By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – The national cricket team of Nepal, which is currently in a Canada tour, will play an ODI practice match against Ontario today. The match will be held at Maple Leaf Ground in Canada’s King City at 8:45 pm NST.
Ontario will be captained by Nepal’s former opener Naresh Budhaair while Sandeep Lamichhane will lead the national team of Nepal.
Nepal is aiming for an easy victory in Canada ahead of its ICC World Cup League-2 ODI triangular series against Scotland and Namibia in Scotland later this month. The Nepali cricket team is in Canada for practice matches ahead of the League-2 matches. Cricket Association of Nepal decided to play the practice matches in Canada as its environment is similar to Scotland.
Budhaair has good knowledge about the Nepali team. However, Ontario has not revealed its other players. Nepal’s main players during the match will be Sandeep Lamichhane, Rohit Poudel and Karan KC. Nepal is also expected to give more exposure to youth players like Dev Khanal, Pawan Sharaff and Aadil Ansari.
It is also a good opportunity for out-of-form Dipendra Singh Airee to regain his self-confidence. Nepal is likely to give opportunity to fast bowler Kishor Mahato and spinner Bashir Ahmad. Nepal is also likely to give rest to its main players during the practice match.
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.
Fixtures for Canada tour
July 1: Nepal Vs Ontario (practice match)
July 4: Nepal vs Canada (1st ODI)
July 5: Nepal Vs Canada (2nd ODI)
Fixtures for Scotland tour
July 11: Nepal Vs Namibia
July 13: Nepal Vs Scotland
July 16: Nepal Vs Namibia
July 17: Nepal Vs Scotland
