KATHMANDU: The long wait for cricket fans is coming to an end as the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup gets underway, with Nepal set to face defending champions England in their opening match on Sunday.
Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, this year’s T20 World Cup marks Nepal’s third appearance in the tournament and their second consecutive participation. Nepal will begin their campaign against England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, with all of their group-stage matches scheduled to be played at the same venue.
Nepal first qualified for the T20 World Cup in 2014, when the tournament was hosted by Bangladesh. It took the national side a decade to return to the global stage, earning qualification for the 2024 edition after strong performances against South Africa and Bangladesh. Nepal notably pushed South Africa to the brink, losing by just one run, drawing international attention for their competitive display.
Despite featuring in two previous World Cups, Nepal have yet to progress beyond the group stage. Under the captaincy of Rohit Kumar Paudel, Nepal will be aiming to break that barrier. Sompal Kami, meanwhile, becomes the first Nepali cricketer to feature in three T20 World Cups.
Nepal are placed in Group C alongside two-time champions West Indies, reigning champions England, Scotland and Italy. The group is widely regarded as one of the toughest in the tournament. Scotland qualified based on ICC rankings after Bangladesh declined to play matches in India.
Strong warm-up performances boost Nepal’s confidence
Nepal head into the tournament with momentum, having won both of their warm-up matches. Against the UAE, Nepal chased down a target of 146 runs with seven wickets in hand, thanks to a century partnership for the fourth wicket between Aarif Sheikh and Dipendra Singh Airee. Aarif remained unbeaten on 61 off 37 balls, while Dipendra scored an unbeaten 50 off 31 deliveries.
In their second warm-up match, Nepal defeated Canada by six wickets. Opener Aasif Sheikh starred with a fluent 58 as Nepal successfully chased a target of 162 with 12 balls to spare. Sundeep Jora contributed 44 runs, while Gulshan Jha added 31.
Nepal will be hoping to carry this batting form into their clash against England.
First-ever T20I meeting with England
Sunday’s match will be historic, as Nepal face England in a T20 International for the first time. Nepal have previously played West Indies in a T20I series in the UAE last year, but England and Italy are new opponents in the format.
England, one of the oldest teams in world cricket, have a strong pedigree in the shortest format. They won their first T20 World Cup title in 2010 under Paul Collingwood, defeating Australia in the final. Their second title came in 2022, when Jos Buttler led England to a five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final.
Now captained by Harry Brook, England are targeting a third T20 World Cup crown. Their squad includes experienced players such as Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Ben Duckett and Will Jacks. Fast bowler Jofra Archer is in good form, while Adil Rashid leads the spin attack.
With Nepal set to play their first-ever T20I against England, Sunday’s encounter at Wankhede Stadium promises to be a landmark moment in Nepali cricket history.
Comment