Nepal qualify for the 2023 Asia Cup - What’s next for them?

[MenInG]

Battling a spin bowling group in Kathmandu, Nepal negotiated a tough chase to secure the final Asia Cup 2023 spot on the reserve day of the Premier Cup final on Tuesday.

Gulshan Jha's promotion to No.3 in the batting order proved a masterstroke from skipper Rohit Paudel and coach Monty Desai, first to negotiate Aayan Khan's left-arm orthodox, before countering with an array of shots.

The 17-year-old made 67* to chase down 118, a target made tricky by UAE's strong spin-bowling group, slow Tribhuvan University conditions, and the added dimension of rain threatening in the capital.

UAE resumed their innings on the morning of the reserve day at 106/9, and Lalit Rajbanshi continued where he left off on Monday, taking the final wicket with left-arm orthodox of his own to finish with 4/14 (7.1). Leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane claimed 2/34 (10) at the other end, moving to a 33-ODI match streak of wicket-taking outings.

The Emiratis opted to keep quicks Zahoor Khan and Junaid Siddique on ice early, instead turning to their spinners, starting with a 17-year-old of their own in Aayan Khan.

Aayan claimed Aasif Sheikh for just eight after fellow finger spinner Rohan Mustafa removed Kushal Bhurtel for one, and Mustafa followed up by forcing a mistake from Rohit Paudel (one) chopping on to make it 22/3.

Watching two wickets fall at the other end, Jha was watchful early, before jumping on overpitched deliveries, launching straight and over the top for multiple sixes down the ground. He pounced on Karthik Meiyappan missing his lengths, hitting the leg-spinner for 14 runs in the space of just three balls to swing momentum.

The flurry eased the pressure on the batting side, and any doubt that put a hush over the normally vocal Kathmandu crowd dissipated. UAE turned to fast bowler Zahoor as a final roll of the dice, though runs flowed in Nepal's fourth wicket partnership, as Bhim Sharki joined Jha in the middle overs.

Jha raised his bat for fifty, before launching Aayan for a six down the ground to level the scores, and paddling the next ball behind square on the leg-side for victory. Bhim ended up on 36*, and the pair finished with an unbeaten 96-run partnership.

Nepal will take the last spot in Group A, alongside India and Pakistan, with the Asia Cup slated for September.

The top three finishes of Nepal, UAE and Oman at the Premier Cup mean they will also feature in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup in July, where they will take on 'A' Teams of five Full Members in the region.

ICC

 

[MenInG]

Nepal captain Rohit Paudel believes silverware at the ACC Premier Cup and a dazzling run of form is just the start of the team's push in the international game.

Nepal booked their place at this year's Asia Cup by defeating the UAE on Tuesday and are scheduled to take on India and Pakistan during the group stage of the tournament.

"That sounds good!" Paudel exclaimed when asked how his name sounded next to future Asia Cup Group A rivals Virat Kohli and Babar Azam in the post-final presentation.

“As a team, this is the beginning for us. We have just started, so there are many more (successes) to come, I think.

"I feel very lucky that I've got an amazing team."

More on Nepal's win
Nepal overcame a late UAE challenge to win the final on Tuesday, after rain in Kathmandu on Monday meant play was postponed.

The hosts bowled UAE out for just 117 in the opening moments of the reserve day, eventually winning by seven wickets thanks to a 96-run stand between Gulshan Jha (67*) and Bhim Sharki (36*).

Paudel praised the thousands of fans who braved the weather across both days, with some arranging ad hoc accommodation to stay another night in the capital.

"They have been here for so long, and they're still here," Paudel said.

"Yesterday also in the rain they were standing for us. So biggest thanks goes to them."

Nepal made a big call in their tricky chase by pushing Jha up to No.3, with the left-hander used to counteract the spin threat, in the form of fellow 17-year-old phenom Aayan Khan.

Stumbling to 22/3, not only did Jha glue together the innings with Sharki, he then countered, hitting a swath of boundaries down the ground, waiting on anything overpitched.

Reflecting on the win, a perhaps modest Paudel credited the decision to coach Monty Desai, a man who has changed the team's fortunes since his appointment at the start of the year.

