Two associate nation giants. One cracking rivalry. And a whole lot of runs, wickets, and drama packed between them.
When you sit down to look at the Nepal National Cricket Team Vs United Arab Emirates National Cricket Team Match Scorecard, you are not just reading numbers. You are reading the story of two cricketing nations punching well above their weight, clawing for ICC ranking points, World Cup qualifications, and bragging rights across dusty pitches in Dubai, Kirtipur, and Harare.
So let us break this all down, match by match, format by format, right up to 2026.
Last Updated: July 14, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. All match data, statistics, and records have been compiled from publicly available and reputable cricket databases. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and reliability, readers are encouraged to verify important information with official sources, as cricket records are subject to updates and revisions
A Quick Look at Both Teams
Before we dive into the Nepal National Cricket Team Vs United Arab Emirates National Cricket Team Match Scorecard, let us understand who these two teams are.
Nepal Cricket operates under the Cricket Association of Nepal. Nepal became an ICC Full Associate Member in 2014 and earned ODI status in 2018. The Himalayan side has punched above its weight consistently in associate cricket, especially through players like Sandeep Lamichhane and Rohit Paudel. Nepal is often called the “Rhinos.”
UAE Cricket falls under the Emirates Cricket Board. UAE has been a consistent presence in ICC associate tournaments. With a multi-cultural squad drawn from subcontinental backgrounds, the Emirates side is competitive, experienced, and never easy to beat. Muhammad Waseem and Rohan Mustafa are their stalwarts.
Nepal vs UAE Head-to-Head: The Overall Picture
Let us start with the big picture. When you look at the Nepal National Cricket Team Vs United Arab Emirates National Cricket Team Match Scorecard across all formats, here is where things stand as of July 2026.
In ODIs: Nepal and UAE have met 15 times in ODI cricket. Nepal hold the upper hand with 9 wins to UAE’s 6.
In T20Is: Across 10 T20I encounters (up to April 2026), it is level at 5 wins each. That tells you just how evenly matched these two sides are in the shortest format.
Nepal Vs UAE Head-to-Head (ODI)
The United Arab Emirates National Cricket Team Vs Nepal National Cricket Team Match Scorecard in ODIs paints a clear picture. Nepal dominate overall, but UAE have had their share of big wins.
| Match No. | Date | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI #4034 | Aug 30, 2018 | Kuala Lumpur | UAE | 78 runs |
| ODI #4083 | Jan 25, 2019 | ICCA Dubai | UAE | 3 wickets |
| ODI #4086 | Jan 26, 2019 | ICCA Dubai | Nepal | 145 runs |
| ODI #4089 | Jan 28, 2019 | ICCA Dubai | Nepal | 4 wickets |
| ODI #4369 | Mar 18, 2022 | Dubai (DICS) | UAE | 48 runs |
| ODI #4373 | Mar 21, 2022 | Dubai (DICS) | UAE | 99 runs |
| ODI #4473 | Nov 14, 2022 | Kirtipur | UAE | 84 runs |
| ODI #4474 | Nov 16, 2022 | Kirtipur | Nepal | 3 wickets |
| ODI #4476 | Nov 18, 2022 | Kirtipur | Nepal | 6 wickets |
| ODI #4526 | Mar 2, 2023 | Dubai (DICS) | UAE | 68 runs |
| ODI #4530 | Mar 6, 2023 | Dubai (DICS) | Nepal | 42 runs |
| ODI #4534 | Mar 12, 2023 | Kirtipur | Nepal | 177 runs |
| ODI #4537 | Mar 16, 2023 | Kirtipur | Nepal | 9 runs |
| ODI #4572 | May 1-2, 2023 | Kirtipur | Nepal | 7 wickets |
| ODI #4610 | Jul 2, 2023 | Harare | Nepal | 3 wickets |
Overall ODI Record: Nepal 9 wins, UAE 6 wins.
