Nepal to make most of from Asia Cup debut

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 30:The Nepali men’s national cricket team look to make the most of their debut in the Asia Cup when they play against the world cricket giants Pakistan and India.

Nepal will be playing against senior sides of the World Cup winners Pakistan and India for the first time as they are clubbed in Group A. It is a dream-come-true event for both Nepali players and fans where they will play against the world’s best teams. 

This is the rare opportunity that the associate team Nepal got to play with the cricket powerhouses. Besides, the Asia Cup will be drawing attention from around the globe as it is happening one month before the ODI World Cup. So, the sole purpose of Nepal will be to cash in on the rare but big opportunity of playing against the world’s top batters and bowlers. 

The youth player-dominated Nepal will play their first match against host and Number one ranked Pakistan in Multan on Wednesday. Nepal’s second match against India will be held in Kandy, Sri Lanka on September 4.

Nepal reached Multan after practising for a week in Karachi. Leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane has also joined the team on Tuesday to play in the Asia Cup. Sandeep went to Pakistan only on Monday.

The opening match will be a battle between pace bowling and spin bowlers. Pakistan is recognized as the best pace bowler in the world. Nepal, on the other side, mostly depends on spin bowling led by Lamichhane. 

Nepal’s experience with the pacer had not been good. Nepali batters had struggled with the short balls during the ACC Emerging Cup. So, surviving against the fast bowler will be the main agenda of Nepal in Pakistan. Though upset is possible in cricket, the victory over Pakistan is elusive for Nepal. 

More than a result, Nepal’s main focus must be to dish out the best cricket in the continental tournament. So, thinks Nepal’s skipper Rohit Paudel.  

“Asia Cup is a great opportunity and challenge for us. This time we will play a great game against a good team.”

Paudel said on his social media post that Nepali players are off to embrace challenges, chase dreams and play with passion. 

“Every stroke of the bat, every catch and every moment of the field is a step closer to our goal. With dedication, team spirit and unwavering support, we forge ahead, carrying the hopes of a team, a nation and a legacy. Let’s make this tournament a memorable journey,” Paudel further stated in his post.

More than that, the impressive performance in their baptism of fire would not only boost Nepali players’ confidence but also open the doors of opportunities on big platforms of cricket. 

Playing with star cricketers will level up the confidence of Nepali players and will help in their future performance. In addition, it is also a learning opportunity for Nepali players. 

Dishing out the best and most competitive cricket would also lure big teams to play series, which would ultimately elevate Nepal's cricket.