The Iceman Comes, Conquers, Lives On

By Shashank Timsina | Posted Posted Jun 06, 2025

Aarif Sheikh has done it once again.

The middle order batsman who has quietly established himself as one of Nepal’s most dependable One Day International cricketers, has the knack of thriving under pressure and tough foreign conditions.

Nicknamed 'The Iceman' for his composure, Aarif has repeatedly rescued Nepal from the jaws of defeat handing the team crucial wins or at least averting the ignominy of defeat.

Of his 59 ODIs for Nepal, a remarkable 42 have come away from home, where the national team has struggled in most of them. Nepal have won just 17 of them and Aarif has been the cog in most of them.

But the game has been brutal on him. He is not talked of much like his brother Aasif who gave Nepali cricket lovers what they had been longing for—big opening stands.

Aarif is not even received like his brother's opening partner Kushal Bhurtel whose attacking flair is prone to steal the limelight from Aasif.

People don't make noise for Aarif like they do for 3-Dimensional Dipendra Singh Airee despite him being a part-time medium bowler, an equally super athletic fielder and excellent runner between the wickets.

Social media was set on fire when Karan KC's unbeaten 41-ball 65 saw Nepal chase a historic total against Scotland in Nepal's ongoing League 2 game in chilly Dundee. Karan and his big decisive sixes deserved to be in the centre of this euphoria.

In a different ball game against the Dutch, Aarif struck seven fours, while two of his sixes played crucial role in easing the pressure in chase of a tricky 226.

Such has been Aarif's game. He just comes, bails the team out and prepares for the next fixture.

Seven of Aarif's eight ODI fifties have come away from home, a stat that underlines his adaptability to tough conditions.

After his career-best 78 in Dundee, Aarif was quick to admit his struggles of batting in such windy conditions, a statement validating his ability to adapt and deliver quickly.

Today, we look at five standout ODI performances where Aarif not only anchored Nepal’s innings but played pivotal roles in either victories or saving the team's blues.

63 vs West Indies, Harare – 2023 ICC World Cup Qualifier
Facing a Full Member opposition in a high-stake Cricket World Cup Qualifier game, Nepal were chasing 340 against a formidable West Indies pace attack.
At 81-4, things looked bleak. Aarif walked in and soaked up pressure with a gritty 63 off 93 balls, including four boundaries and a six, against bowlers regularly clocking 140 plus.
His partnerships—37 with Dipendra Singh Airee and 68 with Gulshan Jha—helped Nepal reach a respectable 238.

78 vs Netherlands, Dundee – 2025
Chasing 226 in overcast and windy conditions, Nepal were reduced to 68-3 when Aarif stepped in. What followed was a career-best knock of 78 off 99, laced with seven fours and two sixes.
He was involved in crucial partnerships—55 with Rohit Paudel and 89 with Dipendra Singh Airee—that took Nepal over the line with five wickets in hand.
In his post-match chat, Aarif mentioned the initial 30 balls were tough. But, once he settled, he believed he could finish the game—a mindset that reflects his maturity.

51* vs Scotland, Dallas – 2024
Chasing a modest 156, Nepal stumbled to 63-4. Aarif once again came to the rescue, smashing an unbeaten 51 off just 42 balls.
His aggressive approach included eight boundaries and a crucial 57-run stand with Gulshan Jha. The win was Nepal’s only away victory in that League 2 leg before the recent two wins in Scotland. It was also a much-needed morale booster during a difficult campaign.

43* vs UAE, Dubai – 2023
With direct qualification for the ICC World Cup Qualifiers on line, Nepal were in deep trouble at 124-6 in the 18th over.
Coming in at No. 7—arguably too low for a player of his temperament—Aarif crafted a steady 43* off 56 balls. His unbroken 56-run partnership with Bhim Sharki lifted Nepal to 229. The total proved enough, as Nepal won by 42 runs to keep their qualification hopes alive.

49 vs PNG, Sharjah – 2022
Another chase. Another collapse. At 42-4, Nepal looked in danger of squandering a mediocre 205-run target.
Aarif joined skipper Rohit Paudel at the crease and the duo put together a match-winning 100-run partnership. His 49 off 83 anchored the innings as Nepal crossed the line with two wickets and just one ball to spare.