Nepal Vs UAE Head-to-Head (T20I)
The Nep Vs UAE T20I story is a proper tug of war. Let us break it down year by year.
| T20I No. | Date | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I #730 | Jan 31, 2019 | ICCA Dubai | UAE | 21 runs |
| T20I #731 | Feb 1, 2019 | ICCA Dubai | Nepal | 4 wickets |
| T20I #733 | Feb 3, 2019 | ICCA Dubai | Nepal | 14 runs |
| T20I #1460 | Feb 12, 2022 | Al Amerat | UAE | 25 runs |
| T20I #1486 | Feb 22, 2022 | Al Amerat | UAE | 68 runs |
| T20I #2319 | Oct 18, 2023 | Mulpani | Nepal | 7 wickets |
| T20I #2326 | Oct 23, 2023 | Mulpani | Nepal | 5 wickets |
| T20I #2330 | Oct 27, 2023 | Kirtipur | UAE | 4 wickets |
| T20I #2347 | Nov 3, 2023 | Mulpani | Nepal | 8 wickets |
| T20I #2576 | Apr 19, 2024 | Al Amerat | UAE | 6 wickets |
| T20I #3820 | Apr 20, 2026 | Kirtipur | UAE | 6 wickets (DLS) |
| — | Apr 21, 2026 | Kirtipur | Nepal | 8 wickets |
Overall T20I Record: Nepal 6 wins, UAE 6 wins (including April 2026 series, each winning one match).
ICC Matches Between Nepal and UAE
This is where the big stage moments live. The Nepal National Cricket Team Vs United Arab Emirates National Cricket Team Match Scorecard in ICC-sanctioned tournaments is the stuff cricket fans bookmark.
| Tournament | Date | Format | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACC Trophy Elite 2018 | Aug 30, 2018 | ODI | Kuala Lumpur | UAE won by 78 runs |
| ICC World Cricket League 2019 | Jan 2019 | ODI/T20I | ICCA Dubai | Split series |
| ICC Men’s T20 WC Qualifier 2022 | Feb 2022 | T20I | Al Amerat, Oman | UAE won both matches |
| ICC CWC League 2 2022 | Nov 2022 | ODI | Kirtipur | Nepal won 2, UAE won 1 |
| ICC CWC League 2 2023 | Mar 2023 | ODI | Dubai | Nepal won 2, UAE won 1 |
| ICC CWC Qualifier 2023 | Jul 2, 2023 | ODI | Harare | Nepal won by 3 wickets |
| ICC T20 WC Asia Qualifier Final 2023 | Nov 3, 2023 | T20I | Mulpani | Nepal won by 8 wickets |
| ICC Men’s T20 WC Qualifier 2024 | Apr 19, 2024 | T20I | Al Amerat | UAE won by 6 wickets |
| ICC CWC League 2 2025 | Oct 30, 2025 | ODI | Dubai | UAE won by 5 wickets |
| ICC CWC League 2 2025 | Nov 5, 2025 | ODI | Dubai | UAE won by 4 wickets |
| ICC CWC League 2 2026 | May 1, 2026 | ODI | Kirtipur | Nepal won by 6 runs (DLS) |
The ICC T20 World Cup Connection
Neither Nepal nor UAE have qualified for the main ICC T20 World Cup as yet (as of 2026). However, both have participated in qualifier events that feed into the tournament. Their 2023 and 2024 qualifier clashes have been particularly important.
| Event | Year | Stage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICC Men’s T20 WC Asia Qualifier | 2022 | Group Stage | UAE won both matches |
| ICC Men’s T20 WC Asia Qualifier Final | Nov 2023 | Semi-Final | Nepal won by 8 wickets |
| ICC Men’s T20 WC Qualifier | Apr 2024 | Group Stage | UAE won by 6 wickets |
Nepal did qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and Caribbean, while UAE fell short in the regional qualifiers. That 2023 semi-final win in Mulpani was therefore a watershed moment for the Nepal National Cricket Team Vs United Arab Emirates National Cricket Team rivalry.
Key Players and Memorable Performances Across Eras
When you scan any Nepal National Cricket Team Vs United Arab Emirates National Cricket Team Match Scorecard, a handful of names keep showing up. Big names. Clutch performers. Let us break them down by era.
Era 1: 2018-2019 (Early Battles)
This was when the rivalry was finding its feet. UAE were the more experienced side and showed it in Kuala Lumpur in August 2018, winning by 78 runs. But Nepal bounced back in Dubai in January 2019, winning two out of three ODIs and two T20Is.
Top performers from this era:
- Rohan Mustafa (UAE): Consistent middle-order batter and useful off-spinner.
- Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal): Already turning heads with his leg-spin, picking up wickets across formats.
- Rohit Paudel (Nepal): A youngster at the time, beginning to show promise.
