After the closely contested ODI series, the Nepal tour of United Arab Emirates 2019 will now switch to the shortest format. The first T20I between UAE and Nepal will be played at the ICC academy ground in Dubai on Thursday, January 31, 2019.

Live updates:

Nepal won the toss and elected to field

The match will begin at 2:30 PM IST, 1:00 PM Local, 9:00 AM GMT.

This will be the first time that these two sides will play in a T20I. All the three T20Is of this series will be played at the same venue. These matches will be a great opportunity for UAE to bounce back after losing the ODI series 2-1 on their home soil.

The Emirates Cricket Board will provide live streaming of UAE v Nepal 1st T20I on their website and other online platforms. Viewers can tune into the official website to watch the match live.

Read: Star Sports live streaming Ind vs NZ 4th ODI: 5 things to know

UAE look for a turn-around

UAE captain Rohan Mustafa's absence in the side have played a part in their poor performances recently.

Their batting heavily depends on Shaiman Anwar because of his experience and ability to dominate the bowlers.

Stand-in skipper Mohammad Naveed will have to do the bulk of the bowling and take responsibility on his shoulders if UAE wishes to win this series. Imran Haider and Amir Hayat will play key roles with the ball as well.

Strong Nepal side seek continued domination

Nepal's recent record in T20Is is not impressive at all, but they would take heart from the fact that they have beaten the UAE side away from home. Their captain Paras Khadka has been the pillar of the side and his match-winning century sealed the ODI series for them.

Sandeep Lamichhane has gained some quality experience after his stint at the Big Bash League 2018-19 and will possess a major threat to the opposition.

They have a pretty settled line-up with youth and experience, so Nepal would feel that they have some chance to win this match. Sonal Kami is another bowler whom the hosts will have to tackle.

The weather in Dubai will stay clear without any rain. The forecast suggests a rather hot day for the players, but the temperatures won't be intolerant. Considering the scores of the 50 overs games recently, one might say this pitch is capable of producing a good game of cricket where the swing is not in favour of either bowling and batting.

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