Aasif Sheikh’s Century Powers Nepal to 313 in High-Stakes ACC Premier Cup Final

Opener Aasif Sheikh struck a magnificent century to propel Nepal to a total of 313/9 in 50 overs against the United Arab Emirates in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup final at the Bayuemas Oval in Klang, Malaysia.  

Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Nepal got off to a solid start courtesy of a 93-run opening partnership between Sheikh and Arjun Kumal (43). Sheikh brought up his hundred off 103 deliveries, anchoring the innings with 8 boundaries and 4 sixes before eventually falling for 102 to Haider Ali.  

Middle-order contributions kept the scoreboard ticking, led by Gulsan Jha’s explosive 52 off 38 balls (44 fours, 4 sixes) and skipper Rohit Paudel’s steady 40. Ibrar Shah Ahmad was the pick of the bowlers for the UAE, taking 4 wickets for 62 runs, while Khuzaima Bin Tanvir claimed 2/62.

Nepal set the UAE a steep target of 314 runs to capture the Premier Cup title.