"It was a big call, and credit goes to Monty," Paudel said.

"He has been a serious role model to us, and we are learning from him.

"Gulshan played a gem of an innings. It's probably one of the best innings he has ever played."

The Asia Cup is currently slated for September, with the in-form Nepal side to also feature in the upcoming Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, beginning on June 18.

Paudel's men beat UAE in mid-March to complete an incredible Cricket World Cup League 2 comeback, winning 11 of their last 12 matches to punch their ticket for the Qualifier.

ICC

 

[MenInG]

The light rain following Nepal’s seven-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates in the final match of the ACC Premier Cup on Tuesday seemed to be no less than a silent acknowledgement of a great team by the cricketing gods. The victory secured for Nepal a rare berth in the Asia Cup later this year.

It has also opened a new horizon for Nepali cricket, say players and experts.

In the final match that stretched over two days due to on-and-off rain, Nepal bowled out the visitors for 117 runs in 33.3 overs, as Lalit Rajbanshi dismissed Junaid Siddiqu on 10 runs after the UAE resumed their innings on Tuesday at 106-9. Chasing the target, Nepal made 118-3 in 30.3 overs on the back of an unbeaten half century by Gulsan Jha (67 runs) who shared an unbroken 96-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Bhim Sharki (36 runs).

The victory ensured Nepal, the only unbeaten side in the 10-team tournament, a place alongside global cricket giants India and Pakistan in the group stage of the Asia Cup, should the tournament scheduled for September go ahead as planned. The other group consists of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

It is the second time Nepal has qualified for the Asia Cup after 2002, when they finished runners up in the ACC Trophy. But the tournament did not take place due to the India-Pakistan conflict. Some media reports suggest India is reluctant to take part in the tournament, putting the future of the event in doubt.

In 2014, Nepal played World T20 where they faced Hong Kong, Afghanistan and hosts Bangladesh, before bowing out from the Qualification round. The scheduled Asia Cup group stage games will be the biggest event for Nepali cricket, says National Sports Council member and former national cricket captain Lekh Bahadur Chhetri.

“Our senior team will rub shoulders with senior teams of India and Pakistan—it is hard to think of a bigger occasion for Nepali cricket,” said Chhetri, adding the Asia Cup could open multiple avenues for Nepali cricket.

“It will be a big platform for our players to get exposure and display their skills and potential against globally recognised teams. It will also play a vital role in marketing Nepali cricket abroad and making it more professional,” he said. “Unity and hunger for victory are the keys to the team’s continuous growth.”

He also suggests that during Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s planned India visit, the Government of Nepal should promote Nepal as a neutral venue for games between India and Pakistan and seek support in infrastructure development.

Captain Rohit Paudel said that it would be a proud moment for the team to compete against the heavyweights of global cricket. “We have been watching India and Pakistan play since our childhood. It is a matter of pride to play against them,” said Paudel.

“The most important thing is everyone will know that Nepal plays cricket when we compete against them. It is just a start and I hope it will be even better in the years to come,” said Paudel whose side has won 13 of the 14 One-Day International matches since February 14. They won 11 of the last 12 ICC World Cup League 2 matches and retained their ODI status for the next four years. Nepal had first got ODI recognition for four years in 2018.

They also secured an automatic berth for the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers.

“If we perform well in the Asia Cup, the whole world will recognise us and it will open the door for every member of the team to get chance in franchise leagues throughout the world,” added Paudel.

Former national player Shakti Gauchan, who also played 2014 World T20 in Bangladesh, said the matches against India and Pakistan would be the biggest in Nepal’s cricket history. “It is an addition to our previous achievements like getting into the World T20 and earning ODI status,” said Gauchan.

He said that the games against India and Pakistan will give Nepali players great confidence. “In the case of Nepali bowlers, they will understand that if they bowl well, even the Test batters can’t score against them and that will give them confidence,” said the former spinner referring to his own experience of bowling in nets for IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals in 2012.

