Nepal brace for defining League‑2 home tri‑series

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, May 12: With their second‑string side sweeping practice matches against the USA and Scotland, Nepal’s senior men’s team step into their final home series of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 with confidence. 

Nepal sit seventh with 18 points from 24 matches. They need at least eight wins from their remaining 12 fixtures to retain ODI status, and 10 victories to secure direct qualification for the ODI World Cup Qualifier. 

Four of those games will be against the USA and Scotland, who lead the table with 36 and 34 points respectively. The double‑header tri‑series against the USA and Scotland begins on 12 May at TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur.

The hosts are eyeing four wins out of four to climb the standings. Gulshan Jha, who claimed fifer against the Oman, said Nepal aims to earn eight points. 

Unlike UAE and Oman, whom Nepal recently defeated, both the USA and Scotland boast depth and experience. Nepal earned six points last week by beating UAE twice and Oman once, but sterner tests now await.

Memories of their remarkable 2023 comeback, winning 11 of 12 matches to secure ODI status and a World Cup Qualifier berth, fuel belief. 

Captain Rohit Paudel believed that Nepal, who have been performing better under the pressure, will summon the spirit of their remarkable comeback. 

With ODI status and World Cup dreams at stake, this tri‑series is more than just another home assignment; it is a defining test of Nepal’s cricketing future.

Nepal’s record against these opponents is mixed. Against the USA, they have won four and lost six, with one tie. Notably, Nepal bowled out the USA for 35 in Kirtipur in 2020. At home, Nepal have won both meetings. 

Against Scotland, Nepal have won five and lost four, including two home victories. 

However, in recent away series, Nepal lost twice to the USA and once to Scotland. At TU Cricket Ground, Nepal hold the upper hand, winning all encounters.

Though home advantage inspires confidence, Nepal’s batting demands discipline. Openers Asif Sheikh and Kushal Bhurtel have struggled, forcing changes at the top. 

Asif’s fluent 94 against Oman was a welcome return, while Binod Bhandari’s half‑century against UAE keeps him in contention. Youngster Arjun Kumal showed promise with 48 against Oman, and Dipendra Singh Airee remains the most reliable batter. Skipper Rohit Paudel and Bhim Sharki are yet to find rhythm.

The inclusion of left‑hander Ishan Pandey, replacing Basir Ahmed, is expected to bolster the middle order. 

Pandey, who debuted in T20Is in 2019 but never played ODIs, has earned his call‑up after consistent Nepal A performances. For Nepal to emulate past streaks, at least two of the top four must deliver consistently.

In bowling, Sandeep Lamichhane continues to be the main spin threat, supported by Airee. Underperforming Lalit Rajbanshi needs to step up. 

Pacers Sompal Kami, Karan KC and Nandan Yadav have chipped in with crucial spells, but against the USA and Scotland, Nepal will need collective performances rather than relying on one or two match‑winners.

Nepal open the series against Scotland on Tuesday, with the stakes higher than ever.

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