Nepal must put their act together

All eyes will be on the national cricket team of Nepal when the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers gets underway in the United Arab Emirates Friday.

Nepal along with   fifteen countries will duke it out for   the   six available spots to cement their place in the   final round of the   2014 competition   in Bangladesh.  The fifteen day   sporting spectacle is expected to be fiercely competitive and beguiling.

The 16 teams in the competition   have   been divided into two groups. Group B features Nepal, Afghanistan, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Bermuda, Kenya and Denmark.

Likewise, Group A   consists of Ireland, Canada, Namibia, United Arab Emirtaes, United States of America, Uganda, Hong Kong and Italy.

Indeed, this is a huge, huge opportunity for our cricketers to bask in glory and show the world that Nepal is a highly competitive cricket team.

Admittedly, the championship is very challenging for Team Nepal   and   is   by   no   means   an   easy task. Obviously, they   have to   perform at their very best for the desired result.

Most importantly, players must instill a high performance mindset, coupled with a high degree of consistency. Undoubtedly, it is   completely doable,and they are capable of doing. I feel they stand an excellent chance of getting through to the final stage.

Having said that, at best players must step up and remain razor focused   on winning every game   in the round robin format. They must learn from   their mistakes and rectify it. They cannot afford to squander this opportunity.

Also there is clearly   no room for complacency if they hope to   fulfill the long cherished dream of playing in the world cup.

Nepal   takes on    familiar opponents against whom they have enjoyed success in the past.  Since they know their strengths   and   weaknesses, they must strategize their approach and game plan accordingly.  

Certainly, they are no pushovers   and must be given respect, attention and taken very seriously. Team Nepal   is an exciting blend   of experience and young talent.  The   batting line-up appears sound. while there is enough depth in the   bowling department.

However, some of the leading batsmen have   struggled and not made runs lately. They need to find form before it is too late. Captain Paras   Khadka has to lead by example both on and off the field. His form is definitely   good news for the team.

Similarly, inexperienced youngsters have a chance to shine and must rise to the occasion. A winning start against Denmark is very important for Nepal from a psychological standpoint.

After all is said and done, it comes down to concerted effort, hard work, dedication and an enduring commitment to excellence.

Coach Pubudu Dasanayake team has shown a lot of promise lately. Hopefully they keep the momentum going and produce decisive results.

Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) did a good job of preparing the team for the competition. The Delhi tour undertaken by the national team as part of the preparation for the Twenty20 qualifiers proved highly productive, and especially helped young players gain valuable exposure.

Team Nepal’s success over the United Arab Emirates and loss to the United States in warm –up matches clearly indicates that there is   more effort and commitment needed on part of players.