Aasif Sheikh Scores Century for Nepal
Nepal opener Aasif Sheikh produced an impressive batting performance in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup final against the United Arab Emirates at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. Sheikh scored a valuable 102 runs from 104 balls, helping Nepal build a strong total in the final.
Sheikh played an attacking but controlled innings, hitting eight fours and four sixes. He opened the innings alongside Arjun Kumal, who contributed 43 runs. The pair gave Nepal an excellent start, putting together a 93-run partnership for the first wicket before Kumal was dismissed.
After losing his opening partner, Sheikh continued to bat confidently and kept the Nepal innings moving. He reached his century in the 36th over, completing his first hundred of the 2026 Premier Cup. His innings provided Nepal with a strong foundation as the team looked to post a competitive total.
Nepal reached 210/3 after 38 overs, with 12 overs still remaining in their 50-over innings. Rohit Paudel and Gulsan Jha were at the crease as Nepal looked to add more runs during the final stages of the innings.
Sheikh’s century was particularly important after his disappointing performance in the semi-final against Oman, where he scored only 11 runs. Nepal nevertheless won that match comfortably by 87 runs after being bowled out for 147 and then dismissing Oman for just 60.
The century marked Sheikh’s first hundred of the 2026 Premier Cup. He was eventually dismissed for 102 by Haider Ali in the 36th over, ending an important innings for Nepal in the final.
Sheikh has been an important member of Nepal’s international cricket team since making his debut in April 2021. He has represented Nepal in 75 ODIs and 76 T20Is, establishing himself as one of the team’s experienced opening batters.
Nepal had enjoyed a strong campaign before reaching the final. They won all their Group A matches against Bahrain, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, before defeating Oman in the semi-final.
With Sheikh providing a strong start in the final, Nepal gained valuable momentum against the UAE. His century gave the team an important platform as they looked to finish the tournament with the Premier Cup title.