Watch: In scenes reminiscent of the RCB-LSG clash in the IPL, the aftermath of the Nepal-UAE game in the ACC Premier Cup final descended into chaos due to an altercation in the post-match handshakes.

Virat Kohli, Naveen-ul-Haq and Gautam Gambhir made headlines after becoming involved in a fracas after RCB’s tense, low-scoring victory yesterday. There was little drama in the Nepal-UAE game itself, with Nepal cruising to a seven-wicket win with nearly 20 overs to spare. UAE were bowled out for 117, with Lalit Rajbanshi taking four wickets, and though Nepal fell to 22-3 in response, an unbeaten half-century from 17-year-old Gulsan Jha guided them home.

The match was paused overnight due to rain, with the reserve day used to allow the game to reach a finish.

The victory not only gave Nepal the trophy, but also confirmed their place in this year’s Asia Cup, in a group alongside India and Pakistan. This is not the first high-stakes game Nepal have beaten UAE in recently – in Cricket World Cup League 2, Nepal overcame some DLS drama and perceived time-wasting by UAE to secure their place at the Cricket World Cup Qualifier. UAE were forced to enter the six-team playoff, which they managed to negotiate to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

The teams have history, and perhaps this boiled over as the game came to an end. When Nepal opener Aasif Sheikh and UAE all-rounder Rohan Mustafa shook hands, there was a flashpoint, with Sheikh pointing his finger angrily at Mustafa as he was pushed away. Sheikh had to be dragged away by a teammate, and Mustafa by one of the umpires, as a huddle formed in the centre. The two could then be seen having an intense, though more good-natured chat, with Sheikh repeatedly slapping Mustafa on the chest.

The Asia Cup will take place in September.

Watch the Nepal-UAE post-match drama below:

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