Era 2: 2022 (UAE on Top)
February 2022 in Oman saw UAE dominant in T20Is, winning both matches comfortably, including by 68 runs. In the ODI arena in Dubai (March 2022), UAE again won both matches, by 48 runs and 99 runs respectively. It was a strong UAE showing that suggested they had levelled the rivalry.
Top performers from this era:
- Muhammad Waseem (UAE): The UAE captain was destructive at the top of the order.
- CP Rizwan / Vriitya Aravind (UAE): Solid wicketkeeper-batter contributions.
- Dipendra Singh Airee (Nepal): Beginning to emerge as Nepal’s go-to all-rounder.
Era 3: 2023 (Nepal Dominant)
This was Nepal’s golden year against UAE. Nepal won 5 of the 7 matches played across formats in 2023. The standout was the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 match in Harare on July 2, where Nepal chased down 182 in 43.2 overs, with Dipendra Singh Airee playing a brilliant unbeaten 79 off 85 balls. Sandeep Lamichhane picked up 3/23 in that match.
In November 2023, Nepal beat UAE by 8 wickets in the T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier semi-final, with Aasif Sheikh scoring an unbeaten 64 off 51 balls.
Top performers from this era:
- Dipendra Singh Airee (Nepal): The standout batter and match-winner across multiple scorecards.
- Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal): Continued to torment UAE with his leg-spin variations.
- Rohit Paudel (Nepal): Scored a century (109) against UAE across this rivalry period, the highest individual score by any player in this contest.
- Junaid Siddique (UAE): The highest wicket-taker for UAE in this rivalry with 31 wickets overall.
Era 4: 2024-2026 (UAE Fighting Back)
UAE showed they were not done. In April 2024, they beat Nepal in Al Amerat in T20I qualifying cricket. In October and November 2025, UAE won both League 2 ODIs in Dubai, including a tense 4-wicket win on November 5 where Muhammad Shahdad scored 96 off 123 balls and Muhammad Waseem hit 76 off 73 balls.
The April 2026 T20I series at Kirtipur saw UAE win the first (DLS method), with Muhammad Waseem blazing 33 off just 15 balls and Muhammad Zuhaib picking up 3/29. Nepal hit back in the second match, winning by 8 wickets with Kushal Bhurtel stroking an unbeaten 84 off 57 balls.
Top performers from this era:
- Muhammad Waseem (UAE): The top run-scorer in the overall rivalry with 505 runs.
- Aryansh Sharma (UAE): Player of the Match in October 2025 after a stunning 98.
- Muhammad Shahdad (UAE): Clutch knocks at the business end of chases.
- Kushal Bhurtel (Nepal): A consistent performer with the bat in T20Is.
- Dipendra Singh Airee (Nepal): Continuing as the second-highest run-scorer in the rivalry with 432 runs, including a century in a May 2026 League 2 fixture.
The Biggest Win: Nepal’s Greatest Moments Against UAE
Nepal’s biggest win in this rivalry came on March 12, 2023, at Kirtipur in an ICC CWC League 2 match, where Nepal beat UAE by 177 runs in an ODI. That was a massive margin that turned heads in associate cricket.
UAE’s biggest win came in the same League 2 competition on November 14, 2022, when UAE beat Nepal by 84 runs in Kirtipur. Winning on Nepal’s home turf by that margin was a statement.
| Biggest Wins | Match Date | Venue | Margin | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nepal’s biggest win | Mar 12, 2023 | Kirtipur | 177 runs | ODI |
| UAE’s biggest win | Nov 14, 2022 | Kirtipur | 84 runs | ODI |
| Nepal’s biggest T20I win | Nov 3, 2023 | Mulpani | 8 wickets (17 balls rem.) | T20I |
| UAE’s biggest T20I win | Feb 22, 2022 | Al Amerat | 68 runs | T20I |
Memorable Scorecard Spotlight: July 2, 2023, Harare
This match deserves its own section. The Nepal National Cricket Team Vs United Arab Emirates National Cricket Team Match Scorecard from the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 (7th Place Playoff Semi-Final) in Harare is one of the most dramatic in this rivalry.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | July 2, 2023 |
| Venue | Takashinga Sports Club, Harare |
| Tournament | ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 |
| UAE innings | 181 all out (46.5 overs) |
| Top scorer UAE | Vriitya Aravind 44 (75), Rohan Mustafa 35 (56) |
| Best bowling Nepal | Sandeep Lamichhane 3/23, Karan KC 3/36 |
| Nepal innings | 185/7 (43.2 overs) |
| Top scorer Nepal | Dipendra Singh Airee 79* (85) |
| Best bowling UAE | Muhammad Jawadullah 3/46 |
| Result | Nepal won by 3 wickets (40 balls remaining) |
| Player of the Match | Dipendra Singh Airee (NEP) |
| Highlight | Airee and Lamichhane 79-run partnership for 8th wicket (Nepal record at the time) |
Nepal were in trouble at 106/7, chasing 182. Then Airee and Lamichhane combined for a record 8th-wicket partnership of 79 runs that is still being talked about.
