KATHMANDU: Nepal began the Super Six stage of the ICC T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers with a thrilling one-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday.

Chasing a target of 141 runs set by Nepal, UAE fell just short, scoring 140 runs for the loss of nine wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

With this win, Nepal has moved one step closer to World Cup qualification, earning four points — the same as Oman.

UAE’s Alishan Sharafu top-scored with 58 runs off 40 balls, hitting three fours and five sixes. He shared an impressive 81-run partnership for the second wicket with Jonathan Figy, who made 19.

At one stage, Nepal appeared to be on the verge of defeat.

UAE needed 10 runs off the final over but could only manage nine.

Dhruv Parashar scored 32 runs while Zahid Ali added 11, but the rest of the batting lineup faltered.

For Nepal, Dipendra Singh Airee was the standout bowler, taking three wickets for 22 runs in four overs.

Sompal Kami, Gulshan Kumar Jha, and Sandeep Lamichhane each claimed one wicket.

Earlier, Nepal won the toss and opted to bat first, posting 140 runs for the loss of six wickets.

Opener Aasif Sheikh led the innings with 51 runs off 47 balls, including four boundaries and a six.

He put together a 56-run opening partnership with Kushal Bhurtel, who contributed 28 runs. Captain Rohit Kumar Paudel scored 20, Gulshan Kumar Jha 14, and Kushal Malla 10 runs.

For UAE, Muhammad Rohid, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Zahid Ali, and Dhruv Parashar each took one wicket apiece.