Ex-RCB Player Shines for UAE on International Debut

Nepal and UAE clashed against each other in the first match of the two-match T20I series in Kirtipur. Asked to bat first, Nepal put up 122 runs on the scoreboard in 18.5 overs, thanks to Dipendra Singh Airee's unbeaten 32-run knock.

The innings was interrupted because of rain as the full 20-over quota wasn't completed. The game was then reduced, leaving the UAE with a revised target of 78 in 10 overs. The visitors got over the line with six wickets in hand, finishing things off with a late cameo from the debutant Akshdeep Nath.

Akshdeep Nath UAE Debut Becomes Memorable

Before this Nepal vs UAE T20 match, all the eyes were on Akshdeep Nath, the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter, who recently decided to play for the UAE. Making his T20I debut, the 32-year-old walked in during the latter half of the chase. With the required rate already under control but a couple of wickets falling, Nath ensured that the team got past the finish line during the NEP vs UAE 1st T20I.

The right-hander remained unbeaten on 17 runs off just eight deliveries, including two sixes, and finished the game in style. The cameo came at the perfect moment as his calm approach and clean hitting helped the team reach the target in 8.5 overs (DLS), sealing a convincing six-wicket win and a 1-0 lead in the series. This knock made Akshdeep Nath international debut a sweet one.

Akshdeep Nath's Inspiring Journey

Akshdeep Nath's cricket journey has been very interesting. He was a part of India's U-19 World Cup-winning squad in 2012 and went on to become a dependable performer in domestic cricket for Uttar Pradesh, mainly in the limited-overs format.

While talking about his IPL career, the batter featured in just 14 matches, scoring 90 runs. It also includes a stint with RCB, the team with the most fan base in IPL in 2019. Batting most of the time in the middle order, he didn't get many chances to shine and finished with modest returns, which eventually saw him move out of the league.

Knowing that the competition is tough in India, Nath decided to move to the UAE in order to pursue his dreams of playing international cricket. With the UAE competing against some of the best cricket teams in the world in several ICC events, it presents Nath an excellent opportunity to showcase his talent at the highest level.