Nepal won ACC Premier league to qualify for Asia Cup 2023.
Pakistan Dominates Nepal with a Resounding 238-Run Victory in Asia Cup Opener.
Nepal Playing XI : Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh(w), Rohit Paudel(c), Bhim Sharki, Sompal Kami, Gulsan Jha, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Malla, Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan KC, Lalit Rajbanshi
Nepal vs India Asia Cup 2023 Match 5
Nepal displayed remarkable resilience with the bat after being asked to bat first, ultimately setting a challenging target of 230 before losing all their wickets. India’s troubles were exacerbated by their fielding lapses, with numerous missed catches and easy fielding opportunities slipping through their fingers. These missed chances could potentially haunt Rohit Sharma and his team later in the match.
Nepal initiated the innings on a strong note as openers Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh combined to put up 65 runs for the first wicket. However, Shardul Thakur dismissed Bhurtel for 38 runs off 25 balls, breaking the partnership. Shortly after Bhurtel’s departure, Ravindra Jadeja joined the action and spearheaded India’s comeback. Jadeja claimed three crucial wickets, while Mohammed Siraj contributed with three more dismissals.
Aasif emerged as the standout batsman for Nepal, etching his name in history as the first Nepali player to score a half-century against India. He notched up 58 runs off 97 balls before falling to Siraj in the 30th over. Sompal Kami also demonstrated commendable intent, adding 48 runs off 56 balls to Nepal’s total before succumbing to Mohammad Shami in the 47th over.
Both India and Nepal find themselves in a do-or-die situation, knowing that defeat would mean an early exit from the competition. Pakistan has already secured a spot in the Super 4 with 3 points, while India currently occupies the second position with 1 point, and Nepal has yet to open their account in the tournament.
Nepal vs Pakistan: Asia Cup 2023 Match 1
In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, Pakistan left Nepal in awe as they crushed them with an imposing 238-run margin in the opening match of the Asia Cup on Wednesday. The Multan Cricket Stadium bore witness to an exceptional performance that saw Pakistan posting an imposing total of 342 for 6 after opting to bat first. This impressive total was built upon a foundation of Babar Azam’s brilliant 151 and Iftikhar Ahmed’s unbeaten 109, with the duo combining to forge a monumental 214-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Despite a few early setbacks in the powerplay, Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan endeavored to stabilize the innings. However, Rizwan’s valiant effort was cut short at 44 runs, falling victim to a pinpoint direct hit by Nepal’s Dipendra Airee. Thereafter, Babar and Iftikhar took control of the game, orchestrating a shift in momentum after the 30-over mark. The two unleashed an explosive onslaught on the Nepal bowling attack, showing no mercy.
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain, not only notched up his 19th century but also reached the significant milestone of 150 runs in the match. On the other hand, Iftikhar Ahmed showcased remarkable composure as he secured his maiden century, remaining unbeaten.
By the conclusion of their allotted 50 overs, Pakistan had amassed a formidable total of 342 runs while losing four wickets in the process. The monumental score seemed insurmountable for Nepal as they embarked on their batting innings.
Pakistan’s bowlers, spearheaded by the fiery Shaheen Shah Afridi, along with Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Nawaz, displayed an exceptional exhibition of their bowling prowess. Their relentless assault made it an uphill battle for the Nepal batters to stand their ground, resulting in a procession of wickets.
Nepal, trying to delay the inevitable, saw Aarif Sheikh scoring 26 and Sompal Kami contributing 28 runs. However, they could only manage to stretch the innings to 23.4 overs before being bundled out for a mere 104 runs. Pakistan’s bowling maestro, Shadab Khan, emerged as the standout performer, scalping four crucial wickets. Meanwhile, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf contributed with two wickets each, while Naseem Shah and Mohammad Nawaz claimed one wicket apiece.
With this dominant display, Pakistan clinched victory by an emphatic margin of 238 runs over Nepal. The comprehensive win underscored Pakistan’s supremacy on the cricketing stage.