Coach Monty Desai, who oversaw the team’s transformation after his appointment to the hot seat in early February, said Nepali cricketers were determined to write a story for themself together. “I think they want to leave a very strong message to everyone involved in cricket including CAN and the country,” Desai said. “They are working very hard to rewrite and develop their identity. I am very proud of what they have done.”

Talking about Asia Cup fixtures, he said, “It’s like walking into the unknown. [It’s about] the excitement and how our boys stay present. The most important thing is how much you are switched on in this battle.” He added that Nepali players have learned to play well under pressure in the past three months.

“New faces have stepped up and as they get more exposure, I am sure we can hope and dream we will be one of the full [International Cricket Council] members in the near future,” he said. “One day it will be great to see a Test match at TU. That is something which even I dream about despite only three months into the job.”

https://kathmandupost.com/cricket/2023/05/03/asia-cup-entry-marks-red-letter-day-for-nepali-cricket

 

[MenInG]

Bit sad for them as it's possible that the Asia Cup wont happen - let's see.

 

[nextover666666]

Because of the whole Asia Cup Fiasco, Nepal might suffer of not playing in Asia Cup which is a shame , they have good and passionate players and passionate fans as well who love the game, this will truly be sad for Nepal if Asia cup is cancelled.

 

[Firebat]

It was absolutely amazing seeing the passion and noise in the stadium, their games have been going viral online. Shame about all this Asia Cup business.

 

[Hassan A]

Nepali Cricket Team to Travel to Pakistan for Asia Cup Preparations​

The Nepali national cricket team will travel to Pakistan on August 22nd to prepare for the ACC Asia Cup, which will be held from August 30 to September 17 in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

After playing the ACC Emerging Teams Cup in Sri Lanka, the Nepali team returned to Nepal on August 2 after completing a 15-day high performance camp and is now taking a break.

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to arrange practice arrangements for the Nepali team in Pakistan before the Asia Cup. The PCB has agreed to the request and will provide the Nepali team with practice facilities and matches in Karachi.

The Nepali team is said to be traveling to Pakistan on August 22nd to play practice games and train in Karachi until August 26th. In the Asia Cup, Nepal, India, and Pakistan are in Group A. Nepal will play Pakistan on August 30th and India on September 4th.

Group ‘B’ has Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The top two teams from the group will enter the Super Four. The top two teams of the Super Four will compete for the title.
For the first time, Nepal will play an One Day International match against India and Pakistan.

MEN’S ODI ASIA CUP 2023 SCHEDULE

Group A – Pakistan (A1), India (A2) and Nepal (Nepal will take position of the side, which fails to progress to the Super-4 stage)

Group B – Sri Lanka (B1), Bangladesh (B2) and Afghanistan (Afghanistan will take position of the side, which fails to progress to the Super-4 stage)

30 Aug – Pakistan v Nepal, Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan, Pakistan

31 Aug – Bangladesh v Sri Lanka, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka

2 Sep – Pakistan v India, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Kandy, Sri Lanka

3 Sep – Bangladesh v Afghanistan, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan

4 Sep – India v Nepal, Pallekele International Cricket stadium Kandy, Sri Lanka

5 Sep – Afghanistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan

6 Sep – A1 v B2 (Super-4), Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan

9 Sep – B1 v B2 (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka

10 Sep – A1 v A2 (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka

12 Sep – A2 v B1 (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka

14 Sep – A1 v B1 (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka

15 Sep – A2 v B2, (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka

17 Sep – Final – 1 v 2 (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka

18 Sep – Reserve day for the final

 

[MenInG]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1691023161616478208

 

[WicketLord]

Nepal Squad has arrived Pakistan

 

[Rana]

Nepal Squad has arrived Pakistan

View attachment 135959View attachment 135960View attachment 135961View attachment 135962View attachment 135963View attachment 135964View attachment 135958

Walking wickets for Rauf, Naseem and Shaheen

 

[MenInG]

Nepal cricket team's head coach Monty Desai:

"Nepal qualified for the Asia Cup, it is a historic achievement"

"The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have made great arrangements for training. Karachi's atmosphere is very good."

