Sports
Nepal take on PNG in crucial games
Nepal take on Papua New Guinea (PNG) in their first of the second round matches in the ICC Word Cricket League Championship (WCLC) at the Abu Dhabi OvalAdarsha Dhakal
Nepal take on Papua New Guinea (PNG) in their first of the second round matches in the ICC Word Cricket League Championship (WCLC) at the Abu Dhabi Oval on Monday after a gruelling seven-day busy pre-tournament schedule.
PNG are not an unknown opponent for Nepal with both teams clashing in four ICC World Twenty20 matches. But Monday’s game will only be their second meeting after a decade in the 50-over format. PNG had won by 70 runs in their only previous meeting in one-day game during the 2005 Division 2 Qualifier in Malaysia.
PNG currently lie bottom of the eight-team WCLC standings with Nepal just above them on run rate. Since both teams are yet to win a single game, Nepal and Papua New Guinea will be raring to earn a much-needed point. The Nepali camp is boosted by their first ever 50-over game against the first choice Pakistani side, a game on November 8 which they lost by 121 runs.
Coach Pubudu Dassanayake and his team will also be making full use of the exposure they got through two-day game against Hong Kong and other two 50-over matches against Danube Lions—a local cub of the UAE—and Oman. Dassanayake will count on the pre-tournament preparation which was managed by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“Training-wise our team is fully prepared for the (first) game. The games we played (ahead of the tournament) has really helped us. We are looking forward for tomorrow’s game,” Dassanayake said from Abu Dhabi. The WCLC, a three-year programme for the non-Test playing teams, sends top six teams to the 2018 ICC World Cup Qualifier. Having missed an opportunity to compete in the 2016 ICC World Twenty20, Nepal wouldn’t let go another opportunity to represent the country at a global stage.
And to accomplish the mission, Nepal have to remain on track for the Qualifiers by beating PNG. “These are important games. We need to win both the matches as every game in WCLC carries important points. PNG are good side, they have been playing really well over the last two years, so we need to play well to beat them,” said Nepal skipper Paras Khadka. However, defeating PNG will be a tough nut to crack.
PNG had hammered Danube Lions by 141 runs and overcame Oman by two wickets, giving indication of their batting prowess. Nepal had lost to PNG in their previous meeting in the ICC World Twenty20 held in Ireland. With an experimental batting lineup against Pakistan bearing fruit, Dassanayake indicated to go with the same squad and pin hopes on opening duo of Anil Mandal and Subash Khakurel. Mandal, in particular, have been in a sublime form of late having scored three centuries in national cricket, one against Scotland and half centuries against Hong Kong and Pakistan.
Sagar Pun will come at No 3 with Gyanendra Malla, Paras Khadka and Sharad Vesawkar taking care of the middle order. Dassanayake said he will bring back unpredictable allrounder Mehboob Alam, who has been in a fine shape for the last few weeks. The inclusion of fast bowling sensation Sompal will remain a suspense as he is yet to go a fitness test ahead of the game on Monday.
Kami had sustained a tennis elbow injury and didn’t play against Oman and Danube Lions. He bowled only five overs against Pakistan. His absence may open doors for Karan KC, who has not been that successful in terms of wickets and economy. With Basanta Regmi and Shakti Gauchan leading the spin department, Dassanayake’s selection dilemma would be picking up the final vacant spot.
“We will go with one seamer after Paras and Mehboob. If Sompal is deemed fit, there will be no Karan and to fill the last spot, we will play either an extra batsman or spinner,” said Dassanayake.