24), Basir Ahamad (20), and Sompal Kami (15), helping Nepal reach a defendable total of 200 runs before being bowled out in 48.2 overs. UAE’s Junaid Siddique and Ajay Kumar were the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets each.

Karan KC Dismantles the UAE Lineup

Defending a target of 201, the Nepali bowling attack, led by Karan KC, proved too strong for the visitors. Karan delivered a masterclass in pace bowling, finishing with remarkable figures of 4/19 in his 9.2-over spell.

The spin duo of Sandeep Lamichhane and veteran Sompal Kami chipped in with 2 wickets each, while Lalit Rajbanshi and Dipendra Singh Airee claimed one apiece. Despite a fighting 39 from Harpreet Singh and 34 from skipper Muhammad Waseem, UAE’s middle and lower order failed to keep up with the rising required rate, eventually folding for 163 runs in 48.2 overs.

Key Highlights

• Player of the Match: Dipendra Singh Airee (75 runs & 1 wicket).

• Top Bowler: Karan KC (4/19).

• Venue: TU Cricket Ground (Packed with home supporters).

"The discipline shown in our bowling and fielding today was the turning point. Defending a moderate total at Kirtipur requires character, and the boys showed exactly that," said a jubilant Nepal camp following the win.

With this victory, Nepal has significantly bolstered its position in the League 2 points table, keeping their World Cup Qualification hopes firmly alive.