There is a high chance of Nepal vs UAE in the semifinal of ACC Premier Cup 2023 as both teams qualified for the semifinals. In this article, we will see the probability of how Nepal may face UAE in the semi-finals of the ACC Men’s Premier Cup.
There are a total of 2 groups in the ACC Premier Cup 2023 where each group consists of 5 teams. Nepal is in Group A whereas UAE is in Group B. By the format of this tournament each team will play a total of 4 league games and the top 2 teams from each group will be promoted to the semifinals. The top team of one group will play with the 2nd team of another group in the semifinals.
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Also, Read: Nepal vs Qatar in ACC Premier Cup 2023
Understanding the Fixture for the Semifinals
Looking at the current points table and analyzing the performance of the team it is likely that Nepal will face UAE in the semifinals.
UAE has already played all four matches and is currently at top of the Group B with 6 points. But, Hong Kong who is number 2 in the points table with 5 points have played only 3 matches and have their last match on 27th April with Kuwait. If Hong Kong defeated Kuwait Hong Kong will place themself at the top of the points table with 7 points from 4 games. But if Hong Kong lost the match then UAE will be at the top of the table and Kuwait will qualify for the semifinal.
On the other hand, Nepal is at the 2nd in the points table with 5 points in 3 games. Nepal has 1 last match to play on April 27 against Qatar. If Nepal will be able to defeat Qatar in this match then they will be reached the top of Group A with 7 Points. But if they lost the match they will qualify for the semifinals being in the 2nd of the points table.
What will happen if Matches Washed Out?
This is another factor to address that will decide the points table and also decide if Nepal vs UAE in the semifinal of ACC Premier Cup 2023 will take place or not.
We can assume 3 scenarios in this case. One is only a match of Nepal vs Qatar will be washed out. Another is only the match of Hong Kong vs Qatar will be washed out. And the final one is both the game will be washed out.
Looking at the first scenario, if the match of Nepal vs Qatar got affected by rain and if the points have to be divided then Nepal will progress to the top of the table with 6 points as the Net-Run-Rate of Nepal is higher than Oman. Now in the other game of Hong Kong vs Qatar, if Hong Kong wins the match then Nepal will have to face UAE in the semifinals. If Hong Kong lost the match then Nepal will face Kuwait.
In 2nd scenario, if the match of Hong Kong vs Kuwait got canceled then Hong Kong will remain in the 2nd place with 6 points and UAE will be at the top of the table due to a higher Net-Run-Rate. Now if Nepal lost the match against Qatar they will be in the 2nd place of Group A with 5 points and will have to play against UAE in the semifinals but if Nepal won the match then they will have to play against Hong Kong.
Now in 3rd scenario, if both matches got washed out then Nepal will progress to the top of the table as mentioned in the 1st scenario and Hong Kong will remain in the 2nd position as mentioned in 2nd scenario. So Nepal will have to play against Hong Kong if both matches got canceled.
Possibility of Nepal vs UAE in the semifinal of ACC Premier Cup 2023?
If Hong Kong won the match against Kuwait then UAE will be in the 2nd place and in the other game Nepal if Nepal also won the match against Qatar then Nepal will meet UAE in the semifinal. This is likely to happen as both Nepal and Hong Kong have an edge to win the match against Kuwait and Qatar.
There is another possibility also of how Nepal vs UAE may occur in the semifinals. If both Hong Kong and Nepal lost their last match then UAE will be at the top of Group B and Nepal will be in 2nd place in Group A. In this way also Nepal vs UAE in the semifinals of ACC Premier Cup 2023 may happen.
