The Under-19 opening batsman Sunil Dhamala broke into the national team on Wednesday as Nepal announced a 15-member squad for the ICC World Cricket League Championship (WCLC) matches against the Netherlands.

A three-member selection panel headed by ICC representative and former Indian spinner Venkatapathi Raju, Nepal head coach Jagat Tamatta and skipper Paras Khadka made two changes to the 14-member squad selected for the Namibia games held on April 16 and 18 in Kathmandu. Opening batsman Anil Kumar Mandal and medium pacer Bikram Sob, who were named as reserves for the Namibia games, broke into the squad this time around for the August 13 and 15 games to be held at the VRA Ground in Amstelveen.

“We have tried to bolster out batting,” said Nepal coach Tamatta. “Players are motivated to perform well after a recent tour of England where we won all four games against local teams including the Marylebone Cricket Club at the Lord’s. Netherlands are a strong opponent but our boys are mentally and physically strong to take up the challenge. In a game anything can happen and we are looking forward to the challenge.” Opening batsman Naresh Budha Ayer and left-arm spinner Susan Bhari have been left out from the squad that defeated Namibia in both matches in Kathmandu.

Among those retained from the third round games against the Namibia include vice-captain Gyanendra Malla, Shakti Gauchan, Basanta Regmi, Sharad Vesawkar, Sompal Kami, Sagar Pun, Binod Bhandari, Raju Rijal, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane and Rajesh Pulami Magar. The same selection panel led by Raju had picked up the squad for the third round games against Namibia as well as for the team’s tour of London. Nepali cricket has been without a board since ICC suspended Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) on April 25 owing to the dual existence of the cricket governing body.

Nepal climbed to fifth in the eight-team standings after two wins against Namibia. Nepal have four points while the Netherlands top the points table with 10 points from three round. The tournament offers 2018 ICC World Cup Qualifiers for the top four teams. Nepal will play Kenya at home, away to Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates at a neutral venues in later fixtures.

Squad

Paras Khadka (captain), Gyanendra Malla (vice-captain), Shakti Prasad Gauchan, Basant Regmi, Sharad Vesawkar, Sompal Kami, Sagar Pun, Binod Bhandari, Raju Rijal, Karan KC, Anil Kumar Mnadal, Sandeep Lamichhane, Bikram Sob, Rajesh Pulami Magar, Sunil Dhamala; Coach: Jagat Tamatta