KATHMANDU: Nepal’s national cricket team is gearing up to take on Baroda in a match of the SMS Friendship Cup T20 tri-series currently unfolding in India.

Set to kick off at 2:45 PM, this match signifies the second showdown with Indian teams in Vapi, India.

In their inaugural match against the Gujarat Cricket Association, Nepal clinched victory by eight wickets.

Moreover, in the recent face-off, Gujarat secured a win against Baroda by five wickets on Monday.

This seven-match tournament, commencing from March 31 and culminating in the final on April 7, promises exhilarating cricket action as each team battles against the others twice.

The top two contenders will then compete for the prestigious title.

Ranked 16th in the ICC rankings, Nepal regards this tournament as a pivotal preparatory phase for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies.

Positioned in Pool D of the T20 World Cup, Nepal faces formidable opponents such as South Africa, Bangladesh, Netherlands, and Sri Lanka.

Nepal’s schedule in the SMS Friendship Cup includes clashes against Gujarat on March 31, Baroda on April 2, another encounter with Gujarat on April 3, and a final face-off against Baroda on April 5, culminating in the highly anticipated final match on April 7.