Nepali squad for Top End T20 Series named

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Aug. 6: The Cricket Association of Nepal has announced a 16-member national squad for the upcoming Top End T20 Series, set to take place in Darwin, Australia from 14 to 24 August.

All-rounder Kushal Malla returns to the side after missing out on the recent Scotland tour. As usual Rohit Paudel will lead the team, with Dipendra Singh Airee serving as vice-captain. The squad also features Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Gulshan Jha, Arif Sheikh, Bhim Sharki, Rupesh Kumar Singh, Sompal Kami, Nandan Kumar Yadav, Karan KC, Rijan Dhakal, Lokesh Bam and Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi. Nepal is scheduled to play six matches in the league stage of the 11-team competition. They will start the campaign by taking on Northern Territory Strike on 15 August. 

The tournament features a diverse line-up, including Pakistan Shaheens (Pakistan ‘A’), Bangladesh ‘A’, Chicago Kingsmen (USA), five Big Bash League academy sides—Hobart Hurricanes, Perth Scorchers, Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Stars, Melbourne Renegades—as well as ACT Comets and the local NT Strike.

The top four teams from the league stage will progress to the semi-finals, followed by the final. Should Nepal reach the final, the team will play a total of eight matches. The previous edition in 2023 featured just five teams; this year’s expanded format marks a significant growth in participation.

Nepal is using the Top End T20 Series as preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup Asia and East Asia-Pacific Qualifiers, scheduled for October. Additionally, the national side is set to play a historic T20I series against the West Indies in September.