The match between an experienced Nepali side which is yet to prove itself with the bat and a fresh-looking USA side will be a reality check for both teams before tough fixtures pop out their way. While bowling always has been an asset for Nepal, they have not been a stronger batting unit as suggested by the recent stats. Skipper Paras Khadka, Gyanendra Malla and Sharad Vesawkar will once again be the key men for Nepali batting order which is dying to see a good start from their openers Subash Khakurel and Sagar Pun.
Coach Pubudu Dassanayke wants his team to get off to a winning start shrugging off any anxiety the team might face considering the gravity of the tournament which sends six teams into the ICC World Twenyt20. "There is nothing as such," Dassanayake told cricketingnepal.com ahead of the match when asked how anxious his team has been. "We're use to this (big tournament) now. We all know what it takes to do well in this type of tournament," added the coach.
"Our first target is to win three games that will send us into the second round. USA is one of our targeted teams out of three," the coach said. Nepal's bowling will much depend on how the Sompal Kami and Karan KC handled themselves in the seaming and wet conditions at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Stormont.
USA have headed into the Qualifiers leaving behind their seven key members -- particularly aggressive opener Stevan Taylor who has now signed for a Caribbean Premier League team. The absence of their key players, who in the past had produced many good results for USA, will be a huge sigh of relief for the Nepali camp.
It will also be a crucial match for the Americans who now wait for their fate in the transition period of their own cricket with the International Cricket Council suspending its cricket governing body.
Nepal probable XI :- Subash Khakurel (wicket keeper), Sagar Pun, Gyanendra Malla, Paras Khadka (captain), Sharad Veswkar, Binod Bhandari, Rajesh Pulami Magar / Pradeep Airee, Bashant Regmi, Som Pal Kami, Shakti Gauchan, Karan KC
ICC WORLD TWENTY20 QUALIFIER
Nepal VS USA
Venue :- Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast
Time :- 7:00 NST
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