Kathmandu, May 4 -- Visiting cricket teams arriving in Nepal often prepare themselves for one thing above all else-a deafening crowd that rarely cheers for anyone but the hosts.

For years, the TU International Cricket Ground has been synonymous with packed grassy banks, flags and relentless noise, turning Nepal's supporters into the team's unofficial 12th man.

But during Nepal's crucial ICC CWC League-2 matches, against the UAE and Oman, something felt unusual: the noise was missing.

The UAE, considered Nepal's biggest cricket rivals, have played 11 matches-six ODIs and three T20Is-at TU Ground. Overall, the two teams have played 32 matches across both formats since 2018.

The Emiratis have witnessed some dominating moments from the Ne...