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Nepal face double Dutch test
Nepal will face a double test when they take on the Netherlands here at the VRA Grounds in their fourth round match of the ICC World Cricket League Championship (WCLC) in Amstelveen on Saturday.Binod Pandey
Nepal will face a double test when they take on the Netherlands here at the VRA Grounds in their fourth round match of the ICC World Cricket League Championship (WCLC) in Amstelveen on Saturday.
Nepal are currently sixth in the table with four points from three rounds (six matches) and to find themselves inside the top four, they need to overcome a strong-looking Dutch side along with the adverse weather conditions.
Nepal were sent packing for 88 runs in their one-off practice match against Netherlands ‘A’ on Thursday. It was a defeat that has once again exposed Nepal’s batting frailties in the European conditions. While Nepal are yet to acclimatise to the local conditions, table toppers the Netherlands will be eyeing victory to virtually seal a place in the top four that ensures automatic berth to the 2018 ICC World Cup Qualifiers.
“There is a huge challenge ahead of us,” said Nepal coach Jagat Tamatta on the eve of the match. “Its not only about playing a strong opponent but also about overcoming the weather conditions that don’t favour us. The Netherlands are in a strong position because they lead the eight-team tournament. And tomorrow (Saturday), they will make full use of their local conditions,” he added. “But we need to play our best cricket. I am confident that my boys will put up a good show,” said the coach.
Nepal had a disastrous outing in their last year’s tour of Europe where they won only twice in 13 official matches. One of the victories was against the Netherlands in a 3-1 Twenty20 series loss at their home. Tamatta believed only victory will motivate his side.
“We have already defeated the Dutch in a Twenty20. We are capable to beat them with a disciplined bowling effort,” Tamatta added. Nepal had played their rain affected practice match against Netherlands ‘A’ in a grassy wicket under 10 degree temperature. They would hope the condition won’t repeat on Saturday.
“If the weather situation remains the same, we will go with one extra fast bowler and play two spinners. Our strength is spin but we have to take care of the weather conditions too,” informed the coach.
Skipper Paras Khadka believed his side is well prepared for the game. “We have prepared well and now we need to execute in the field. We will focus on how to come up with the best in these conditions. Netherlands are strong side and we have to give our 100 percent in all departments of the game,” said Khadka.