Team Nepal look for run of success in New Zealand

The national cricket team of Nepal is   eagerly looking forward to   start   off   the New Year with a bang. They are all set to    compete in the ICC World Cup qualifier in New Zealand, hoping to clinch one of the two spots for the final round.

Having achieved unprecedented success in 2013, our cricketers hope to carry   momentum into New Zealand. The way the team is   shaping up and performing lately, we have every reason to be optimistic.

Team Nepal will be thrust once again into the limelight when the tournament kick starts. They will be eying yet another milestone. Can they do it  again?  Why not?   It’s   doable no doubt. I strongly believe they stand a very good chance at making history.

I reckon I am   being overly optimistic. I feel that way and hopefully I am right. They face familiar opponents and   are aware of their strengths and weaknesses. They have to do what it takes to prevail over them.

Twenty-first in the ICC World Rankings, Nepal will be hoping to make its maiden appearance in the 2015 ICC World Cup.  Undoubtedly, they   are   in a tough group and must perform to their potential to make an impact in the competition.

Although they are the lowest ranked  team in   Group B along with Scotland, United Arab Emirates,  Hong Kong and Canada, they have momentum on their side.

That said, the question is, can   they keep up with their incredible  performance. Of course, the momentum factor   is important   to   keep them moving in the right direction but does not necessarily ensure success.

Ultimately, it comes down to consistency, and performance is what matters most at the end of the day.   Every tournament is a new   challenge for any team.  It starts   from the scratch and requires a concerted team effort   and spirit all the way to the end.

Besides, players   must   demonstrate   a   desire   for excellence and a high level of confidence, commitment and maturity, coupled with discipline.

Team Nepal  start the tournament against a tricky   and stubborn opposition in the United   Arab Emirates. The two have developed a fierce rivalry, over the years. For sure  they are a formidable side and looking forward to rewrite history

Forgetting not that   the   UAE   are ranked 17th and made their first ICC World Cup appearance in 1996.

As for Nepal, the opener is of utmost importance and must get off   to a winning start. Then they take on two very experienced teams in Canada (ranked 16th) and Scotland (ranked 14th). Canada has played in the World Cup four times, while Scotland two times.

The last team in the group Hong Kong ranked 20th begins  its  quest  to qualify for its first ever first World Cup as well. They are no pushovers certainly.

Unlike the fast and   furious   nature   of   Twenty/20, the   traditional   limited 50 over format is a different ball game. Be it the bowling or the batting, Nepal is most likely to be tested in more ways than one.

It is fair to say that Team Nepal’s preparation and build up to the competition has been excellent. They  also have   had ample time for practice matches in Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

Experienced coach  Dasanayake  must have  re-worked the team’s approach, tactic going into the tournament. His strategy should be to make maximum use of opponents’ weaknesses and plan the game accordingly.

Despite everything, there is still plenty of room for improvement. The team’s recent setbacks in warm- up matches have set the alarm bells ringing.  Both players   and coaches need to work very   hard on their grey areas.

They have to realize that it is going to be a tough challenge. This is the moment for players to rise, shine and give every bit of what they have. They have to show   plenty of battling qualities, grit, determination, and tenacity to succeed.  Let us hope they come through with flying colors.