Shahdad Leads UAE to Comeback Victory Over Nepal
Muhammad Shahdad delivered a stunning batting display, scoring 96 runs off 123 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes to inspire the UAE to a morale-boosting win in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2.
Just two days after a heavy defeat by the USA where the UAE were all out for 49, the team rebounded impressively against Nepal during the qualifying event for the 2027 ODI World Cup. They secured a four-wicket victory in Dubai.
Bowling Highlights
UAE's bowlers set the foundation by restricting Nepal to 239 for nine in 50 overs. Off-spinner Dhruv Parashar took 2 wickets for 28 runs in 10 overs, while left-arm pacer Junaid Siddique also claimed 2 wickets for 36 runs.
Batting Resilience Despite Early Setbacks
The UAE faced early setbacks losing openers Alishan Sharafu, who scored 18, and Aryansh Sharma, dismissed without scoring. However, Shahdad rose to the occasion, narrowly missing a century by four runs.
He received strong support from Muhammad Waseem, who contributed 76 runs off 73 balls, hitting 4 fours and 3 sixes. Together, they forged a vital 157-run partnership for the fourth wicket that turned the match in UAE's favor.
Nepal's Contributors
For Nepal, Bhim Sharki scored 48 runs and Kushal Malla 45, but neither managed to build on their starts to impact the game decisively.
"Muhammad Shahdad (96, 123 balls, 6 fours, 3 sixes) batted beautifully as the UAE earned a morale-boosting win in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2."
Rituraj Borkakoty is Sports Editor with over two decades of experience writing about his sporting heroes.
Author's Summary
Muhammad Shahdad’s near-century and a crucial partnership powered the UAE to a resilient four-wicket victory over Nepal, bouncing back from a heavy defeat just days earlier.