UAE’s Asia Cup dream hit by Nepal bowlers in rain-affected ACC Premier Cup final

The UAE’s chances of playing at the Asia Cup look increasingly remote after they succumbed to Nepal’s bowlers in the ACC Premier Cup final in Kathmandu on Monday.

Heavy rainfall in Nepal’s capital brought a halt to the game shortly before noon, and has meant it will spill over into its reserve day on Tuesday.

UAE will restart with just one wicket remaining having capitulated to 106 for nine in 27.3 overs.

The game will remain 50 overs per side. If there is no play possible on Tuesday, and the match is declared a no result, the first tie-breaker is a Super Over.

If that is also washed out, Nepal would qualify for the Asia Cup on account of being the higher seeded of the two sides ahead of the competition.

If Nepal do succeed, it will be their first appearance at an Asia Cup. They will be pitched into a group with India and Pakistan at the main event in September, assuming the competition does go ahead as scheduled.

Reports emerged on Monday that India are now against the idea of a hybrid hosting model for the competition.

Pakistan have hosting rights for the Asia Cup, but India have stated they will not tour there.

The Pakistan Cricket Board proposed the idea of India matches being staged elsewhere, potentially in Dubai. It remains to be seen as to how the competition will be arranged.

Defeat against Nepal would extend UAE’s absence from the Asia Cup. The national team last played at the T20 Asia Cup in Bangladesh in 2016, while they have not appeared in the 50-over version since 2008 in Pakistan.

Nepal bowlers enjoyed plenty of success, reducing the UAE to 106 for nine before rain stopped play. Photo: ACC

UAE have been regular tourists to Nepal the recent past. This is their third tour to Kathmandu since November, and