Nepal vs United Arab Emirates – T20 Warm-up Match Preview

Date: February 3, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM IST (11:30 AM GMT)
Venue: Chennai, India
Series: ICC Men's T20 World Cup Warm-up Matches 2026
Live Score: Nepal vs UAE

Match Preview

As the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, the warm-up matches have become a crucial platform for teams to fine-tune their strategies and test their depth in the squad. One of the key fixtures on February 3, 2026, is the T20 warm-up match between Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at Chennai.

Team Form and Strengths

Nepal, having made significant strides in international cricket over the past decade, remains a strong contender in the associate cricket circuit. Known for their aggressive batting and disciplined bowling, Nepal has consistently posed a challenge to full-member teams. With players like Rohit Poudel, Sudip Thapa, and Bijay Sharma in the fold, they bring a potent batting lineup to the table. Their spinners, particularly Sandesh Jangam and Prajwal Gurung, are expected to play a key role in the middle overs.

United Arab Emirates, on the other hand, have been in good form and are a formidable opponent in the T20 format. The UAE have a well-balanced team with quality all-rounders and a solid middle order. Aayan Afzal Khan and Mohammed Siraj provide the UAE with a dangerous opening and death-overs threat, respectively. The UAE's spin department, led by Abdul Samad and Manpreet Gony, can also be a major asset in the middle overs, especially on turning tracks.

Head-to-Head

In their previous encounters, both teams have shown they are evenly matched. The rivalry has often been tight, with the result often hinging on the final overs. The 2026 warm-up match will be a crucial opportunity for both sides to assess their readiness for the T20 World Cup.

Weather and Pitch Conditions

Chennai typically offers a batting-friendly pitch, with a slight turn and bounce. The weather is expected to be pleasant, with a clear sky and minimal chance of rain. This favors aggressive batting and high-scoring games, making it a perfect setup for a competitive T20 match.

Key Players to Watch

• Rohit Poudel (Nepal): A reliable opener with a calm demeanor under pressure.
• Sudip Thapa (Nepal): A dynamic middle-order batsman who can change the game with his aggressive stroke play.
• Aayan Afzal Khan (UAE): A destructive opener and a key run-scorer for the UAE.
• Mohammed Siraj (UAE): A death-overs specialist and one of the best all-rounders in associate cricket.
• Bijay Sharma (Nepal): A fast bowler with the ability to swing the ball and pick up crucial wickets.

Prediction

Both Nepal and UAE are likely to come into this match with a balanced strategy, aiming to secure a win while also experimenting with their line-up. With the pitch in Chennai expected to be conducive to batting, the match could be decided by the team that executes their game plan more effectively in the final overs.

Given the UAE's recent performances and their ability to chase down targets, they might have a slight edge on paper. However, Nepal's home advantage and strong lower-order batting could tip the scales in their favor.

Prediction: A close contest, with a slight advantage to United Arab Emirates, but Nepal are not to be underestimated.

Conclusion

The Nepal vs UAE warm-up match on February 3, 2026, promises to be an exciting encounter. With both teams vying for a strong start in their T20 World Cup preparations, this match will be a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts. Fans can look forward to a high-scoring, action-packed game with the potential for thrilling twists in the final overs.

Stay tuned for live updates and scorecard on Nepal vs UAE Live Score.
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