ACC Emerging Teams Cup 2013 – Tournament Preview *************** *************** ************* For a change in Asian cricket (not involving test teams), Nepal is ranked lowest apart from the host nation. For those who understand cricket, this surely shows our team has made lot of progress in recent years. We are well known among the associates as minnow bashers but this is our turn to be minnow. It will be interesting to see how our players react to this added pressure. We had a familiar situation in previous ICC World T20 qualifier and we came back with our head hold high finishing 7th among 16 nations. We were the lowest ranked nation at that time too. Can we replicate that success? Nepal’s preparation was hampered by monsoon at home. They were confined to gym and inadequate indoor practice. Then they headed to Sri Lanka, their closest cricketing allies, for much needed preparation. They played four matches against Sri Lanka U23 team and a provincial team. Sri Lanka U23 fielded the same team would be representing at the tournament. Nepal lost all four against U23 but came close to winning two. Nepal won the match against provincial team comfortably. Nepal suffered with batting problems in all matches against strong Sri Lanka U23 which is filled with experienced first class players plus two who have already played for national team. Nepal’s batting is based on strong middle order which failed to fire in any of those matches. Captain Paras Khadka is not 100% and did not bowl in any of those matches. Vice captain Gyanendra arrived in time for second match from Canada but failed to inspire. Pradeep Airee who is now used to giving good quick start for the team is half fit. All players lacked match practice before coming to Sri Lanka. Nepal won the only match against the provincial team and showed some improvement in batting at last. The Nepalese squad arrived in Singapore on Thursday afternoon. They will be hoping that their talismanic captain regain full fitness. A lot depends upon him. But there are other players who are due a good series. Sarad Veswakar one of the senior member of the squad should lift his game. Anil Mandal did not scored many runs in the practice match but he did look solid. Subash Khakurel should be worried about his place and justify the faith shown by the coach especially as there is Pradeep Airee who can play the wicket keeper- batsman role. Mahesh Kshettri is knocking on the door as well for the same spot. It would be intresting to see if Chhota Don Prithu Baskota and Sagar Pun can find place in same playing XI. Prithu is a cool head at 22, who have been around since Nepali cricket started evolving and Sagar Pun is said to be one of the best all rounder to come through the ranks in recent years. It will be difficult to say who will be heading the pace attack especially as Paras seems unable to bowl. With the recent success at U19 level, youngster Avinash Karn would be exciting to see if he can make the grades. We can always rely on the duo of Shakti Gauchan and Basanta Regmi for their accurate spin bowling and dependable lower order batting. Nepalese squad has got injuries problem and is an outsider for this tournament. But no one should be surprised if Nepal makes it to the semi-finals. Jay Nepal Jay Nepali Cricket VIA: Binodbikash Simkhada Rhinofans (dot)c om
Posted on: Fri, 16 Aug 2013 16:15:20 +0000