The national cricket team of Nepal find themselves on the fringe of a 2014 ICC Twenty20 World Cup place in Bangladesh. They stand an excellent chance of qualification and making history.
They have two great opportunities to get the job done. Should they succeed it will go down in the country’s history as the greatest sporting achievement to date. Everyone is anticipating with baited breath the moment.
Hopefully we get to rejoice and celebrate. That being said, they need to make the most of this opportunity to attain success. They cannot afford to squander the golden opportunity. I say, avail this chance by all means possible.
The big question is, can they do it? Time will tell. We will have to wait and see how the drama unfolds. Also let us keep our fingers crossed and hope for the very best.
I feel very optimistic about Nepal’s chances. Without a doubt, our cricketers are well positioned and have the best chance to win the playoffs. Odds of Team Nepal winning look pretty good.
Nepal concluded the group matches with mixed results (four wins and three defeats) to finish third. They barely finished ahead of Scotland with a similar record, largely to the rule that was applied to determine which team takes the higher position in the standings.
Now Team Nepal is ready to take on old foe Hong Kong in the crucial and decisive first playoff match. The team that wins will seal a place in the final round of the competition.
The losing team, however, gets yet another lifeline against Namibia or Papua New Guinea. Nepal and Hong Kong renew their old rivalry when they lock horns on Wednesday for the all important tie.
The two teams know each other well over the years. Prior to the upcoming match the two have played each other on ten occasions. Nepal has a slight edge over the unpredictable Hong Kong in terms of winning percentage. They have
won 6, while Hong Kong 4.
Going by the head-to-head analysis of the clash between the two teams, a very thin layer separates them. Expect the clash to be a thriller.
If Nepal’s performance during the group competition was/is any indication, they still have some work to do. There are areas that they need to work on.
There has been a distinct lack of consistency in both batting and bowling. In other words, they have struggled to strike a consistent chord.
It is vitally important for players to hold their nerve, maintain focus, composure, drive, confidence and display the kind of commitment that can help the team win.
As such there is no room for complacency or loose play in a game of this magnitude. Equally important is sticking to the game plan and to avoid getting caught off guard.
Coach Pubudu Dassanayake s boys must seize the opportunity to shine, make the most of it. In short, every team member necessarily must contribute to the overall success of the team.
Skipper Paras Khadka and other senior players have to lead by example, keep the team together and bring the best out of junior team members.
The qualification of Team Nepal will be a defining moment in the history of Nepal cricket. We look forward with optimism and I hope they can translate it into reality.
