The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has unveiled the preliminary squad for the ACC Women’s Asia Cup. Indu Barma will lead the side.
CAN has called 28 players for the preliminary squad, from which 15 will be chosen for the final squad after the closed camp.
Several new players have been called up following recent strong performances. Koshi’s spinner Alisha Khadiya and Sudurpaschim’s leg-spinner Laxmi Saud have been selected. Batters Yashoda Bist, Sabitri Dhami, and Helisha Gurung are also included. Additionally, the very experienced off-spinner Karuna Bhandari has secured a spot in the preliminary squad following her strong performance lately.
Former u-19 captain, Kritika Marasini, Dolly Bhatta and Samjhana Khadka are also in the team. Rajmati Airee and a young spin bowler from Madhesh, Aarti Mahato have also got a call-up.
The Women’s Asia Cup kicks off on July 19 in Sri Lanka, with eight teams set to compete in the tournament. Nepal is in Group A alongside India, Pakistan and UAE.
Initially, Nepal failed to qualify for the tournament after losing a thrilling semifinal match of the ACC Women’s Premier Cup against Malaysia. However, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) later revealed the 2024 edition would feature eight teams, one more than the previous edition in 2022, indicating the growing interest and participation in women’s cricket across Asia, opening the gate for Nepal.
Nepal’s 28-player preliminary squad for Women’s Asia Cup:
