KATHMANDU: After a decade-long absence, the Nepali national cricket team is set to compete in the T20 World Cup today. Nepal made its T20 World Cup debut in Bangladesh in 2014, an event that sparked widespread cricket enthusiasm across the nation. This year's World Cup, hosted in America and the West Indies, has garnered significant attention from both the global cricket community and Nepali fans.
Led by captain Rohit Kumar Paudel, Nepal is making a determined comeback. Sompal Kami is the only player from the 2014 squad still on the team, with the rest being new faces. Despite the lack of substantial structural improvements in Nepali cricket over the past decade, the dedication and hard work of the players have propelled them back onto the World Cup stage.
The much-anticipated moment for Nepali cricket fans will unfold tonight at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, USA. Nepal's first match in Group D is scheduled for Tuesday at 9:15 pm against the Netherlands. In a pre-match press conference, captain Rohit Paudel expressed his excitement, stating that the team is physically and mentally prepared for the game. He emphasized their familiarity with the Netherlands and their aim to secure a victory.
Paudel also highlighted the importance of support from Nepali fans in Dallas, believing it will energize the team. He mentioned that the decision to bat or bowl first would be made after assessing the weather conditions at the toss but stressed that the toss would not determine the match's outcome. He hopes Nepal's performance will not only bring joy to their supporters but also inspire the next generation of cricketers. Weather forecasts predict clear skies for the match, adding to the anticipation. The Nepali squad for the 2024 World Cup includes Rohit Kumar Paudel (captain), Asif Sheikh, Kushal Bhurtel, Anil Sah, Sandeep Zora, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Malla, Gulshan Jha, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Pratis GC, Abinash Bohora, Sagar Dhakal, and Kamal Singh Airee.
