Prithu Baskota talks to media before leaving for tour to Bangladesh and Thailand. Photo by NepalSportsPhoto.com
Prithu Baskota is the first Nepali cricketer to lead all age-group teams. After captaining U-15 and U-17, during which his team won the ACC U-17 Elite Cup, Prithu is leading the U-19 team in the ACC U-19 Elite Cup, the first step for the qualification to Youth World Cup. Nepal missed the YWC last year after five straight qualifications.
In an interview with Cricket Nepal, Prithu said the team’s aim to gain the lost glory by qualifying to the Youth World Cup.
What is your expectations?
We have a team of talented cricketers and our side is balanced in terms of experienced and young players. Our ultimate aim is to win the trophy for the country.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the team?
We have depth in batting and we are strong in spin bowling attack. We have limited number of medium pacers. However, I expect all the boys will perform well to win the matches. I don´t see weaknesses as such but we need to improve our ground fielding.
Who do you think could be tough competitors for Nepal in the tournament?
We are slated in a tough pool of the tournament. Afghanistan are strong opponents as they had defeated us in the semifinals of the last edition. Likewise, the UAE are also good enough to challenge us. Meanwhile, we should not underestimate Oman as well.
Nepal U-19 team. Photo by NepalSportsPhoto.com
How were the training and practice sessions in Nepal?
We identified our weaknesses and tried to improve in the concerned area during those sessions. We were also good at practice matches against the team like Nepal APF Club.
Nepal are four-time champions of the tournament but we lost in the semifinals of the last edition. How do you assure Nepali cricket fans that you will win the trophy?
Despite good performances, it was our bad luck to lose the semifinal match against Afghanistan last time. This time boys are again dreaming of regaining the lost glory. Everyone is dreaming of playing the U-19 World Cup, for which everyone should give his best during the tournament.