The Super Six stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier 2025 continues with a fascinating matchup between Nepal and the United Arab Emirates at Al Amerat Cricket Ground. Both teams come in high on confidence after solid group-stage campaigns. Nepal topped their pool with dominant wins, while UAE swept their group with back-to-back victories. With both sides evenly matched and level in their head-to-head record — five wins each in 10 meetings — this encounter promises to be one of the tournament’s tightest battles.
Match Preview
Nepal head into this Super Six fixture after a composed five-wicket victory over Japan, maintaining their strong form throughout the group phase. Under Rohit Paudel’s captaincy, the side has displayed impressive balance, with the bowlers consistently setting up games. However, a stiffer challenge awaits against a confident UAE lineup that boasts both experience and power hitters suited to these conditions.
The United Arab Emirates, led by Muhammad Waseem, have been clinical so far. Their six-wicket win over Malaysia reinforced their title credentials, built around a deep batting order and an efficient bowling unit. With four straight wins at this venue, UAE’s familiarity with Al Amerat’s conditions could be the decisive factor in what is expected to be a high-quality contest.
Team Form & Recent Results
Nepal (Last 5 T20s): W-W-L-W-W
Runs For: 725 | Runs Against: 662 | Top Scorer: Kushal Bhurtel (146 runs, SR 142)
Nepal’s campaign has been driven by their bowlers and middle order. Their spinners, led by Sandeep Lamichhane, have been exceptional in controlling the middle overs, while captain Rohit Paudel and all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee have provided the stability needed in tricky chases. The team’s only area of concern remains the top order’s inconsistency, which has led to early collapses in recent games.
United Arab Emirates (Last 5 T20s): W-W-L-W-W
Runs For: 749 | Runs Against: 598 | Top Scorer: Muhammad Waseem (178 runs, SR 153)
UAE’s strength lies in its balanced unit. Waseem continues to anchor innings with explosive intent, while Alishan Sharafu and Rahul Chopra have provided crucial support in the middle order. The bowling department, spearheaded by Junaid Siddique and Haider Ali, has struck early in every match so far, maintaining relentless pressure on opponents.
Head-to-Head Record
The two teams have developed a healthy rivalry over the past decade.
Last 5 Meetings:
- UAE beat Nepal by 5 wickets (2023)
- Nepal beat UAE by 6 runs (2022)
- UAE beat Nepal by 47 runs (2021)
- Nepal beat UAE by 4 wickets (2020)
- UAE beat Nepal by 21 runs (2019)
Overall Record: 10 matches – 5 wins each
The rivalry is evenly balanced, though UAE’s recent form and strong performances at Al Amerat give them a psychological edge.
Lineups, Injuries & Team News
Nepal (expected XI):
Rohit Paudel (c), Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Kushal Malla, Sundeep Jora, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Nandan Yadav, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi
Unavailable: None reported
United Arab Emirates (expected XI):
Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Rahul Chopra (wk), Harshit Kaushik, Basil Hameed, Dhruv Parashar, Simranjeet Singh, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Haider Ali, Muhammad Irfan
Unavailable: None
Nepal are likely to maintain their winning combination, with Airee expected to play a key all-round role once again. UAE, on the other hand, will rely on their pace trio of Junaid, Haider, and Irfan to exploit early swing before turning to spin control through Parashar and Hameed.
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Nepal’s success hinges on their spin department. Sandeep Lamichhane remains their match-winner, consistently breaking partnerships in the middle overs. Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh must set the tempo at the top, as their starts will determine the platform for hitters like Dipendra Singh Airee and Kushal Malla. Nepal’s batting depth is adequate but must avoid collapses against UAE’s pace attack.
UAE’s game plan is built around powerplay dominance and steady acceleration. Waseem’s ability to attack the new ball often shifts momentum early, while Sharafu and Kaushik anchor the innings. Their lower order — with Basil Hameed and Simranjeet Singh — adds firepower in the final overs. Defensively, UAE’s bowlers have been consistent, with Siddique’s variations and Parashar’s control proving pivotal in restricting totals below 150.
Key Players:
- Nepal: Sandeep Lamichhane (main spinner), Dipendra Singh Airee (finisher), Rohit Paudel (anchor).
- UAE: Muhammad Waseem (top-order powerhouse), Junaid Siddique (new-ball threat), Alishan Sharafu (stabilizer in middle order).
Odds, Markets & Betting Tips
1X2 Odds: UAE 1.75 | Nepal 2.00
Top Batter: Waseem (UAE) 3.40 | Paudel (Nepal) 4.00
Top Bowler: Lamichhane (Nepal) 3.25 | Siddique (UAE) 3.00
Over/Under 160.5 Runs: Over 1.85 | Under 1.85
Betting Trends:
- UAE have won their last 4 games at Al Amerat.
- Nepal have posted 150+ totals in 6 of their last 8 matches.
- Teams chasing have won 7 of the last 9 matches at this venue.
Quick Facts (Featured Snippet):
- Venue: Al Amerat Cricket Ground, Oman
- Kickoff: Saturday, 2:00 PM local time (GST) / 10:00 AM CET
- Competition: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier, Super Six stage
Expert Tip: UAE to win while chasing offers value, given their strong record at Al Amerat and greater batting depth.
Where to Watch Online & Kickoff Time
Live Broadcast: ICC.tv (global stream), CricLife Max (UAE), Kantipur TV (Nepal)
Kickoff: 2:00 PM local (Oman) / 10:00 AM CET / 1:30 PM IST
Prediction: Nepal vs United Arab Emirates, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia & EAP Qualifier 2025
Nepal’s bowlers can make life difficult for any opponent, but their batting inconsistency could be exposed against UAE’s disciplined pace and all-round quality. Expect a close encounter, with momentum likely swinging multiple times before UAE’s experience and familiarity with Al Amerat conditions help them edge past.
Final Prediction: Nepal 145–8 (20 overs) – UAE 149–5 (18.4 overs)
Best Bet: United Arab Emirates to Win
Alternative Value: Muhammad Waseem Top Batter (3.40)
UAE’s balance, composure, and consistency should prove just enough to see them maintain their perfect record in the Super Six stage.
