Kathmandu: Rain interrupted the opening match of the two-game bilateral T20I series between Nepal and UAE at the TU Cricket Stadium, with Nepal at 122-8 in 18.5 overs.

Nepal captain Dipendra Singh Airee was unbeaten on 38, alongside Sandeep Lamichhane on 2, when a sudden downpour halted play during the first international fixture held under floodlights at the venue.

Opting to bat first, Nepal got off to a shaky start, losing wickets at regular intervals. Openers Arjun Saud (13) and Kushal Bhurtel (16), along with Sundeep Jora (6), fell early as the hosts slumped to 40-3.

Leading the side for the first time, Airee steadied the innings from No. 5, striking two boundaries before rain stopped play.

Bashir Ahmad contributed 14 off 11 balls, while Nandan Yadav added a quickfire 13 off 7 deliveries, including two sixes.