Kathmandu: Nepal pulled off a dramatic one-run victory over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) snatching the victory from the jaws of defeat, claiming three wickets in the final three deliveries, in their Super Six clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia Pacific Qualifiers on Sunday.

Opting to bat first, Nepal posted 140-6 on the back of a composed half-century from opener Aasif Sheikh. In reply, all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee starred with the ball, claiming 3-22 as Nepal restricted UAE to 139-9, sealing a crucial win that boosted their hopes of qualifying for next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

The thrilling finish saw Airee pick up three wickets in his final three deliveries — including two run-outs — when UAE needed three runs off three balls for victory. The UAE required 11 runs in the final over with Dhruv Parashar striking a six off the third delivery to keep their chase alive.

However, drama unfolded when Parashar got run out attempting a second run off the fourth ball, and Haider Ali suffered the same fate on the next delivery. UAE then needed three runs to win or two to tie off the last ball — but a desperate attempt for the second run ended in yet another run-out, handing Nepal a stunning one-run victory.

Apart from Airee’s heroics, Sompal Kami, Gulshan Jha, and Sandeep Lamichhane claimed a wicket apiece.

Earlier, UAE’s number three batter Alishan Sharafu top-scored with 58 off 40 balls, the highest of the game, featuring three boundaries and five sixes, before being bowled by player-of-the-match Airee.

Dhruv Parashar, however, kept UAE in contention with a quickfire 32 off 18 balls, hitting one four and three sixes. Jonathan Figy and Zahid Ali contributed 19 and 11 runs respectively.

Opting to bat first, Aasif Sheikh anchored the innings for Nepal scoring 51 off 47 balls laced with four boundaries and a six before being bowled by Parashar in the 16th over. He shared a 56-run opening stand with Kushal Bhurtel, who made 28 off 26, including two fours and a six.

Captain Rohit Paudel added 20 off 19 balls, while Gulshan Jha provided late fireworks with 14 off just 5 balls, striking two fours and a six. Kushal Malla scored 10 off 11, and Sundeep Jora and Sompal Kami remained unbeaten on 4 and 6 runs respectively.

UAE’s bowling effort was evenly shared, with six bowlers picking up a wicket each.

Nepal had earlier defeated Kuwait by 58 runs and Japan by five wickets in the group stage.