Muhammad Waseem, Zuhaib shine as UAE beat Nepal in rain-affected clash

The UAE began their tour of Nepal in sublime fashion as they won the first T20I on Monday (April 20) by six wickets (DLS) despite rain interruptions. 

Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Nepal never really got the momentum they were searching for. The hosts kept losing wickets at regular intervals and couldn't manage to go after the bowling at any stage during their innings.

Leg-break bowler Muhammad Zuhaib impressed with his control and guile. The 22-year-old dismissed Kushal Malla, Basir Ahamad and Nandan Yadav to claim a three-wicket haul. He conceded 29 runs in four overs at an economy rate of 7.25 and was adjudged the Player of the Match (POTM).

Nepal skipper Dipendra Singh Airee was the only batter who held an end together as the others had no answers to UAE's disciplined attack. Airee played a steady knock of 32 off 35 balls and remained unbeaten till the end. Nepal posted 122 for the loss of eight wickets in 18.5 overs.

As the play resumed after the rain delay, the UAE needed 78 to win from 10 overs. Skipper Muhammad Waseem led the charge up front and struck a quick-fire 33 off just 15 balls to foil Nepal's plans of creating pressure with the new ball.

Waseem got out in the fourth over, but not before he had helped UAE knock 35 runs off their target. He batted at a strike rate of 220.00 and scored 33 off 15 balls, including three boundaries and as many sixes.

Former India U19 player Akshdeep Nath, who recently procured citizenship of the UAE through naturalisation, impressed on debut. Nath raced to an unbeaten 17 off just eight balls at a strike rate of 212.50 and got UAE over the line with seven balls to spare.

The second T20I will also be played in Kirtipur on Tuesday, April 21.