"We are in the same group as Pakistan and India, it will be a great opportunity for players [to learn].

"I cannot say that we are going to win. Our players have only seen these top cricketers on television.

"Sandeep Lamichhane will be joining us on August 28."

"I am a big fan of Waqar Younis. I want big names from Pakistan to visit our camp and share their experiences with the players."

 

[sweep_shot]

Nepal should have been in the other group (BD and SL). They could've given SL and BD great competition.

Pakistan and India should be too much for them.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Nepal cricket is progressively making its mark with enthusiastic players and some gr8 sportsmanship.

 

[Major]

Didn't watch the game, how good were the Nepali pacers?

 

[shamaan]

Didn't watch the game, how good were the Nepali pacers?

Most of the players looked like 19-22.

 

[ex-q-zit]

It would be a poor show from pakistan public if they do not show up for other matches being held in Pakistan involving other teams. if it was true then Pakistan should choose other neutral country for all their matches.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Nepal secures 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup qualification after decade-long hiatus

Nepal secured their place in next year’s T20 World Cup after they beat the UAE in the semifinals of the men’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier in Mulpani today (November 3).

Having been put into field by the UAE, Nepal restricted their opposition to 134-9 from their 20 overs. Kushal Malla and Sandeep Lachimane took five wickets between them, with Vriitya Aravind the only player to pass 30 for the UAE, making 64 off 51 balls. Nepal then chased the total down with 17 balls to spare and only two wickets down. Aasif Sheikh finished unbeaten on 64 and hit the winning runs off Muhammad Waseem.

The result not only means that Nepal will advance to the final of the competition, but that they are now sure of their place in the 2024 T20 World Cup to be hosted in the West Indies and USA.

WISDEN​

 

[globetrotter]

One batsman is very happy…. Need to tell his name?

 

[globetrotter]

One batsman is very happy…. Need to tell his name?

 

[Bhaijaan]

The Asian Bloc family welcomes you with love and open arms dear Nepalese brothers.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Nepal clinches thrilling victory over West Indies 'A' in T20 cricket match​

Nepal clinched a thrilling victory against West Indies 'A' in the first T20 cricket match. Nepal won by 4 wickets with the help of captain Rohit Paudel's brilliant century. Chasing a target of 205 runs, Nepal achieved the target in the 20th over, sealing the win.

On behalf of Nepal, captain Rohit Paudel scored 112 off 54 balls, Dipendra Singh Airee scored 24 runs off 18 balls, Kushal Bhurtel scored 16 runs off 12 balls and Kushal Malla contributed 16 runs off 15 balls.

On behalf of West Indies ‘A’, Obed McCoy took 2 wickets with 34 runs in 4 overs, Matthew Forde took 2 wickets and Keemo Paul took one wicket each.

Batting first after losing the toss, the visiting team posted a formidable total of 204 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Roston Chase led the charge with an impressive 74 runs off 46 balls, supported by Keacy Carty's 38 off 20 balls.

On behalf of Nepal, Kamal Singh Airee, Dipendra Singh Airee, Avinash Bohara and Captain Paudel claimed one wicket each.

Nepal clinches thrilling victory over West Indies 'A' in T20 cricket match

myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com

 

[Markhor]

Nepal clinches thrilling victory over West Indies 'A' in T20 cricket match​

Nepal clinched a thrilling victory against West Indies 'A' in the first T20 cricket match. Nepal won by 4 wickets with the help of captain Rohit Paudel's brilliant century. Chasing a target of 205 runs, Nepal achieved the target in the 20th over, sealing the win.

On behalf of Nepal, captain Rohit Paudel scored 112 off 54 balls, Dipendra Singh Airee scored 24 runs off 18 balls, Kushal Bhurtel scored 16 runs off 12 balls and Kushal Malla contributed 16 runs off 15 balls.

On behalf of West Indies ‘A’, Obed McCoy took 2 wickets with 34 runs in 4 overs, Matthew Forde took 2 wickets and Keemo Paul took one wicket each.

Batting first after losing the toss, the visiting team posted a formidable total of 204 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Roston Chase led the charge with an impressive 74 runs off 46 balls, supported by Keacy Carty's 38 off 20 balls.

