Nepal Qualify For Asia Cup 2027 After Winning Premier Cup Final

September 12, 2026

Kuala Lumpur: Nepal have earned their place in the 2027 ODI Asia Cup after winning the ACC Men’s Premier Cup on Saturday in Kuala Lumpur.

Nepal defeated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 44 runs to win the Premier Cup for the second time, with opener Aasif Sheikh starring with a century before the bowlers backed him to register a comfortable victory.

This will be Nepal’s second appearance in the Asia Cup after they also featured in the 2023 ODI Asia Cup. The 2027 edition of the tournament is scheduled to take place in Bangladesh in the middle of 2027. The Premier Cup winners are guaranteed a place in the Asia Cup.

Aasif Sheikh Leads Nepal To 313/9

Nepal posted a strong total of 313/9 in their 50 overs against the UAE in the final. Aasif was the star with the bat, scoring 102 off 106 balls, with his innings featuring eight fours and four sixes.

Nepal made a strong start as Aasif and Arjun Kumal put together 97 runs for the opening wicket before Kumal was run out for 43.

Aasif then added another strong 68-run partnership for the third wicket with Rohit Paudel after Ishan Pandey was dismissed for just 13. Paudel contributed an impressive 40.

Gulsan Jha played a blistering knock of 52 off 38 balls, providing the fireworks needed to set a strong target. He smashed four sixes and three fours.

Basir Ahamad provided the final touches with a four-ball 15 to push Nepal’s total beyond 300.

UAE Fightback Falls Short

In reply, the UAE lost early wickets in a heap and were reduced to 56/3 in 8.3 overs.

Rahul Chopra smashed an unbeaten century, while Sohaib Khan and opener Tanish Suri both scored 52. Captain Harpreet Singh contributed 33, but the UAE lacked enough big partnerships and major contributions to chase down the target.

Karan KC Stars With Ball

Karan KC was the pick of Nepal’s bowlers, claiming three wickets for 49 runs in his nine overs.

Lalit Rajbanshi picked up two wickets, while Sandeep Lamichhane, Dipendra Singh Airee, Paudel, Jha and Ahamad took one wicket each as Nepal completed a strong 44-run victory.

With the Premier Cup triumph, Nepal have secured their place in the 2027 ODI Asia Cup.