By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – Cricket Association of Nepal has announced a 14-member national team for Nepal’s ICC World Cup League 2 series against Scotland and Namibia. CAN has included left-handed spinner Bashir Ahmad for the first time in the national squad for the matches recognized by the ICC.
Ahmad had also represented Nepal during its T20 series against Zimbabwe A around two months ago but it was just practice matches and therefore will be included in the national team for the first time.
Another player called for the series includes Pawan Sharaff. Spinner Sagar Dhakal, Sushan Bhari and Sunil Dhamala, who are currently in the Nepali squad that is in the US tour, have been dropped for the upcoming triangular series. All other players in the current squad have been selected for the next major event.
Ahmad was adjudged the player of the series during the Pro Club Championship held in Bhairahawa about two months ago. His all-round performance helped Rupandehi Xi lift the title. Rupandehi had defeated Malaysia’s senior team in the final by 7 wickets.
Ahmed had scored 119 runs in 5 matches during the tournament and had also grabbed 10 wickets. He had also performed quite well in the Asia Cup representing Nepal’s U-19 team. He also played a vital role in making Lumbini the national champions.
Nepal will have to play all the remaining matches in the League-2 in order to directly qualify for the upcoming ODI World Cup and to give continuity to its ODI status. So far, Nepal has secured 7 wins, 8 losses and one draw from 16 matches in the League. Nepal has collected 15 points and is fifth in the standings.
Nepal will play two ODI matches in Canada ahead of the League 2 series.
Nepali squad:
Sandeep Lamichhane (captain), Rohit Poudel (vice captain), Aasif Sheikh (wicketkeeper), Kushal Bhurtel, Dev Khanal, Dipendra Singh Airee, Aarif Sheikh, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Aadil Ansari, Kishor Mahato, Pawan Sharaff and Binod Bhandari.
Practice match
July 4 – Nepal vs Canada 1st ODI match
July 5 – Nepal vs Canada 2nd ODI match
Scotland Tour Fixtures
July 11- Nepal vs Namibia
July 13 – Nepal Vs Scotland
July 16 – Nepal vs Namibia
July 17 – Nepal vs Scotland