As anticipation builds, all eyes are set on the upcoming clash between arch-rivals Pakistan and India scheduled for September 2nd, promising an enthralling showdown in the Asia Cup.
Nepal’s Remarkable Ascent: From the Foothills to the Asia Cup 2023
In an inspiring cricketing journey, Nepal’s national team has rapidly evolved from being regarded as minnows in the cricketing world to becoming one of the top Associate teams globally. Over the past few years, their perseverance and dedication have paid off, propelling them to achieve remarkable milestones. One such achievement was their historic qualification for the 2014 ICC World Twenty20, making them the first Associate team to earn a spot in the prestigious tournament and leaving a lasting impression by triumphing over formidable opponents like Hong Kong and Afghanistan.
Nepal’s progress has been consistent since then, securing victories in the ACC Premier League twice and earning qualification to the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier on two occasions. However, 2023 marks a pinnacle moment in Nepal’s cricketing odyssey as they secured their place in the prestigious Asia Cup for the very first time, signaling a significant leap in their cricketing development.
The path to the Asia Cup was no cakewalk for Nepal. They navigated through a grueling qualifying tournament, the ACC Premier Cup, where they had to clinch victory in all their games to secure a spot in the Asia Cup. Impressively, they achieved this feat in style, winning each of their matches by a margin of at least 50 runs.
Dipendra Airee emerged as a vital contributor to Nepal’s success. This top-order batsman is known for his aggressive style, amassing 305 runs in the ACC Premier Cup, including two centuries. Another indispensable asset to the team is Sandeep Lamichhane, a leg-spinner acclaimed as one of the world’s finest bowlers in his age group. Lamichhane’s exceptional performance saw him claim 12 wickets in the ACC Premier Cup, further solidifying his role as a linchpin for Nepal in the upcoming Asia Cup.
Although they face formidable competition in the Asia Cup, Nepal approaches the tournament with confidence. Armed with a talented squad and a commendable track record in recent years, they aspire to make a lasting impression on the international cricketing stage, reinforcing their status as a formidable force.
Challenges Confronting Nepal Cricket
Despite Nepal’s remarkable progress in cricket, the sport faces several formidable challenges within the nation. Notably, the dearth of international-standard cricket grounds stands as a prominent obstacle. Nepal struggles to provide its team with suitable training and playing facilities due to the insufficient availability of grounds that meet international standards, posing a hindrance to their development.
Financial constraints pose another significant challenge. The Nepal cricket team receives limited financial support from the government, which hinders their ability to compete in international tournaments. The team requires funds for various expenditures, including travel expenses, accommodations, and other essentials.
Moreover, the lack of media coverage further compounds the challenges facing Nepal cricket. Limited media attention means less exposure and difficulty in attracting sponsors, as the sport struggles to gain recognition in the eyes of the public and potential investors.
However, Nepal cricket is undeterred by these challenges and continues to progress steadily. The team’s improving performance has begun to draw attention from the global cricketing community, offering hope for a brighter future.
The Road Ahead for Nepal Cricket
Nepal’s cricketing future shines brightly, fueled by a pool of talented players who are continually honing their skills. With sustained investment and support, Nepal cricket can establish itself as a dominant force on the world stage.
Their qualification for the Asia Cup signifies a significant milestone in their journey, highlighting their dedication and determination. Nepal aims to leave an indelible mark on the tournament and build on this success in the years to come.
To overcome the challenges they face, Nepal cricket can pursue the following strategies:
- Increased Government Investment: The government can allocate more funds to Nepal cricket, facilitating infrastructure development and providing essential resources to the team.
- Private Sector Engagement: Encouraging private sector investment in Nepal cricket can help raise funds and sponsorships, further supporting the team’s growth and development.
- Enhanced Media Coverage: Greater media coverage will provide the team with increased exposure, attract sponsors, and cultivate a broader fan base, boosting the financial stability of Nepal cricket.
With unwavering dedication and collaborative efforts from all stakeholders, Nepal cricket is poised for a future brimming with promise and potential.
Must Read: India’s Squad for CWC2023, Asia Cup 2023 Schedule
