Nepal make promising start

Nepal recovered from a ropey start to their latest match in the ICC Intercontinental Cup, to reach 246 for 5 at the close of a rain-delayed first day. Nepal, who drew their opening fixture with Hong Kong, were indebted to a solid innings from Sharad Vesawkar, who was 73 not out at the close, having faced 117 balls, with six fours.

Vesawkar added 106 for the fourth wicket with Shakti Gauchan, who himself made 68 before being caught by Asghar Ali off the bowling of Usman Saleem. Gauchan and Kanishka Chaugai (47) had earlier rescued Nepal from a wobbly 19 for 2, with a 65-run stand.

The gloss was taken off Nepal's performance slightly when Mahaboob Alam fell to the final ball of the day. He was trapped lbw by Zahid Shah who, with 2 for 45, was UAE's most successful bowler.