KATHMANDU: Nepal will face hosts the Netherlands in the final match of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series in the Netherlands today.
After suffering three consecutive defeats, Nepal will play its fourth and final match of the series on Wednesday. The team, currently struggling for form, is under pressure to secure a victory.
Nepal has endured defeats against both the Netherlands and Namibia due to poor performances in batting, bowling, and fielding. In the third match, despite putting up a spirited fight against Namibia, Nepal suffered a heartbreaking three-run loss.
The final match against the Netherlands is scheduled to begin at 2:45 pm Nepal time on Wednesday.
Nepal’s hopes of finishing in the top four of the League 2 standings and qualifying directly for the ICC Cricket World Cup Global Qualifier have effectively ended after failing to perform as expected in this series.
In the opening match, Nepal lost to Namibia by eight wickets at Sportpark Maarschalkerweerd in Utrecht. After being asked to bat first, Nepal struggled from the outset as the Namibian bowlers, led by JJ Smit, dominated the innings. Chasing Nepal’s target of 158, Namibia reached it comfortably in 37.4 overs, losing only two wickets.
In the second match, Nepal was defeated by the Netherlands by six wickets. The Dutch side chased down the target of 158 in 35 overs, losing four wickets.
In the third match, Nepal fell just short while chasing Namibia’s target of 212. Playing the full 50 overs, Nepal managed 208 for seven and lost by three runs.
Following the string of defeats, Nepal has slipped from fifth to sixth place in the League 2 standings, while Namibia has moved up to fifth. The Netherlands has consolidated its position in third place.
The Netherlands has 36 points from 30 matches. Nepal has 24 points from the same number of games, while Namibia has 26 points.
The United States leads the table with 43 points, followed by Scotland with 38. Oman is fourth with 31 points, Canada is seventh with 24 points, and the United Arab Emirates remains at the bottom with 14 points.
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