The ACC Premier Cup final match between Nepal and UAE has been interrupted by the rain. Nepal were off to a flying start after winning the toss and choosing to bowl first.
Due to persistent rain, further play was halted when UAE were reduced to 60 for the loss of 5 wickets in 16 overs. Sompal Kami dismissed Muhammad Waseem (11) in the fourth over, while his pace duo Karan KC sent back another in-form UAE batter Vriitya Aravind in the next over.
Karan got better of Aryan Lakra, who struggled with 28-ball 13. Rameez Shahzad was dismissed cheaply by Rajbanshi as Nepal managed to pick four wickets within the powerplay, conceding 35 runs.
Sandeep Lamichhane got into the action sending Rohan Mustafa back to the pavilion in the 14th over. Asif Khan 15*(from 20 balls) and Basil Hameed (Six from 11 balls) were unbeaten in the crease.
If further play is not possible, the match will resume from where it stopped on the reserve day (Tuesday). If the match is not possible even on the reserve day, then Nepal will be adjudged the winner and qualify for the Asia Cup. They will join India and Pakistan in Group A of the Asia Cup 2023, which will take place in September.
Nepal, along with UAE and Oman, are already confirmed to play ACC Emerging Cup. India A, Pakistan A, Sri Lanka A, Afghanistan A, Bangladesh A and the top three teams of the Premier Cup will battle in the tournament.
