Nepal must capitalize on home advantage to defeat Kenya

Come Saturday,there will be plenty of familiar sights and sounds  at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket ground in Kirtipur as local cricket aficionados gear up for the vital  Nepal vs  Kenya clash in the   50- over ICC World Cup League Championship.

The two -match series holds tremendous significance for both sides. They  are  still in the danger zone and desperately fighting each other  to secure a  spot in the final round.

Currently Kenya and Nepal are fifth and sixth respectively  in the eight team league table standings. With the top four teams advancing to the last round, there is plenty at stakes for both teams.

Last year in the same competition before Nepal played Namibia at home, they were in a hopeless position and faced  two must win games to keep their slim hopes alive.

Much to everyone's relief,the home side put together  a big performance to win both  matches. Later that  year they stunned the undefeated Dutch side in the Netherlands to split the two-match series,thus earning valuable points.

The  situation is slightly better this time around, but  the challenge is still big. As part of preparations for the  competition, Nepal  under took  a week  long tour of India ,where they played a handful of friendlies.

Undoubtedly,  Nepal is under  tremendous pressure to deliver  results. They cannot afford  any more slip-ups or mediocre  performance. Else their qualifications chance  can  fizzle out.

One thing is certain,it will not be smooth sailing .They have to apply the best of themselves  to the task at hand.

They must stay focussed, confident, composed and do their very best in the field. They need to display form shown last year at home to beat Namibia. If they can do it,they  stand a pretty  good chance of winning.

More than anything , Team Nepal has to   get  to a fast start by building   early momentum.Therefore,  winning  the first match  is imperative. They do enjoy  a slight edge over Kenya going into the series  in terms of  home advantage.

Nepal must  capitalize on home field  advantage  to  benefit and gain ascendency over the opposition.They will have the support  of passionate, vociferous home  fans  who  have high expectations.

The Nepali side is a blend of  experience and youth. The biggest surprise has been the selection of veteran Mehboob Alam.  Coming off  surgery, Paras Khadka is in charge but his status is uncertain for Saturday’s game.

Skipper Khadka might still lack match fitness and match practice.Should that be the case, It would be a blunder to include him in the team.

Batting is Nepal’s  real Achilles heel, therefore , a lot will depend on how they bat. In skipper Khadka’s absence, in form Gyanendra Malla  will have to shoulder the responsibility  and lead by example.

He along with Sharad Vesawkar, Aarif Shaikh, Dipendra Airee,Binod Bhandari and Sagar Pun  have to bat with more responsibility. They have to be disciplined,  extra committed and bat to their potential.

Nepal  will largely  rely  on spin attack to restrict the opposition from amassing a big total.  Seasoned spinner Shakti Gauchan will join hands with  Basant Regmi,  Sandeep Lamichhane and Sompal Kami.

All eyes will be  upon young leg -spinner  Lamichhane who is expected to play a pivotal role in the bowling department. Having spent some time training in Australia and having captained  the under-19 team, he is slowly developing into a terrific bowler.

Nepal  face a talented Kenyan side determined,eager  to prove themselves and regain their lost glory. The visitors are confident of a good show and their morale is high. They  are on song after their  successful tour of Baroda, India where they played four friendlies,winning three and losing one.

They have  depth in their batting line-up  that revolves around Irfan Karim, Alex Obanda and Dhiren Gondaria. Talented pacers Odhiambo duo Nehemiah  and Nelson are expected to spearhead the bowling attack.

Nepal vs Kenya clash  is expected  to be played to the full gallery. There are signs that a fascinating, intriguing and interesting tussle  maybe in the offing.