Expert Opinion: Associate cricket analysts consistently point to this rivalry as one of the most competitive in the ICC CWC League 2 context. Nepal’s home record at Kirtipur gives them a significant advantage, while UAE’s experience in Gulf conditions makes them dangerous away from the subcontinent. The emergence of Dipendra Singh Airee as a genuine match-winner has shifted the balance toward Nepal in recent years. Both teams are targeting the 2027 ODI World Cup qualifier pathway through League 2.
The April 2026 Series: First-Ever Floodlit Cricket in Nepal
The April 2026 T20I series was historic for an unusual reason. The first match on April 20 at Tribhuvan University Ground in Kirtipur was Nepal’s first-ever international cricket fixture played under floodlights at home. UAE won it by 6 wickets via DLS method after rain interrupted Nepal’s innings at 122/8 in 18.5 overs.
Nepal bounced back on April 21. Kushal Bhurtel’s 84 not out off 57 balls powered them to a stunning 8-wicket win, chasing down UAE’s 128/8 with 25 balls to spare.
The Nepal National Cricket Team Vs United Arab Emirates National Cricket Team Match Scorecard from this series shows one win each, keeping the T20I head-to-head perfectly balanced.
Nepal vs UAE in ICC CWC League 2: 2023-2027 Cycle
Both Nepal and UAE are participating in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 (2023-2027), which serves as a pathway to the 2027 ODI World Cup. Their clashes in this competition have been intense.
| Match | Date | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87th Match | Oct 30, 2025 | ICCA Dubai | UAE | 5 wickets (Aryansh Sharma 98) |
| 90th Match | Nov 5, 2025 | ICCA Dubai | UAE | 4 wickets (Shahdad 96, Waseem 76) |
| 97th/100th Match | May 1, 2026 | Kirtipur | Nepal | 6 runs (DLS) |
In the October 2025 clash, Rohit Paudel scored a century (109 off 126 balls) for Nepal but it was not enough as Aryansh Sharma’s near-century (98 off 55 balls) guided UAE home. In November 2025, Shahdad and Waseem combined with brilliant batting to chase down Nepal’s 239 in a high-pressure finish. Nepal’s home form reasserted itself in May 2026 when Dipendra Singh Airee’s century anchored a tricky DLS chase.
ICC CWC League 2 Standings Context (as of mid-2026)
Both Nepal and UAE are in the same ICC Men’s CWC League 2 competition that runs until 2027. The top teams in this competition earn direct qualification spots for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. Every match in this United Arab Emirates National Cricket Team Vs Nepal National Cricket Team fixture carries massive qualification weight.
Lowest Team Totals in This Rivalry
| Team | Score | Overs | Against | Venue | Date | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | 90 | 20 | Nepal | Al Amerat | Feb 2022 | T20I |
| Nepal | 104 | 20 | UAE | Al Amerat | Feb 2022 | T20I |
| Nepal | 107 | 20 | UAE | Mulpani | Oct 2023 | T20I |
| UAE | 107 | 20 | Nepal | Mulpani | Oct 2023 | T20I |
Top Individual Performances: Nepal Vs UAE
| Category | Player | Team | Score/Figures | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Score (Bat) | Rohit Paudel | Nepal | 109 | ODI vs UAE |
| 2nd Highest Score | Asif Khan | UAE | 101 | ODI vs Nepal |
| Best T20I Score | Kushal Bhurtel | Nepal | 84* (57) | Apr 21, 2026, Kirtipur |
| Top Run-Scorer (Overall) | Muhammad Waseem | UAE | 505 runs | All formats |
| 2nd Top Run-Scorer | Dipendra Singh Airee | Nepal | 432 runs | All formats |
| Top Wicket-Taker | Junaid Siddique | UAE | 31 wickets | All formats |
| 2nd Top Wicket-Taker | Sandeep Lamichhane | Nepal | 29 wickets | All formats |
| Best WC Qualifier Knock | Dipendra Singh Airee | Nepal | 79* (85) | Harare, Jul 2023 |
| T20I Qualifier Knock | Aasif Sheikh | Nepal | 64* (51) | Mulpani, Nov 2023 |
Venues That Shaped This Rivalry
The Nepal National Cricket Team Vs United Arab Emirates National Cricket Team Match Scorecard story is also a story of venues. Kirtipur’s Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground is Nepal’s fortress. The high altitude plays with visiting teams. UAE, on the other hand, thrive in Dubai’s familiar conditions where they train regularly.
