Nepal plays Bermuda in ICC World Twenty20 on Sunday. This is the first time both the teams are playing against each other. Bermuda has already played World Cup in 2007. Not to mention, this is the biggest championship Nepal has played so far.
But things have changed now. Bermuda is at the bottom of Group A, losing all four matches they’ve played. Meanwhile, Nepal has lost last two matches to drop down to fifth position. Top three teams of Group A and B will play semi-final play off.
Nepal defeated Hong Kong by 28 runs and followed it up with a 9-wicket win against Denmark. But lost two matches with almost same difference against Papua New Guinea (35 runs), on Thursday, and Afghanistan (34 runs) on Friday.
Afghanistan has almost confirmed a place for the second round, with 8 points, winning all four matches. Netherlands and Canada at the same spot with 6 points each. PNG and Nepal have 4 points each.
To get an entry into second round, this is an important match for Nepal. Nepal will have some chance if it defeats Bermuda and wins one of the matches against Netherlands or Canada.
Nepali chances will depend a lot on how Chandra Saud and Shakti Gauchan bowl. Gauchan, who is making a comeback in T20 format, is at the second spot of highest wicket takers, with 9 wickets, in the tournament so far. Playing his first matches in national colors, Saud has taken 8 wickets so far.
Nepal has happy memories of Sheikh Jayed Stadium. 3 years ago when Nepal played Kuwait, Binod Bhandari had hit a six off last bowl to ‘tie’ the T20 match. Bhandari is not in the team now, but that experience must be fresh in players’ mind.