Nepal is fielding a strong batting lineup in the U-19 Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka with three of the batsmen already an indispensable part of the national squad.
Historically, batting is a weaker side for Nepal, but when the event begins on February 5 in Colombo, coach Roy Dias would be relieved with the batting lineup. Led by experienced captain Kansihka Chaugai and talented Sharad are both in the national team.
Yashwant Subedi and Prem Chaudhary have been around for quite a while and would be playing their third Youth World Cup. Yashwant is talented but he had not done justice with it during last four years with the youth team. “I lacked concentration in the middle of the innings, I failed to convert good start into big scores,” Yashwant said.
“This is my last chance for the youth team, and I want to prove myself and show the others why I am in the team for such a long time,” he added. As an opener, Yashwant average in 28 matches in just above 16, which is compared to other opener Kanishka, is far below the par. “I am working on the weak points and I want to score runs.”
For Kanishka, this World Cup would give a chance to score 1,000 runs for the U-19 side. He needs 153 runs to become the only player to do so for the country. “I am looking forward to it,” he said. “But more than that, I am looking for the best performance of the team.”
Sharad and Gyanendra are both considered naturally talented batsmen and are worth watching when on form. Sharad’s 82 against England in last World Cup was probably the best innings he had played. He coped with the English bowlers with an ease that amused the English and they would probably remember the innings when they take on Nepal on February 6.
Sharad averages 40.75 from 15 matches with four half-centuries. “I want to score a century,” Sharad said before departing to Sri Lanka. “We are mentally prepared for any challenge ahead.” He believed Nepal would reach the super-eight unless ‘we played very badly.’
Gyanendra has just played three matches for U-19 side but is a promising youngster. In U-15 and U-17 level, he averages more than 50. “I hope Nepal will reach the semifinal,” he said. “I feel like I would contribute solidly for that.” Apart from batting, both Sharad and Gyanendra could roll up the sleeves for a few overs and that gives them an extra edge for the performance.
During all these years, without coming out loud, Prem is making to team quietly. He had played 8 matches with below-average performance but is a confident player. “I feel like I am for the victory of the team, off or on the field,” he said adding that he got chance he would perform well.
Apart from these five, Nepal would also benefit from vice-captain Paras Khadka, Basant Regmi and wicket-keeper Mahesh Chhetri’s batting. All these all-rounders are known for their batting abilities.