Kathmandu: Nepal claimed the ACC Premier Cup title, defeating the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 44 runs in the final on Saturday to secure a berth in ACC Men’s Asia Cup at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Klang, Malaysia.

Opting to bat, opener Aasif Sheikh slammed a magnificent century as Nepal posted a challenging total of 313-9 in their 50 overs and restricted the UAE to 269 in 49.1 overs.

The victory in the final assures Nepal a place in next year’s ACC Asia Cup in Bangladesh alongside the ICC full members of Asia—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka—in the 50-over format, following their maiden appearance in 2023.

It was also Nepal’s highest total against the UAE, surpassing their previous best of 289 runs, scored in May during a WCL 2 game at the Kirtipur Stadium in Nepal.

Aasif slammed a 106-ball 103, laced with eight boundaries and four towering sixes, to score his second ODI century. Khuzaima Tanvir had him caught by Tanish Suri.

Aasif also shared a 97-run opening stand with Arjun Kumal to create a solid base for Nepal. Arjun contributed 43 off 63 balls, including four boundaries. Middle-order batsman Gulsan Jha made a remarkable contribution of 52 off 38 balls, studded with three fours and four sixes.

Former captain Rohit Paudel scored 40 off 44 balls, including two boundaries. Dipendra Singh Airee (18) and Ishan Pandey (13) also contributed for Nepal, while Basir Ahamad remained unbeaten on 15.

Ibrar Ahmad was the pick of the UAE bowling attack, claiming 4-62 in his eight-over spell. Khuzaima Tanvir claimed two wickets.

In the run chase, UAE middle-order batsman Rahul Chopra scored an unbeaten century. He scored exactly 100 off 105 balls, laced with three boundaries and four sixes.

Sohaib Khan also made a significant contribution of 52 off 57 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes.

Opener Tanish Suri (42 off 28) and captain Harpreet Singh (33 off 41) were the other UAE batsmen to make meaningful contributions.

Nepal’s veteran medium pacer Karan KC grabbed 3-49 in his nine-over spell. Spinner Lalit Rajbanshi claimed 2-43 in his 10-over spell. Captain Sandeep Lamichhane, Dipendra Singh Airee, Rohit Paudel, Gulsan Jha and Basir Ahamad shared a wicket each.