नेपाल क्रिकेट संघ निलम्बनः घाटा-नाफाको हिसाबकिताब (राजकुमार श्रेष्ठ, अनलाइनखवर)

Posted on April 27, 2016 by cricketnepal

निलम्बनलाई लिएर सरोकारवालाहरु आरोप-प्रत्यारोप गरिरहेका छन् । राष्ट्रिय खेलकुद परिषद्, तदर्थ समिति र निर्वाचित समितिहरुले निलम्बनको दोष एअर्कालाई लगाइरहेका छन् । तर, यसलाई ‘नयाँ सुरुवात’ का रुपमा लिनेहरुको जमात ठूलै छ । खासगरी क्रिकेट संघमा देखिएको लथालिंग अवस्था र वेथितीलाई लिएर धेरैमा निराशा थियो । अब यहि अवस्थामा नेपाली क्रिकेटले कुनै फड्को मार्ने अपेक्षा गर्न सक्ने अवस्था पनि थिएन ।त्यसैले यसलाई एउटा टर्निङ प्वाइन्ट मान्न सकिन्छ । उसो भए के यो निलम्बन नेपाल क्रिकेटको हितमा हुन सक्छ त ?

थप अनलाइनखवरमा पढ्नुहोस् ।

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क्यान र राखेपबीच जुहारी, आइसीसीले गरेको कारबाहीको दोष एकअर्कामाथि (विनोद पाण्डे, कान्तिपुर)

Posted on April 27, 2016 by cricketnepal

राखेप सदस्य सचिव केशवकुमार विष्ट नेपाल निलम्बन हुनुको जड यसैमा देख्छन्। उनले भने, ‘आईसीसीले नेपाललाई निलम्बन गर्नुको कारण पहिलो बुँदामै अदालतमा मुद्दा परेकाले भनेको छ, त्यसको अर्थ जसले रिट हाल्यो त्यही पहिलो दोषी हुन्छ। रिट हाल्नेले यसको जिम्मा लिनुपर्छ।’ तर निर्वाचित क्यानका महासचिव अशोकनाथ प्याकुर्‍याल यसको सबै दोष राखेपलाई दिन्छन्। ‘क्यान निलम्बन हुनु दुर्भाग्य नै हो। तर हामीले यो स्थिति आउँछ भनेर राखेपलाई धेरै भन्यौं, राखेप सदस्य सचिव गम्भीर हुनुभएन।’

थप कान्तिपुरमा पढ्नुहोस् ।

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ICC suspends CAN over government interference

Posted on April 25, 2016 by cricketnepal

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) for indefinite period.

Although CAN will remain suspended and receive no ICC funding, the players would be able to participate in ICC events. The decision was taken during the ICC Board meeting on April 24 in Dubai.

The ICC statement after the meeting read:

In light of the ongoing court case involving the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) and the Ad hoc Committee established by the Nepalese National Sports Council (NSC), which has led to a vacuum of cricket leadership in Nepal, the Board suspended the Membership of CAN for breach of Article 2.9 of the ICC’s Articles of Association, which prohibits government interference and requires free and fair elections.

The suspension means that CAN will not be entitled to receive any ICC funding. However, the Board, in its absolute discretion and considering that the players should not suffer due to this suspension, decided that the Nepal cricket teams would be able to continue to feature in ICC events.

ICC management will also now work with the Nepalese cricket community, and other stakeholders, in order to assist with the development of a sustainable governance and administration structure for cricket in Nepal.

The Board maintained that it doesn’t accept government interference in the affairs of its Members as it wants all its Members to work independently with the best intentions of promoting and developing the game in their respective territories in accordance with the ICC’s objectives and strategy.

It added that until such time as the CAN becomes free of government interference and is properly structured to begin exploiting the tremendous cricket talent and opportunities that exist in Nepal, the membership of CAN will remain suspended.

The ICC Board consists of the nominated representatives of each of the 10 Full Members plus three elected Associate Member representatives. The meeting is chaired by the ICC Chairman. Also present is the ICC President and ICC Chief Executive.

The CEC comprises the Chief Executives of the 10 Full Members as well as three Associate Member representatives. Also present is the ICC Chief Executive who chairs the meeting, and, by invitation, the ICC Chairman, the Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee and the Chair of the ICC Women’s Committee.

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Paras – Sharad team up for highest run chase, beat Namibia again

Posted on April 18, 2016 by Ujjwal Acharya

Captain Paras Khadka hit a blistering century and Sharad Vesawkar’s patience half-century included the winning shot as Nepal recorded a highest run-chase to beat Namibia by 3 wickets in the ICC World Cricket League Championship match at the jam-packed TU Ground.

Paras (103 off 94 balls) and Sharad (74 not out of 107 balls) scored 167 for third-wicket partnership in the middle overs which proved match-winning chasing Namibia’s 239 for 9.

