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Kathmandu – Nepal was defeated by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 27 runs in the final of the ACC U-19 Premier Cup. Chasing a target of 148 runs set by the hosts at Ajman’s ICC Academy ground, Nepal were bowled out for 120 runs in 33.2 overs.

For Nepal, captain Ashok Dhami top-scored with 34 runs, while wicketkeeper Ashish Lohar and Roshan Bishwakarma contributed 25 runs each. Opener Bansh Kshetri managed 11 runs, but the remaining batters failed to reach double figures.

For UAE, Yug Jay Sharma and Ali Asghar Shums took three wickets each, while Udish Suri and Noor Ullah Ayobi picked up two wickets apiece.

Earlier, after losing the toss and opting to bat first, UAE were bowled out for 147 runs in 45.5 overs. Ahmed Khuddad was the standout performer with 71 runs, while Noor Ullah Ayobi and Aayan Misbah added 26 and 21 runs, respectively. Apart from them, no other UAE batter managed to reach double digits against Nepal's disciplined bowling attack.

For Nepal, Dayanand Mandal delivered a sensational spell, taking 6 wickets for just 17 runs from 6.5 overs, including 2 maidens. Aparajit Poudel picked up 2 wickets, while Nitesh Kumar Patel and Ashok Dhami claimed a wicket each.

With this loss, Nepal finished as runners-up and has now been placed in Group B of the ACC U-19 Asia Cup, alongside Test-playing nations Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The tournament will be held in the UAE from December 12 to 21.

Nepal will play their opening match against Sri Lanka on December 13, followed by matches against Bangladesh on December 15 and Afghanistan on December 17.