Kathmandu: Nepal suffered a six-wicket defeat against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a rain-affected first match of the two-game bilateral Twenty20 International series at the TU Cricket Stadium in Kirtipur on Monday.

Chasing a revised target of 78 runs in 10 overs under the DLS method, UAE reached 78-4 in 8.5 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Earlier, rain halted Nepal’s innings at 122-8 in 18.5 overs.

Opting to bat in the first international match held under floodlights at the stadium, Nepal made a shaky start, losing wickets at regular intervals.

Openers Arjun Saud (13) and Kushal Bhurtel (16), along with Sundeep Jora (6), fell cheaply as Nepal slumped to 40-3.

Dipendra Singh Airee, assigned captain’s responsibility for the first time, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 32 off 35 balls. Batting at number five, he struck two boundaries before rain interrupted play.

Basir Ahamad scored 14 off 11, while Nandan Yadav added a quickfire 13 off 7, including two sixes. Sandeep Lamichhane remained unbeaten on two.

For UAE, spinner Muhammad Zuhaib was the standout bowler, claiming 3-29 from four overs, while Junaid Siddique took 2-18 in his three-over spell.

In reply, UAE showed their intent early, with captain Muhammad Waseem taking 20 runs off the opening over, hitting two fours and two sixes off debutant Hemant Dhami.

Waseem laid the foundation for victory with a brisk 33 off 15 balls, featuring three fours and three sixes. Alishan Sharafu contributed 18 off 15, including a boundary and a six.

Akshdeep Nath, one of four UAE debutants, remained unbeaten on 17 off 8 balls, sealing the win with a six. Adeeb Usmani, Harpreet Singh and Khuzaima Tanveer also made their T20I debuts for UAE.

Sandeep Lamichhane was Nepal’s standout bowler, picking up 3-8 in his two overs.

The second match of the series will be played on Tuesday.