UAE matchwinner Aayan Khan: ‘Nepal’s supporters give us a morale boost, too’

The UAE will find a familiar obstacle blocking the path between them and the next step of Asia Cup qualifying on Friday.

The national team booked a place in the semi-final of the ACC Premier Cup in Muscat when they trounced Cambodia in their final pool match on Wednesday.

The 10-team competition carries with it a place at next year’s Asia Cup for the winners, while the top three will all play at the Emerging Nations Cup.

While it is not the ultimate decider this time, it does mean only one of the UAE and Nepal will have the chance of reaching the Asia Cup.

The two sides are well-acquainted with each other, having played in a variety of decisive fixtures over recent times.

Nepal have held the edge over the UAE for the most part of late. They beat them to three major prizes in the course of a few months last year.

Rohit Paudel’s side advanced to the 2023 Asia Cup after downing the national team in Kathmandu last May.

The same occurred in T20 World Cup qualifying in Mulpani later in the year, while they also took the Asian qualifying berth at the U19 World Cup at the UAE’s expense.

Despite all that heartache, Aayan Khan – who played in each of those fixtures – says the players relish matches against Nepal.

“We have tight games against Nepal, and it is always the important games [in most series],” Aayan said.

“We have played them a lot at home and away, and wherever it is, their fans are so good. To play against them will be a hard game.

“The fans from there support the teams equally. They show support for us, too, and it does help us because it gives us a morale boost.

“It is good for us to be playing in front of them anywhere, too.”

The early days of Aayan’s own international career contain a cherished memory from playing