Team Nepal left Kathmandu on Sunday for the U-19 World Cup qualifiers campaign.
Nepali U-19 is scheduled to participate in the ICC U-19 World Cup Qualifiers in Ireland from July 28 to August 9.
The top six teams after round-robin league in the 10-nation event will qualify for 2012 U-19 Cricket World Cup in Australia.
Top two teams from each cricketing region of International Cricket Council (ICC) are participating in the event. Nepal qualified as the runners-up from Asia along with ACC U-19 Elite Cup winners Afghanistan.
Nepal will take on Afghanistan on July 28 in the inaugural match. Other opponents include Scotland (July 29), Kenya (July 31), Vanuatu (August 1), Canada (August 3), Namibia (August 5), Ireland (August 6), Papua New Guinea (August 7) and USA (August 9).
The team is led Prithu Baskota.
Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) bade farewell to the team amidst a program at the National Sports Council (NSC).
“We are expecting to finish within top two. So far as I’m concerned qualification for the U-19 World Cup is probably not a tough task for this team,” said CAN President Binay Raj Pandey.
Pandey asked players to give their 100 percent during the matches.
“We have a dream of playing Cricket World Cup at senior level. Obviously, a team that includes experienced players and youths can give us the success. You have to give your 100 percent now to fulfil the dream,” said Pandey.
NSC member secretary Yubaraj Lama said that success of a nation depends on the performance of individual during the game.
“You have responsibilities on your shoulders and show your sincerity during the tournament. You are ambassador of the country through the sport and maintain your discipline,” said Lama.
“I’m hopeful you will return home with good results,” he added.
Baskota expressed their confidence of doing well in the tournament before leaving for Ireland. He said that they would secure World Cup berth first and fight for the trophy in Ireland.