NEWS
Follow UsNepal’s only T20 World Cup appearance had come in 2014. They defeated Afghanistan and Hong Kong in the first round but it was still not enough to advance to the main round of the showpiece event. It’s been 10 years since then and Nepal are once again back in the T20 World Cup, set to take on the Netherlands in Dallas on June 4 (Tuesday).
“From the last 1-2 days, from the start of the World Cup, we have been feeling it, getting goosebumps. Especially after the USA-Canada game, we have been feeling nervous but positively so. So, we all are excited, and we are looking forward for tomorrow’s game,” said Nepal captain Rohit Paudel.
“I think this event is very important. Especially, since we are playing the World Cup after 10 years. So, it is very important for us, especially for Nepal Cricket. It was our dream, as a kid we wanted to play the World Cup. We are getting the opportunity tomorrow and we are very excited. We have responsibilities too and we will make the most of it.
“I think in a tournament, the first game is very important. It's all about momentum. So, I think If you win the first game, you can believe in the dugout. If you believe in the dugout, you can work hard in the next tournament. So, the first game is 100% very important for us.”
These two teams have played enough T20Is against each other. Since 2021, the two teams have played six T20Is, with Nepal winning three and the Netherlands winning one. The other two were washed out.
“I think all 20 teams are equally balanced and competitive. We have been playing a lot against the Netherlands and they are a very well-balanced team. So, the team that will handle the pressure well tomorrow, will win.
“Before the game starts, we both start from the same line. I don't think the Netherlands are ahead of us in that sense (WC experience). The Netherlands, South Africa and Sri Lanka are better teams than us. But we start the game from the same line. I don't think they have a big advantage. So, the team that plays better cricket, will win.”
Talking about the conditions in Dallas, Paudel said, “We have played a warm-up game against Canada. So, looking at the wicket conditions, we can see that it has more bounce. Still, if we play with that awareness and be present, we need to cash in on the opportunities.
“Both teams are equally balanced. Their team is fit and so is ours. Looking at the dimensions of the ground, the twos are very important because we are playing with dew tomorrow. The sun’s condition, as well as humidity, matters too.
“It’s a day game, and the overhead condition is not under our control, but I don’t think it would make any difference. Having said that, playing the best cricket is important, rather than the toss.”
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Nepal are one of the sides with a strong fan base and Paudel wants to use this tournament as a platform to motivate the country’s next generation. “I think I can imagine, especially in 2014, as a kid, watching the game, the environment of Nepal, I can imagine that.
“As a kid, it was my dream, it was everyone's dream. Tomorrow, we are going to fulfill that dream. If we play in the moment, we can present our best skills and make Nepal proud. We can motivate the next generation. That is important.
“This is a big occasion for everyone, especially for Nepal. Everyone is waiting for this. Keeping that aside, being in the present is very important. So, whatever challenges the opposition presents, we have be in the present and get the right answers.”
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