Team Nepal look to script cricket history in Zimbabwe

 

Currently the  men’s national cricket team of Nepal is on a spectacular and stunning winning streak.

They have won 13 of their last 14 one day international(ODI) matches.Their hard work and perseverance paved the way for them  to take part in two  high profile  tournaments- ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe and Asia Cup in India.

When everything  had seemed doom and gloom,Team Nepal  crawled back from the jaws of elimination to advance  to the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe.

As they gear up  for the Zimbabwe challenge,the million dollar question now is whether they can  continue their winning ways and consistency.

The  ten teams competing in the high stake round-robin  format, followed by the knockout stage are locked in a grim battle for two qualification spots for the final event in India later this year.

The  best  three teams each from Group  A and Group B advance to the Super Six knockout stage with the winners and runners-up  taking  the remaining  last two slots.

The Zimbabwe Qualifier is a whole different ball game at a different level.Undoubtedly, Nepal is  in a  tough group alongside hosts Zimbabwe,the West Indies,the Netherlands and the United States. 

They are up against formidable opponents in the likes of the West Indies,Zimbabwe and the Netherlands.

Furthermore,they are playing away from home in uncharted territory.In my opinion,they go into the tournament carrying the dark horse tag. 

A few questions immediately come to my mind:Can they defy the odds? Can they script another Cinderella story?  Can they make history?

Barring the West Indies,Nepal has played against the Netherlands,Zimbabwe and the United States and notched up  impressive wins in the past.

I will say this, they  have the potential to do it. Admittedly, it is a tough challenge,but certainly doable.What is true is that they will require a herculean collective effort from start to finish to turn the tide in their favor.

Since  the stakes are high,there is absolutely no room for error and lackluster performance.The ability to remain calm and collected and  consistently perform under pressure are keys to success.

 

Although the enormity of the challenge is staggering,however,for Nepal it is  another opportunity to step up,another chance  to excel, another  chance to prove themselves. 

 

What is required of them is that they must be at the top of their game and give  their best, plain and  simple.

They have to stay totally focused, display insatiable craving for success, recognize and maximize their strengths to optimum effect , seriously dwell-upon  their shortcomings and maintain high level of consistency,

The team’s tactical acumen be it bowling or batting or fielding, coupled with the ability to consistently play well will be put to  severe test.

Batting has been  Nepal’s weakest link for a very long time. Innumerable  times matches that should  have been won  were lost due to poor batting. 

The  failure with the bat was at an all time high.The batting was  ordinary,appalling, depleted ,wobbly and woeful.The batters constantly  faltered when it came to posting a competitive total  and run  chase.

The pitch had nothing to do with the batting fiasco. It was a lack of  confidence,technique, big match temperament and application on the part of batters.

We are yet to see batters in the caliber of former skipper of Nepal Paras Khadka who retired from international  cricket too soon.

Batting revival for Nepal was a must to remain highly competitive in tournaments. Lately we have witnessed an encouraging turnaround in   batting. 

In the last 13 matches batters have   scored  runs consistently and posted a total of 200 plus runs on numerous occasions, and  succeeded  in  run chases. 

It is  very important that they keep the momentum and winning streak going.

They have to score  runs  and let the bat do the talking throughout.Sustainability is critical  for batting  success.

Batting must  click no matter what.The batters are up against quality bowling opponents in Zimbabwe.They will require a solid  consistent performance tactically,technically and mentally. 

 

The batting lineup  is studded with  young talents.The pack spearheaded by  skipper Rohit  Paudel  has the potential to succeed at the top level.They must remain one hundred percent focused, committed,make the most of opportunities and give their best.

 

Nepal’s batting success  will largely depend on the form and performance of  highly  talented young guns  skipper Paudel,Kushal Malla and Bhim Sarki.

The bowling department has been  Nepal’s strength for the most part. However, when  the team  was going through a lean phase, even the bowling was not upto the standard and the overall performance  was much below par.

It is imperative that bowlers maintain a high level of confidence,consistency, accuracy and competitiveness.

As per  reports, outfield pitch in Zimbabwe is   batter friendly and the bouncy surface favors pacers more than spinners.

Although the team lacks genuine fast bowlers, experienced medium- pacers Karan KC and Sompal Kami carry the responsibility to deliver the goods .

They have the company of  17- year-old sensational  speedster Gulshan Jha who has made a name for himself for his outstanding performance.

One player the team  relies most on is no other  than controversial star  leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichanne.He is truly a match-winner and  difference -maker.He has to  turn in a superb performance.

Team Nepal must stand tall, possess a winning mentality and convince themselves that they can beat the very best in the field.

We have seen  the national  team’s  reversal  of fortunes under  the newly appointed head coach  Monty Desai.  

He took over the team that was poorly performing,mightily struggling and turning it around.

The coach  is fully aware of challenges his team faces in  Zimbabwe. He has no magic wand but  certainly does have a  well sorted out game plan and strategies in place.

I expect him to leave no stones left unturned when it comes to motivating and convincing players to perform at optimum levels.

In addition, striking a balance in  team selection with the right players based on needs,opponents  strengths  and weaknesses,coupled with the team’s strategic ploys is  very important. 

When all is said and done, the  highly  motivated, highly  disciplined,well prepared and  skilled players  are key to the team's success at the end of the day. 

Let us hope Nepal  beats the odds and comes out triumphant.