Selangor, Malaysia, September 12, 2026 — Nepal defeated the United Arab Emirates by 45 runs in the final of the ACC Men’s Premier Cup 2026 on Saturday to win the title and secure qualification for the 2027 Asia Cup.
Playing at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Nepal posted 313 for nine after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Opener Aasif Sheikh led the innings with a brilliant century, scoring 102 from 106 balls with eight fours and four sixes.
Sheikh provided Nepal with a strong start alongside Arjun Kumal. The opening pair put together 97 runs before Kumal was dismissed for 43.
Rohit Paudel then added 40 runs, while Gulsan Jha provided late momentum with an aggressive 52 from 38 deliveries. The contributions throughout the batting order helped Nepal reach 313 in its 50 overs.
Ibrar Ahmad was the UAE's most successful bowler, finishing with four wickets for 62 runs.
The UAE made a strong start to its chase through Tanish Suri, who scored 42 from 28 balls. However, Nepal's bowlers repeatedly broke partnerships and kept the required scoring rate under pressure.
Nepal reached the ACC Men’s Premier Cup final after defeating Oman by 87 runs in Kuala Lumpur, setting up a title clash with UAE and a chance to qualify for the 2027 Asia Cup.
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Rahul Chopra produced a determined effort in the middle order, remaining unbeaten on 100 from 105 balls, but he could not prevent the UAE from being bowled out for 268 in 49.2 overs.
Karan KC led Nepal's bowling attack with three wickets for 49 runs, while Lalit Rajbanshi claimed two wickets for 43. Captain Sandeep Lamichhane, Dipendra Singh Airee, Rohit Paudel, Gulsan Jha and Basir Ahamad also took important wickets as Nepal completed the victory.
The 45-run win capped Nepal's campaign with the Premier Cup title and ended the tournament with the team securing the final qualification place for the 2027 Asia Cup.
Nepal had reached the final after defeating Oman by 87 runs in the semifinal. The UAE secured its place in the title match after beating Hong Kong by seven wickets in the other semifinal.
The victory gives Nepal a place in the 2027 Asia Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Bangladesh.