Nepal to Host UAE for Two T20Is at TU Ground in Crucial Home Series
Kathmandu | April 20–21, 2026
Nepal are set to face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a two-match T20 International series at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur on April 20 and 21. The series is being viewed as an important preparatory assignment for both sides ahead of upcoming ICC pathway events.
The fixtures will be played in back-to-back days at Nepal’s primary international venue, adding further significance given the short turnaround and similar conditions expected across both matches.
Series Context and Significance
For Nepal, the series represents another opportunity to consolidate their home advantage in T20 cricket, particularly in familiar subcontinental conditions that typically assist spin and slower bowlers.
For UAE, the tour provides exposure to high-pressure away conditions against a rapidly improving associate side, especially in a venue known for low-scoring, tactical T20 contests.
Both teams are expected to use the series to test squad depth and finalize combinations for future ICC competitions.
Head-to-Head Record (T20 Internationals)
Nepal and UAE have developed a competitive rivalry across ICC Associate-level tournaments over the past decade, meeting in both bilateral and multi-nation events.
The UAE have historically held a slight overall edge in T20I encounters.
Nepal, however, have significantly improved in recent years, particularly in home conditions and neutral ICC events.
Most matches between the sides have been closely contested, often decided in the final overs.
While exact margins have fluctuated across tournaments, the rivalry is widely considered one of the most balanced among Associate nations in Asian cricket.
Venue Insight: TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
The Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground remains Nepal’s central international venue and is expected to play a decisive role in the series.
Key characteristics:
Slow surface with grip for spinners
Low to mid-range first-innings totals common
Chasing advantage under lights (where applicable)
Strong home support creating high-pressure environment for visiting teams
Nepal have traditionally performed strongly at this venue, particularly when defending totals built through spin-heavy bowling attacks.
Key Players to Watch
Nepal
Rohit Paudel – top-order stability and captaincy anchor
Kushal Bhurtel – powerplay aggression
Sandeep Lamichhane – strike bowler in middle overs
Dipendra Singh Airee – all-round impact in pressure phases
UAE
Muhammad Waseem – explosive top-order batter
Asif Khan – middle-order power hitter
Junaid Siddique – pace spearhead
Aayan Afzal Khan – spin-bowling all-round option
What’s at Stake
Beyond bilateral competition, the series carries strategic value for both teams in terms of:
ICC T20I rankings progression
Team combination testing ahead of qualifiers
Adaptation to subcontinental conditions under competitive pressure
With Nepal playing at home and UAE bringing experience from multiple ICC cycles, the series is expected to be closely contested.