Kathmandu: Skipper Rohit Paudel produced a brilliant century as Nepal set a 234-run target for hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the UAE Tri-Series of ICC World Cup League 2 (WCL-2) at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Thursday.

Opting to bat first, Nepal were bowled out for 233 runs off the final ball of the innings.

Coming in at number four, Paudel anchored the innings with a composed 109 off 130 balls, studded with five boundaries and two sixes, before being dismissed as the eighth wicket in the 48th over. This marked the Nepal captain’s second ODI century.

Nepal endured a shaky start to their innings losing wickets at regular intervals. Opener Aasif Sheikh made a steady 35 off 48 balls, while his brother Aarif Sheikh added 27 off 42. Dipendra Singh Airee chipped in with 23 off 28, and Karan KC struck a quickfire 13 off 8 as Nepal’s middle and lower order struggled to build on Paudel’s innings.

For the hosts, Zahid Ali was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4-41 in his six-over spell. Junaid Siddique also impressed, taking 3-54 from his full quota of 10 overs.