On behalf of Nepal, Kamal Singh Airee, Dipendra Singh Airee, Avinash Bohara and Captain Paudel claimed one wicket each.

Nepal clinches thrilling victory over West Indies 'A' in T20 cricket match

myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com

Rohit Paudel batted brilliantly but I thought WI A bowlers were poor at the death. Didn't seem to be any real plan.

Was great to see a packed house and Nepal are showing they're no mugs. This series is broadcast live on YouTube if anyone wants to watch.

 

[FearlessRoar]

The Cricket Association of Nepal have named their 15-player group for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean​

Rohit Paudel leads a young Nepal group at the T20 World Cup, with their first match on June 4 against The Netherlands in Texas.

There were no massive surprises in the selection, with players rewarded for their form across matches at the ACC Premier Cup in Oman, and outings against a West Indies A side currently on tour in Kirtipur.

Paudel himself has led the charge with bat in hand, hitting a century against the tourists in the first of the five-game series. Fresh off his world record-equalling exploits of hitting six sixes in an over against Qatar in April, all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee will float in the side’s batting order, with the likes of Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh at the top of the order.

Having also appeared at the U19 World Cup earlier in the year, Gulshan Jha joins a number of young players in the squad, with 19-year-old Pratis GC also keeping his spot in the senior team.

Sompal Kami is the only player from Nepal’s debut 2014 campaign in the squad for the 2024 edition, with the fast bowling all-rounder joined by cult hero Karan KC as the elder statement of the group.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Lalit Rajbanshi will lead Nepal’s spin threat.

All teams are allowed to make changes to their squad until 25 May, after which any alteration will require approval from ICC’s Event Technical Committee.

Nepal squad: Rohit Paudel (c), Aasif Sheikh, Anil Kumar Sah, Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Pratis GC, Sundeep Jora, Abinash Bohara, Sagar Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee

Nepal put forward strong squad on T20 World Cup return

The Cricket Association of Nepal have named their 15-player group for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean.

www.icc-cricket.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

Cop-Turned-Cricketer Dipendra Singh Airee Looking to Put Bowlers Under Cuffs in Nepal's T20 World Cup 2024 Campaign​

Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee is a 24-year-old policeman dubbed “The Tiger”, who hopes to use his record-breaking batting skills to boost his nation at the T20 World Cup.

Last September, Nepal’s victory by a staggering 273 runs against Mongolia was the biggest margin by runs in all T20s — but Airee’s astonishing part in that win included the fastest T20 fifty in just nine balls.

The rising star smashed sixes from each of the first six balls he faced, before completing his quickfire half-century to beat the previous record of 12 balls.

Then in April against Qatar, he became the third man to hit six sixes in a single over in a T20 international.

But he has also shown himself to be a stellar fielder, pulling off sensational catches and spectacular run outs — and hopes to provide a performance to make his Himalayan nation proud.

“I will do my best to play a role to make the team victorious”, Airee told Nepal’s Kantipur Television earlier this month.

“I get motivated by the support I get from everyone,” he added.

“They call me by the name ‘tiger’ and that motivates me further. It makes me want to do as much as possible, to give my 110 per cent.”

Cop-Turned-Cricketer Dipendra Singh Airee Looking to Put Bowlers Under Cuffs in Nepal's T20 World Cup 2024 Campaign - News18

Nepal's power hitter, Dipendra Singh Airee will look to showcase his talent on the big stage as Nepal heads into the T20 World Cup 2024.

www.news18.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced a reward of Rs 300,000 each for the Nepali cricket players and the head coach who represented Nepal in the ICC T20 World Cup.

The decision was made during a meeting of the association held on Thursday.

The reward recognizes the outstanding performances of the players and the coach in the T20 World Cup, which took place in the West Indies and the United States of America.

Additionally, assistant staff members will receive Rs 150,000 each.

 

[FearlessRoar]

CAN decides not to extend coach Desai’s contract

Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has decided not to renew the contract of Nepal national men’s cricket team head coach Monty Deasi, following the expiration of his tenure.

