Nepal lose, but win hearts.... Nepal lost in second match of the ICC World Twenty20, going down by eight wicket to hosts Bangladesh at the Zahur Ahmed Chaudhury Stadium on Tuesday. But the visitors along the way earned millions of hearts with their spirited efforts. Nepal posted a modest 126-5 in their 20 overs after they were put into bat. Bangladesh eased home with more than four overs to spare to rack up two wins in as many outings. They are now on course to claim the lone qualifying spot when they meet winless Hong Kong on Thursday. With a win each, Nepal and Afghanistan meet the same day. Nepal, who beat Hong Kong by 80 runs on Sunday, never looked like challenging once they were restricted to 126-5. However, considering the gulf between the two teams—one an ICC full member and other just an associate member—the performance was praisworthy regardless of the end result. Meanwhile, popularity of Nepal skipper Paras Khadka continued to soar on these shores, following his excellent performance in two matches. With the Nepali team catching fancy of the local fans, even senior cricket journalists are wondering why Khadka was not playing in cricket leagues like Indian Premier League. Anand Vasu, managing editor of Wisden India, said he had been impressed by Khadka’s attitude both on and off the field. “Why does he not have an IPL contract? Scout not watching?” Vasu tweeted. “Bangladesh romp home, but Nepal winning many hearts here. Much the same way Bangladesh did 15 years or so ago.” And a popular TV commentator Harsha Bhogle joined the party, retweeting: “May not be a bad idea to look at players from Nepal and Afghanistan as local players. Wonder what franchises think about it?” Some of the local newspapers have run stories on Khadka being offered a contract to play in the Dhaka Premier League next season.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 02:57:23 +0000
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