Hosts Nepal made a winning start in the inaugural match of the Nepal Tri-Nation Twenty20 International Series defeating the United Arab Emirates by 7 wickets at the Mulpani Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

Sent to bat first, the visitors scored 140 runs on the back of Basil Hameed’s half-century, losing seven wickets, in the stipulated 20 overs.

Hameed put up 51 runs while facing 38 deliveries as he smashed four sixes before being caught by Aasif Sheikh in 19.1 overs.

Likewise, Ali Naseer also contributed a 30-ball 32 helping UAE post a target of 141 runs. He was caught by Nepal captain Rohit Paudel off Karan KC in 16.1 overs.

In response, the Rhinos overcame the target in 18.5 overs as Paudel scored an unbeaten half-century. The right-handed batter smashed five hits to the fences, helping Nepal put 144 on the scoreboard at the loss of three wickets.

Opener Kushal Bhurtel managed a put an even 14-ball 14 before being caught by Naseer off Nilansh Keswani in 4.2 overs.

Similarly, another opener Aasif Sheikh smashed two boundaries and a six, contributing a 27-ball 23. He was caught by Muhammad Waseem off Naseer in 8.5 overs. Kushal Malla also managed to score 11 runs in his 9-knock play before being run out in 6.6 overs.

Dipendra Singh Airee also put up an unbeaten 34 runs, facing 23 deliveries. Airee smashed three hits to the fences and a six.

In the first inning, Nepal’s Karan KC dismissed three UAE batters, while Gulsan Jha also grabbed two. Sompal Kami and Abinash Bohara also grabbed a wicket a piece.