ICC World Cricket League Division 4 has brought former Sri Lankan batsman Roy Dias at a stage, where he would not feel very easy. The Head Coach of Malaysian cricket would be under pressure when the home team plays against Nepal at Selangor Turf Club, Kuala Lumpur on September 6.
Roy Dias, Nepal cricket’s godfather, is currently coach of Malaysia but his team hasn’t done well so far. ICC Photo/Peter Lim
If Nepal beats Malaysia, it would win its third match in a row and advance towards final, inching closer to Division 3. At the same time, Malaysian loss would put them under pressure of relegation to Division 5.
Roy Dias was appointed Malaysia coach 8 months ago. Under him, Malaysia reached the final of Division 5, earlier this February, and climbed to Division 4.
During Dias’ 9 year plus stay in Nepal, as a coach, Nepal achieved a lot in cricket. All the titles that Nepali men’s team have had, was during him at the helm. Especially, the success at youth cricket had made him earn the nickname of ‘Godfather of Nepali Cricket’ in international circle. There must have been complains, but he enjoyed his stint in Nepal. That is the reason, he terms Nepal as his second home.
During the long stay, Dias was also deemed responsible in Nepal’s failures in deciding matches. Exactly two years ago, he got his last chance in Division 4, played in Italy. Nepal was defeated by Tanzania by 9 runs, as the team could not chase down 119 runs. Dias called it the most ‘forgettable’ match of his tenure. This led Cricket Association of Nepal to decide against renewing his contract.
Following Guangzhou Asiad, Dias officially bade farewell. It has been 20 months since. This would be the third time his team will play against Nepal. Last year, he had a short stint with Oman. When Oman played its first match under him, Nepal was the host country – for ACC T20 Cup – in December 2011.
Upon his arrival then, he had said, “I’ve returned to my second home.”
Nepal and Oman had the same objective during ACC T20 Cup, to reach semi final and get selected for World T20 qualifiers. Both the teams were stopped in the semis. For the match to decide third place, both the teams did not have much aim, except Dias – to beat Nepal. He was successful in that. He drew the first blood.
In March this year, when Nepal went to Malaysia to play ACC U-16, Dias had become Malaysia’s head coach. Malaysia defeated Nepal in the final by 1 wicket, winning its first ever ACC title. Dias was not in the forefront, but he was the mastermind behind foiling Nepal’s plan to win its first U-16 ACC title. However, Nepal’s u-19 team defeated Malaysia in U-19 Asia Cup, to draw level with Dias.
Under Dias, Nepal reached final of ACC Trophy twice. Both the times, Nepal defeated Malaysia in semi final. The semi final win against Malaysia in 2002 was special. This was the first time Nepali national team was playing under Dias.
To top that, Nepal entered the final and earned a spot in Asia Cup, where it would play with India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Dias described it as his biggest happiness. But, Nepali participation fell victim to disturbed India-Pakistan relations, which pushed the Asia Cup. Additionally, Nepali ‘lobbying’ was also lacking to push for participation. There was no Asia Cup till 2006. Dias called it a ‘bad’ day.
In 2010, Nepal reached the ACC trophy final again. In the semi-final, charged by Sharad Veswakar’s 97 not out, Nepal put up 271 for 6. Malaysian batsman Suresh Navratnam scored 115 in reply, but Nepal won by 9 runs. Nearing 37, Navratnam is still the trump card for Malaysia.
Dias’ achievements also include four ACC U-19 Cup titles for Nepal in 2001, ’03, ’05 and ’07. During those titles, Nepal defeated Malaysia thrice in the finals and once in the semis. While most associate nations in Asia played expatriates, Nepal and Malaysia played home grown players – a fact that Dias always appreciated about Malaysia.
The present crop of Nepali cricketers is a product of Dias’ school of coaching. He knows almost everything about Nepali cricket. However, he may not be aware as much about present Coach Pubudu Dassanayake’s methods and strategies. Dassanayake is known for his ‘shock’ strategy. Everyone was surprised when he selected Binod Das for Nepali senior team. And his surprises did not end here.
Dassanayake selected Binod in the playing XI of both the matches in Division 4. Binod more than justified his selection, taking two wickets in two consecutive balls, during the start of Tanzania innings. From there on, Nepali team did not look back and crushed the team that had once stopped it from climbing to Division 3.
Binod is the same player whom Dias had called as the best allrounder in Asia, during his stay here. Binod has already prove his worth for Nepali team, time and again. He has the opportunity to prove himself again, right in front of his former coach. Only that both of them would be in opposing camps.