Nepal are set to face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the final of the ACC Men’s Premier Cup in Malaysia on Saturday, with the winner earning a place in the 2027 Asia Cup.

Nepal booked their place in the final after producing a dominant 87-run victory over Oman in the semifinal. Batting first, Nepal were bowled out for 147 in 45.4 overs before their spin attack dismantled Oman for just 60 in 28.1 overs.

Nepal's Bowlers Deliver Again

Nepal struggled with the bat early against Oman, slipping to 36 for four. Dipendra Singh Airee and Basir Ahamad then rescued the innings with a crucial 93-run partnership.

Dipendra top-scored with 51 runs, while Basir contributed 47 as Nepal eventually posted 147.

The target proved far beyond Oman’s reach. Captain Sandeep Lamichhane and Dipendra Singh Airee took three wickets each, while Rohit Paudel and Lalit Rajbanshi claimed two apiece. Oman were eventually dismissed for only 60 runs.

UAE Also Enter Final in Strong Form

UAE reached the final after defeating Hong Kong by seven wickets. Spinner Haider Ali produced a remarkable six-wicket haul for just 14 runs as Hong Kong were restricted to 70. UAE then chased down the target in only 11.1 overs.

The two sides have developed one of the strongest rivalries in Associate cricket. Nepal currently hold an 11–8 advantage over UAE in their 19 ODI meetings.

Asia Cup Qualification on the Line

Saturday's final carries significance beyond the Premier Cup title. The champion will secure qualification for the 2027 Asia Cup, scheduled to be played in Bangladesh.

Nepal have already secured qualification for the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup by reaching the final, but a victory over UAE would take them back onto the biggest stage in Asian cricket.

The final is scheduled to be played at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, September 12.

Nepal vs UAE: What’s at Stake

• Tournament: ACC Men’s Premier Cup 2026
• Final: Nepal vs United Arab Emirates
• Venue: Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Date: September 12, 2026
• Major prize: Qualification for the 2027 Asia Cup
• Nepal's semifinal: Beat Oman by 87 runs
• UAE's semifinal: Beat Hong Kong by 7 wickets

For Nepal, the final offers a chance to turn an impressive tournament campaign into continental qualification. For UAE, it is another opportunity to assert their dominance in one of Associate cricket's most competitive rivalries.

Tags: Nepal Cricket, UAE Cricket, ACC Premier Cup, Sandeep Lamichhane, Dipendra Singh Airee, Asia Cup 2027, Cricket