Nepal vs UAE Cricket Head-to-Head Record, Stats, and Match History

The nep vs uae cricket rivalry is one of the most competitive and frequently played international head-to-head matchups in Associate cricket. Across One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is), Nepal and the United Arab Emirates have established a remarkably balanced competitive record since gaining official status. As of 2024, UAE holds a narrow 8-7 lead over Nepal in 15 ODI matches, while their T20I record is equally tight, making nep vs uae a defining contest for Asian associate dominance.

What Is the Overall NEP vs UAE Cricket Head-to-Head Record?

Matches between Nepal and the United Arab Emirates have consistently carried high stakes, including ODI status preservation, Asia Cup qualification, and World Cup League 2 points. The two nations played their first official ODI against each other on August 30, 2018, during the Asia Cup Qualifier in Kuala Lumpur. Since then, the rivalry has grown into a fixture of international associate cricket.

Below is the statistical summary of the nep vs uae head-to-head record across international formats:

What Is the Detailed NEP vs UAE ODI History?

The ODI history between Nepal and UAE is packed with dramatic turnarounds and historic milestones for both cricket nations.

Nepal’s First Bilateral ODI Series Victory (January 2019)

Nepal achieved its landmark first-ever bilateral ODI series win by defeating UAE 2-1 on UAE soil in January 2019. After losing the opening match at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai, Nepal bounced back with consecutive victories. In the series decider on January 28, 2019, captain Paras Khadka struck 115 runs off 109 balls, marking the first individual ODI century in Nepal cricket history and securing a four-wicket win.

ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 Dramatics (March 2023)

The rivalry reached a dramatic peak during the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 cycle. On March 16, 2023, Nepal faced UAE in Kirtipur needing a win to secure direct qualification for the 2023 Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe. In front of over 20,000 spectators at Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Nepal chased a target of 311 set by UAE. Under fading light, Nepal reached 269/6 in 44 overs, winning by 9 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method after key half-centuries from Rohit Paudel, Kushal Bhurtel, and Gulsan Jha.

ACC Premier Cup Final (May 2023)

On May 2, 2023, Nepal hosted UAE in the final of the ACC Men’s Premier Cup. UAE was bowled out for 117 runs, with Nepal spinner Lalit Rajbanshi taking 4 wickets for 14 runs. Nepal successfully chased the target in 30.3 overs to win by 7 wickets, earning a historical spot in the 2023 Asia Cup alongside India and Pakistan.

How Do Nepal and UAE Compare in T20 Internationals?

In T20 Internationals, Nepal and UAE present sharply contrasting playing styles. Nepal relies heavily on spin bowling and aggressive top-order batting supported by passionate home crowds, whereas UAE leverages top-order power-hitting and structured medium-pace options.

Key T20I moments between the two sides include:

• February 2019: Nepal defeated UAE 2-1 in a three-match T20I series in Dubai, securing their first away T20I series victory against an Associate rival.
• February 2022: UAE defeated Nepal by 68 runs in the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier A in Al Amerat, Oman, eliminating Nepal from qualifying for the 2022 T20 World Cup.
• October 2023: Nepal defeated UAE in the final of the Nepal T20I Tri-Series by 8 wickets at Kirtipur, led by strong bowling from Karan KC.

Out of 11 T20I matches played, UAE holds 6 victories compared to Nepal’s 5 wins, illustrating how closely matched these teams are in short-format cricket.

Who Are the Key Players in NEP vs UAE Encounters?

Several standout players have defined the outcome of nep vs uae matches across both formats over recent years.

Top Batting Stars

• Muhammad Waseem (UAE): The explosive opener is the highest run-scorer for UAE against Nepal, accumulating multiple half-centuries and aggressive starts in both ODIs and T20Is.
• Rohit Paudel (Nepal): Nepal’s captain has delivered key performances against UAE, including a critical 52 in the 2023 League 2 decider and consistent runs in home series.
• Vriitya Aravinda (UAE): The top-order wicketkeeper-batsman scored a memorable century (106*) against Nepal during the 2023 CWC League 2 match in Dubai.

Top Bowling Stars

• Sandeep Lamichhane (Nepal): The leg-spinner is Nepal’s leading wicket-taker against UAE, claiming over 30 wickets across ODIs and T20Is.
• Junaid Siddique (UAE): The fast bowler has consistently troubled Nepal’s top order with early breakthroughs during powerplay overs.
• Sompal Kami (Nepal): The veteran fast-bowling all-rounder provides early breakthroughs with the new ball and valuable lower-order runs against UAE.

Why Is the NEP vs UAE Rivalry Important for World Cricket?

The competition between Nepal and UAE represents the high quality of Associate cricket outside full ICC member nations. With ICC tournament spots, Asia Cup qualifications, and official ODI status on the line in almost every encounter, nep vs uae matches consistently produce high-pressure cricket. As both nations invest in modern infrastructure and player development, this fixture remains a crucial benchmark for cricket’s growth in Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall head-to-head ODI record between Nepal and UAE?

In One Day Internationals, Nepal and UAE have met 15 times between 2018 and 2024. UAE leads the head-to-head record with 8 wins, while Nepal has secured 7 victories. Neither team has experienced a tied ODI match or a no-result fixture against each other.

Has Nepal ever beaten UAE in a major final?

Yes, Nepal defeated UAE by 7 wickets in the final of the ACC Men's Premier Cup on May 2, 2023, at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. This crucial victory qualified Nepal for the 2023 Asia Cup for the first time in their cricket history.

Who scored the first ODI century for Nepal against UAE?

Former Nepal captain Paras Khadka scored the first-ever ODI century for Nepal on January 28, 2019. He scored 115 runs off 109 balls against UAE in Dubai, leading Nepal to a historic 2-1 bilateral ODI series victory.