In a commanding performance under the lights at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on April 21, 2026, Nepal dismantled the United Arab Emirates by 8 wickets in the second T20I, leveling the two-match series at 1-1. After UAE had edged the first game via the DLS method, the hosts responded with clinical bowling and a blistering chase, powered by an unbeaten 84 from Kushal Bhurtel.
UAE’s Fragile Innings: Early Collapse and Late Fightback
UAE got off to the worst possible start, losing captain Muhammad Waseem for a golden duck in the very first over, trapped lbw by Hemant Dhami. The visitors never truly recovered momentum. Alishan Sharafu and Harpreet Singh fell in quick succession, leaving UAE reeling at 20/3 inside three overs.
Spinner Sandeep Lamichhane was the standout performer for Nepal, delivering a match-defining spell of 4-1-6-3. His variations and control stifled the middle order, accounting for key wickets including Adeeb Usmani (30 off 22), Muhammad Arfan (32 off 36), and Khuzaima Tanveer in consecutive deliveries. At one stage, UAE were 48/6, staring at a total below 100.
A fighting 64-run partnership between Akshdeep Nath (53* off 42, including 3 fours and 4 sixes) and Arfan provided some respectability, taking the score past 100 in the 17th over. However, the damage was already done. Nepal’s disciplined bowling attack—Hemant Dhami (2/20) and Shahab Alam (1/29) also chipped in—ensured UAE could never accelerate.
UAE Batting Summary
- Akshdeep Nath: 53* (42 balls, 3×4, 4×6)
- Muhammad Arfan: 32 (36)
- Adeeb Usmani: 30 (22)
- Total: 128/8 (20 overs)
- Fall of Wickets: 0, 15, 20, 47, 48, 48, 112, 112
Nepal’s Clinical Chase: Bhurtel Lights Up Kirtipur
Chasing 129, Nepal made light work of the target, reaching it in just 15.5 overs. Kushal Bhurtel was the hero, smashing an unbeaten 84 off 57 balls (12 fours, 2 sixes) at a strike rate of 147.36. His innings was a masterclass in timing, placement, and composure—exactly what the full highlights reel showcases with repeated boundary shots lighting up the night sky.
Kushal Malla (19 off 17) provided an explosive start, adding 67 for the first wicket in just 7.3 overs. Even after losing Malla and debutant Santosh Yadav (1 off 4) in quick succession, Bhurtel found perfect support in skipper Dipendra Singh Airee (23* off 17). The pair ensured there were no further alarms as Nepal cruised home with 25 balls to spare.
Nepal Batting Summary
- Kushal Bhurtel: 84* (57 balls, 12×4, 2×6) – Player of the Match
- Kushal Malla: 19 (17)
- Dipendra Singh Airee: 23* (17)
- Total: 129/2 (15.5 overs)
- Fall of Wickets: 67, 71
UAE’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow. Nilansh Keswani picked up 1/31, while Muhammad Arfan took 1/19, but the damage was minimal.
Key Stats and Turning Points
- Player of the Match: Kushal Bhurtel (84* off 57) – his fluent knock turned the game into a no-contest.
- Best Bowling: Sandeep Lamichhane (3/6 in 4 overs) – arguably the spell of the match.
- Series Context: Nepal bounced back strongly after the opening loss, showcasing depth in both departments on home soil.
- Notable: Santosh Yadav made his T20I debut for Nepal.
What It Means for Both Teams
Nepal demonstrated why they are a formidable side at home, with their spin attack and top-order batting proving decisive. For UAE, the loss highlighted vulnerabilities in the top order and the need for better middle-overs acceleration, despite Akshdeep Nath’s fighting knock (the former Indian domestic and IPL player recently representing UAE after gaining citizenship).
The 2-match series end in a 1-1 draw, but Nepal will take plenty of confidence into future assignments.
Watch the Full Highlights Here: Nepal vs UAE 2nd T20I Highlights (YouTube)
Cricket in Nepal continues to grow, and nights like these under the lights at Kirtipur remind everyone why the format is so beloved. Nepal’s victory wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.
