Rohit Paudel’s hundred not enough as UAE end home drought with five-wicket win

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Oct 30, 2025

Nepal slumped to their 11th defeat of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 cycle after a five-wicket loss to hosts UAE at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on Thursday.

Opting to bat first, Nepal were lifted by skipper Rohit Paudel’s sublime century — his second in ODIs — as they posted 233 before being bowled out. Rohit crafted a composed 109 off 130 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes, becoming only the second Nepali batter after Paras Khadka to score an ODI hundred overseas and the first to notch up multiple ODI tons.

Rohit found support from Aarif Sheikh, with whom he added 70 runs for the fourth wicket before Aarif was bowled for 27 off an inside edge. Asif Sheikh contributed 35 off 40 but fell after a promising start.

UAE’s bowlers struck at regular intervals, led by Zahid Ali, who returned figures of 4 for 41 from six overs. Junaid Siddique also impressed with 3 for 54 from his 10 overs, while Muhammad Rohid and Haider Ali claimed a wicket apiece.

In reply, UAE’s top order made light work of the chase. Alishan Sharafu provided early impetus with a blistering 45 off 26 balls, striking three sixes and six fours.

Aryansh Sharma anchored the innings with a career-best 98 off 98 balls, falling agonisingly short of his maiden ODI century when he was caught and bowled by Sandeep Lamichhane.

UAE reached the target with 39 balls to spare, sealing their first home victory since March 2023.

For Nepal, Lamichhane was once again economical, taking 2 for 34, while Dipendra Singh Airee and Karan KC picked up one wicket each.

Nepal will look to bounce back when they face USA on Saturday.