KATHMANDU: The highly anticipated clash between Nepal and Afghanistan in the ICC U-19 World Cup Asia Qualifiers faces uncertainty as rain threatens to disrupt the decisive match in Mulpani today.
Scheduled to begin at 9:30 am, the final group-stage encounter holds immense significance, with both teams unbeaten in the tournament so far.
However, persistent rainfall in Kathmandu since early Saturday, including the match venue in Mulpani, has dampened hopes for a timely start.
Although the intensity of the rain has lessened, the ground remains wet, and there are forecasts of showers later in the day as well — raising the possibility of further delays or even a washout. The tournament’s opening match had also seen a delayed start due to similar conditions.
With both Nepal and Afghanistan having secured victories in their previous three matches, today’s match will determine who qualifies for the ICC U-19 World Cup. However, Afghanistan currently holds the edge with a superior net run rate.
If the match is called off due to weather, both teams will share the points — handing Afghanistan the ticket to the U-19 World Cup by virtue of their net run rate advantage.
Nepali fans, who have shown strong support throughout the qualifiers, will be hoping for a break in the weather as their young team looks to make a return to the global stage.
Comment