On one side of the thin dividing wall between the dressing rooms it was a carnival. On the other, a wake. Nepal assured themselves of continued one-day international status with another crushing win, as they destroyed UAE in Kathmandu.
They have now taken nine wins from their past 10 games in Cricket World Cup League 2. Two more in their remaining games this week – against PNG on Monday and UAE again on Thursday – will see them power automatically into the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe.
Their guests, by contrast, will be left to play for their futures at the Qualifier Play-off in Namibia later this month. It will be between UAE, PNG, Canada and Jersey to decide who gets all the perks of ODI status – chiefly, regular cricket in the form of participation in League 2, as well as a significant tranche of funding.
The fact UAE might not yet have reached their nadir does not bear thinking about. This horror show in Kathmandu certainly felt like it.