A Moment Of Pride

Nepali cricketers have once again made a feat for the nation and their countrymen. On Tuesday, they defeated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by seven wickets and got qualified for Men’s Asia Cup 2023. It was a display of brilliance and confidence of Nepali cricketers. Now Nepal joins India and Pakistan in Group A and will play the Asian level match against them in Pakistan this September. The Group B includes Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. It is a big leap for the country’s sporting sector. Nepali lads will rub shoulders with the players of Asian giants. This will not only provide global exposure to Nepali cricketers but also enhance their skills, sportsmanship and potential against the established teams. The Asian game will also provide a platform for the players to showcase their talent before the international cricket leagues. In 2002, Nepal had, for the first time, registered its berth in Asia Cup but Nepal’s long dream to play the coveted match could not be realised because of India-Pakistan conflict. The proud status has been reclaimed after 21 years. 

The credit for spectacular growth of Nepali cricket goes to the players’ commitment, team spirit and discipline as well as the successful guidance of their coach, and the encouragement from passionate fans. The government’s continuous cooperation and fiscal incentives were also crucial for Nepali cricketers to rise and shine on the field. Nepal-UAE clash for the ACC Men’s Premier Cup at TU Cricket Ground was memorable. The UAE had made 117 runs in the 30.3 overs.  This was not a big challenge for Nepali boys though they had managed only 22/3 in the eight over. Nepali side turned the table when left-hand batter Gulshan Jha entered the pitch. He hit 67 runs and also put on a 96-run partnership with Bhim Sharki for the fourth wicket.  Jha cracked three boundaries and six maximums while Sharki scored 36 with four boundaries while facing 72 balls. 

Head coach Monty Desai, players and other staff are elated over the feat of the Nepali cricket tea. Many are showering praise on Desai for enabling Nepal to clinch nonstop big wins. Nepal had already secured a berth for the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers "All 10 countries came to Nepal with a dream of winning the title. We have done well against associate nations," he said.  Sandeep Lamichhane, who was declared the player of the series for his 13 wickets in the match, said that all the players completed their roles perfectly. As the 10-team tournament kicked off, it was also raining on and off but Nepal defied all odds to be the only unbeaten group. Nepal first rolled Malaysia over by six wickets. Then, it booked second victory in a row by thrashing Oman by 84 runs. It beat Qatar with 68 runs to top the Group. The matches with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait could not take place due to downpours. 

The accomplishment of Nepali cricketers make Nepalis hold their head high. Recognising their contribution, a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday decided to give Nepali National Team's cricketers Rs. 6 lakhs each and Rs. 3 lakhs each to the team's other officials. Meanwhile, President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda have congratulated the Nepali cricket team.  President Paudel stated that Nepali cricketers have competence, patience, dedication and discipline at the time of the game. PM Prachanda has expressed his commitment to encourage and reward the cricket team more on behalf of the government.