By a Staff Reporter
Nepal National Cricket team will face Namibia in the ICC World Cup League-2 Tri-Series in Scotland today. The game will begin at 3:15 PM NST in Cambusdoon New Ground in Ayr.
Nepal, facing Namibia for the first time in an ODI and aims to mark a winning start in Scotland. Nepali batters have to take their share of responsibility to the fullest if the team is to get anything against a strong Namibia side.
Nepal’s performance in the practice match could not meet expectations. In the second practice match against Canada, Nepal was all out for just 105 runs chasing a modest target of 189. Lack of responsibility in batting was the main reason in the defeat.
Asif Sheikh and Kushal Bhurtel will open the innings with Dev Khanal, struggling Dipendra Singh Airee and in form Rohit Paudel to follow. Two amongst Aadil Ansari, Binod Bhandari and Arif Sheikh are expected to strengthen the middle order. Sompal Kami and Karan KC will continue to lead the pace attack.
Kishore Mahato is likely to make his ODI debut. Captain Sandeep Lamichhane will be the lone spinner. Sandeep’s performance will be very important for Nepal.
Nepal is in the fifth position in the World Cup League 2 with 15 points that includes 7 wins and 8 losses in the last 16 matches. Nepal must finish in top three in order to play in World Cup Global selection. Also, to secure ODI status for another cycle, Nepal should sit inside top 5.
With the current performance of Nepal, both seems to be difficult. Scotland and Namibia are the strongest side of the present associate. It will be difficult for Nepal to adapt to its environment. Most of the players are playing in Scotland for the first time.
Nepal will have to face Namibia’s fast bowlers like Ruben Trumpelmann, Tangeni Lungameni and Bernard Scholtz. Left handed bowler Ruben’s performance will be crucial as his past year’s T-20 World Cup performance was mesmerizing.
Likewise the arrival of former South African cricketer David Wiese has made Namibia stronger. Finisher David can be impactful in bowling as well whereas all rounder JJ Smit is the key weapon of Namibia. There is a depth in Namibia’s batting and Captain Gerhard Erasmus is the main batter of the team.
Namibia also must win the remaining matches to be in the top three. With 7 wins and 8 losses in the last 15 matches, Namibia stands sixth in standings.
Nepali Team:
Sandip Lamichhane (Captain), Rohit Paudel (Vice-Captain), Asif Sheikh (Wicket Keeper), Kushal Bhurtel, Dev Khanal, Dipendra Singh Aire, Aarif Sheikh, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Adil Ansari, Basir Ahamed, Kishore Mahato, Pawan Sharaf and Binod Bhandari (Wicket Keeper).
Nepal’s fixture for Scotland Tour:
July 11 – Namibia VS Nepal
July 13 – Scotland VS Nepal
July 16 – Nepal VS Namibia
July 17 – Nepal VS Scotland