“It is widely known that CAN appointed Mrugang Jagadish Desai ‘Monty Desai’ as the head coach on a two-year contract, which has now concluded,” CAN said in a press release on Saturday. “CAN has decided not to extend his contract… CAN expresses its sincere thanks to the excellent performance of the Nepali men's national cricket team under Desai’s coaching and the contribution of him connected with the success of the team.”

When Desai took over in February 2023, Nepal were teetering on the brink of losing their one-day international (ODI) status. But the 50-year-old Indian coach engineered an unprecedented turnaround, all within a year.

Under Desai, Nepal won 11 out of 12 matches in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2, a remarkable feat that not only helped them retain their ODI status but also secure a direct berth in the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe.

Nepal also clinched the ACC Premier Cup at home, earning a historic berth at the Asia Cup, where they faced cricketing giants India and Pakistan for the first time.

Nepal also had a memorable Hangzhou Asian Games campaign despite missing out on medals. The team created multiple records including Nepal’s first-ever 300 plus score in the T20 Internationals, Kushal Malla’s fastest T20I century (off 34 balls) and Dipendra Singh Airee’s fastest fifty (off just nine balls).

Desai also guided Nepal to their first T20 World Cup qualification in a decade, marking their return to the global stage after 2014.

Desai’s tenure saw Nepal achieve remarkable milestones within a short span. His ability to resolve Nepal’s long-standing batting inconsistencies was widely lauded, earning him immense respect within the cricketing fraternity.

“To the coach who turned ‘One Ball Battles’ into unforgettable victories, and a happy dressing room into a family!,” CAN wrote in a heartfelt tribute on its Facebook page shortly after the announcement.

“From defending our ODI status against the odds to locking horns against Asian giants India and Pakistan at the Asia Cup, to dancing on the World Cup stage with passion and commitment, you’ve made Nepal’s cricketing dreams soar. Your belief, your smiles, and your heart built not just a team, but a lasting legacy.

“As you embark on your next adventure, know that our 12th Men will always echo your name—and our gratitude will be as endless as the memories you’ve gifted us. Thank you, Monty!”

CAN Secretary Paras Khadka echoed these sentiments, acknowledging Desai influence.

“Our sincere regards and gratitude to Monty Sir for his contributions towards the growth of cricket in Nepal,” Khadka wrote. “We managed to conquer and achieve great things under your guidance and leadership. Nepal cricket will always be indebted towards your inputs, core-values and suggestions. Thank you for everything.”

However, Nepal have endured a turbulent year in 2024, with the batting inconsistencies returning to haunt the team again.

Although they began the year with a 3-0 clean sweep of Canada in the three-match ODI series in Kirtipur, their performance in the second edition of the League 2 has been underwhelming.

Nepal have suffered eight losses in 12 matches (with two no-results) in the League 2, including three defeats in the home Tri-series, which have left them languishing in the seventh position in the eight-team table with just six points.

One of the biggest issues—their batting headache—has resurfaced, which is also surprising to Desai, a coach who had miraculously changed that in the past year.

A resurgence of batting woes—once seemingly resolved under Desai—has exacerbated their struggles. Nepal has surpassed the 200-run mark only three times in League 2 this year, with Aasif Sheikh and Anil Sah being the only consistent performers in the 50-over format.

However, in the T20 format, Nepal had some moments of brilliance, particularly the T20 World Cup where they came close to pulling off major upsets against South Africa and Bangladesh.

Nepal also completed a whitewash over the United States in the three-match T20I Series in Dallas in October.

CAN spokesperson Chhumbi Lama said that the decision not to renew Desai’s contract was unrelated to the team’s form.

“CAN had already decided not to extend Desai’s contract after the World Cup. The decision had nothing to do with the team’s performance.” Lama told the Post.

“CAN had appointed Desai on a two-year contract, which has now concluded.”

CAN decides not to extend coach Desai’s contract

Cricket Association of Nepal spokesperson Chhumbi Lama says the decision not to renew Desai’s contract was unrelated to the Nepali cricket team’s form.

kathmandupost.com