KATHMANDU: Nepal will take on Namibia in the third match of the ongoing triangular ODI series under the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 in the Netherlands on Monday, looking to recover from two consecutive defeats.
Nepal suffered back-to-back losses against Namibia and the Netherlands due to underwhelming performances in batting, bowling and fielding. The match against Namibia will begin at 4:45 pm Nepal time.
Nepal’s hopes of securing a top-four finish and advancing directly to the World Cup Global Qualifier have become increasingly difficult after failing to produce expected results in the opening matches.
In their first match of the series, Nepal lost to Namibia by eight wickets. After being sent in to bat, Nepal struggled from the beginning as Namibian bowler JJ Smith put pressure on the batting lineup. Nepal managed only 158 runs, which Namibia chased down in 37 overs, losing just two wickets.
Nepal then suffered a six-wicket defeat against the Netherlands in their second match. The hosts chased Nepal’s target of 158 runs in 35 overs with four wickets in hand.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands has strengthened its position in the league after recording two victories in the series. After defeating Nepal by six wickets in the opening match, the Netherlands beat Namibia by 58 runs on Saturday. The win lifted the Netherlands to third place with 36 points from 30 matches.
Nepal and Namibia, who have played the same number of matches, are currently tied on 24 points and occupy fifth and sixth positions, respectively.
Following Monday’s match against Namibia, Nepal will face the Netherlands on Wednesday. Nepal now needs victories in all remaining matches to keep its hopes alive for direct qualification to the World Cup.
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