Nepal is set to take on the Netherlands in the final group stage match of the Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023 on Saturday. The match scheduled to take place at Takashinga Sports Club will be a must-win clash for Nepal in order to stay alive in the Super Six race from Group A.
Nepal has secured a victory against the USA but suffered defeats against two test-playing nations – Zimbabwe and West Indies. As a result, they currently have two points from three matches.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands defeated the USA and faced a defeat against Zimbabwe. They have two points from two matches.
The USA is already out of the race after three consecutive defeats, whereas the West Indies and Zimbabwe seem to have secured the spot in the Super Six (not confirmed mathematically).
The Netherlands have a remaining match against West Indies. Hence, Psychologically the match against Nepal is also a do-or-die clash for the Dutch side to seal the top-six spot.
For Nepal to cruise ahead, they must beat the Dutch side. Else, their journey in Zimbabwe will be over. Moreover, They will have to pray for Netherlands’ loss against West Indies if they turn victorious on Saturday’s clash.
Nepal and the Netherlands last met in the ODI match in 2018 – Nepal’s first-ever ODI match and series. The head-to-head is equally balanced, with both sides winning one match.
As Sompal is unfit, Nepal will probably be lining up the same XI as against the West Indies. The crucial match starts at 12:45 PM NST and can be watched live from Net TV and Star Sports.