- Tribhuvan University Ground, Kirtipur: Nepal’s home base. The hill air and spinning tracks suit them perfectly.
- ICCA Dubai / ICC Academy Oval, Dubai: UAE’s backyard. Fast outfield, flat track, and comfortable conditions.
- Mulpani Cricket Ground, Kathmandu: A newer venue that hosted the T20 Qualifier series in October-November 2023.
- Takashinga Sports Club, Harare: Neutral venue for the 2023 ICC Qualifier. Nepal won there.
- Oman Cricket Academy Ground, Al Amerat: Used for ICC events. UAE’s February 2022 dominance came here.
What This Rivalry Tells Us About Associate Cricket
The UAE Vs Nep contest is a mirror of everything right about associate cricket. Two nations with no traditional cricket culture, competing fiercely for ICC ranking points and World Cup qualification spots. Nepal brings its passionate Himalayan home support. UAE brings its cosmopolitan, multi-national squad.
What makes the Nepal Vs UAE rivalry special is the closeness of the contest. No blowouts are guaranteed. No result is predictable. The 2023 Harare thriller, the 2022 Dubai dominance by UAE, the 2026 Kirtipur floodlit history, each match adds a new chapter.
Head-to-Head Summary Table
| Format | Matches Played | Nepal Wins | UAE Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 15 | 9 | 6 | 0 |
| T20I | 12 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| Total | 27 | 15 | 12 | 0 |
Conclusion
The Nepal National Cricket Team Vs United Arab Emirates National Cricket Team Match Scorecard is not just a cricket record. It is a living, breathing rivalry between two nations who have earned every run, every wicket, and every win the hard way.
Nepal hold the overall edge with 15 wins to UAE’s 12 across all formats. But the T20I record is dead-level at 6-6, and UAE have been on a strong run in 2025 League 2 ODI cricket. The 2026 Kirtipur win (DLS) by Nepal suggests the Rhinos are not done yet.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup qualification on the line through the ICC CWC League 2, every upcoming United Arab Emirates National Cricket Team Vs Nepal National Cricket Team Match Scorecard entry will matter more than ever. This is a rivalry worth watching closely. Very closely.
FAQs
Q1. What is the overall head-to-head record between Nepal and UAE in cricket?
Nepal lead 15-12 across all formats combined. In ODIs, Nepal lead 9-6. In T20Is, it is level at 6-6 as of July 2026.
Q2. Who is the top run-scorer in the Nepal vs UAE rivalry?
Muhammad Waseem of UAE tops the list with 505 runs. Dipendra Singh Airee of Nepal is second with 432 runs.
Q3. Who takes the most wickets in Nepal vs UAE matches?
Junaid Siddique of UAE leads with 31 wickets. Sandeep Lamichhane of Nepal is next with 29 wickets.
Q4. What is the biggest win by Nepal against UAE?
Nepal beat UAE by 177 runs in a CWC League 2 ODI at Kirtipur on March 12, 2023.
Q5. What is the highest individual score in this rivalry?
Rohit Paudel of Nepal holds the highest score with 109 runs in an ODI against UAE.
Q6. Did Nepal beat UAE in the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier?
Yes. Nepal beat UAE by 8 wickets in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier Final semi-final at Mulpani on November 3, 2023.
Q7. What was the result of the April 2026 T20I series between Nepal and UAE?
The series was tied 1-1. UAE won the first T20I by 6 wickets (DLS) and Nepal won the second T20I by 8 wickets, both at Kirtipur.
Q8. Has Nepal ever played UAE in a main ICC T20 World Cup?
No. As of July 2026, Nepal and UAE have not met in the main ICC T20 World Cup. Their clashes have come in qualifier and league stages.
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