The National cricket team of Nepal is back on the field as they gear up for the desert challenge against the United Arab Emirates from January 25 – February 2.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is hosting six International matches in two formats of the game, one after another.
The series kicks off with the three One Day International(ODI), followed by T20Is with the same number of matches.
This is the second ODI series for Nepal after attaining ODI status in 2018. They played the first two -match ODI series against the Netherlands in the Netherlands.
As you may recall, Nepal made a roaring start to the ODI series,making history. Despite losing the opener, they won the second match to square the series. It was a historical outcome and the result of a tremendous team effort.
Nepal will require a true team performance, coupled with consistent individual contributions to overcome the challenge against the UAE,
Sustaining success is very important, hence,it is going to be a very big challenge for Team Nepal. The key is to not lose focus and confidence, and it is imperative that they maintain positive momentum going into the series.
Definitely,the series offer cricketers another testing opportunity to showcase their talents.They must step out to prove themselves and doubters wrong.They have to play their hearts out in every match and take advantage of chance to play.
Looking at Team Nepal’s roaster, it is a blend of experience and raw talent packed with all rounders. By and large, it is an all-round side.
Four new faces, Bhim Sharki, Avinash Bohara, Sundeep Jora and Pawan Sarraf are in the squad.
As always, skipper Paras Khadka carries a big amount of responsibilities on his shoulders. His form will be key to the team’s success.He has to be at the top of his game and lead by example.
Besides,experienced players in the likes of Gyanendra Malla,Dipendra Singh Airee, Basant Regmi,Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Binod Bhandari,Sandeep Lamichhane and Aarif Sheikh cannot afford to become complacent and mediocre.
It is obvious that their performance will play a huge part in the success of the team ultimately. In a nutshell, a concerted team effort is indispensable for success.
Spinner Sandeep Lamichhane is the trump card of the Nepali squad.Since he donned the national colors,he has become the heart and soul of the team’s bowling.
The team is pinning high hopes on the youngster who has been bowling outstandingly well lately. Considering his form and consistency, he is expected to deliver the goods.
If there is a real concern, it is the batting,which has been Nepal’s biggest weakness.The batting line-up has been brittle and inconsistent over the years.
The batting has to improve dramatically if Nepal hopes to gain the upper hand in the series against the UAE. The veteran duo of skipper Khadka and his deputy Gyanendra Malla batting form will be crucial for the team.
Likewise, upcoming batsmen Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Binod Bhandari and Rohit Kumar Paudel have to make an impact.
They must show marked improvement in their batting performance and make their presence felt.
The bowling, a combination of spin and pace, is Nepal’s strength, no doubt. Frontline bowlers Sandeep Lamichhane, Sompal Kami,Karan KC, Basant Regmi,Lalit Rajbanshi and Captain Khadka have to be at their very best to get the desired result.
The UAE does have a slight edge over Nepal because of home advantage and their experience.
However,they are without some key players who are serving an eight- week suspension from international cricket for violating the player’s code of conduct.
Having clashed many times on the pitch competitively in the past, both teams are very familiar with each other.
The series is wide open, and if Nepal can put together a solid and consistent performance, they stand a good chance of prevailing.