As it’s now customary for Nepali batsmen to give a nervous time for fans, the fall of Paras ensued 5 quick wickets and at one time looked like Nepal may lose the momentum but Sharad and Basanta Regmi held nerves to seal the victory in a nail-biting finish in 49.5 overs.

Paras hits century in front of 10,000+ fans against Namibia.

Paras hits century in front of 10,000+ fans against Namibia.

Paras joined Sharad in the 14th over, when vice-captain Gyanendra Malla (22 runs) fell after a slow start. Other opener Naresh Budayair failed to score double-digit against some disciplined pace bowling and brilliant fielding of Namibians. Once they are on together, Paras started hitting around while Sharad provided the calmness as they scored freely.

Paras hit out seven sixes and five fours in his innings while Sharad was happy watching from the other end and ticking his scores slowly. Until Paras fell in 42nd over, it looked like Nepal was going to get home a few overs early but his wicket was the beginning of a landslide that saw Rajesh Pulami (1), Binod Bhandari (12), Sagar Pun (2) and Sompal Kami (1) walking in and out of the pitch that left Nepal needing 6 runs off last over.

It seemed easy however Nepal had scored just 8 runs from four earlier overs, a fact that took all 10,000+ fans on ground on foot. Basanta took single off a first ball, Sharad made 3 the next ball that followed a dot ball and a bye to put him on strike for winning run.

Sharad completes his second half-century in as many matches.

Sharad completes his second half-century in as many matches.

It’s second successive unbeaten half-century for Sharad and fourth in List A matches. He is currently trailing by a couple of runs to Championship’s leading run scorer Shaiman Anwar of UAE (276 runs in 6 matches).

Earlier, as in the first match, Namibia had a brilliant start and finish to their innings scoring 239 for 9 in 50 overs after losing the toss. Captain Stephan Baard (51) and wicketkeeper Zane Green (47) made a strong start with 95-run opening stand in 20 overs. Baard fell victim to 15-year-old leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane.

Once Baard was out of the crease, the spinners tightened the screw around taking four more wickets in quick succession – Pikky Ya France (4), Gerhard Erasmus (3) were run-out and Gerrie Snyman (0) fell leg before for a duck to Basanta. Left-arm slow Basanta’s double-wicket over included prized wicket of Green as well.

Namibia went down from 95 for 0 to 136 for 6 in no time. It was only Sarel Burger who hit 43 not out off 60 balls who ensured they take advantages of late overs. JP Kotze (32 off just 11 balls) played a little cameo while Nicolas Scholtz got 22 off 17.

Sompal Kami was hit around the ground and returned with a forgetable figure of 0 for 64 off 7 overs going nearly 10 runs an over. Shakti Gauchan, Basanta and Sandeep each took a couple of wickets while Paras bowled tight giving away 20 runs in 9 overs but took no wicket. For Namibia, most successful bower was Burger taking 3 wickets.

Yet another full-house match.

Yet another full-house match.

Brief scores: Namibia 239 for 9 (S Baard 51, Z Green 47, Burger 43*, Sandeep 2/39, Shakti 2/44, Basanta 2/45) lost to Nepal 240 for 7 in 49.5 overs (Paras 103, Sharad 74*, Burger 3/38, Groenewald 2/48) by 3 wickets.

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ICC to discuss Nepal on April 21: Anderson

Posted on April 18, 2016 by cricketnepal

Stating that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is not engaging with any group of the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), Tim Anderson, the Head of Global Development, said that the cricket’s global governing body would discuss Nepal on April 21.

Anderson is poised to submit a report at the ICC meeting next week for which he and ICC Asia Development Manager Bandula Warnapura met with the members of both CAN factions, and others.

Anderson said: “Whilst acknowledging that Nepal cricket does not currently have a functioning governing body and that a case is currently before the Supreme Court in this regard, we have to wait for the verdict before deciding about the future of Nepal cricket.”

Although Anderson couldn’t say for certain if ICC would make a decision during the Board Meeting on April 21 in Dubai, he said Nepal would be discussed as ‘it can’t go for long’ and that ‘ICC will be losing patience if it continues for long’.

ICC Head of Global Development Tim Anderson. Photo: Nagarik

ICC Head of Global Development Tim Anderson. Photo: Nagarik

The ICC organized a press meet at the TU Cricket Ground on the eve of second match between Nepal and Namibia. The ICC is organizing the World Cricket League Championship matches in association with the National Sports Council (NSC) – the government’s sports agency. It also appointed Asia Development Manager Bandula Warnapura to look after the preparation of matches and nominated Venkatapathy Raju as the advisor of the independent selection panel.

“I urge both the parties to come in one platform and work for the betterment of cricket. And that will be the best way out,” said Anderson.

Indicating towards the uncertainty in Nepali cricket due to the ‘duel existence’ of CAN, Anderson said ICC was left with three options: to go with the their original decision of awarding the hosting rights to Nepal, locate it to India or award points to Namibia.
“We are happy that we held on to our original decision,” said Anderson. “The huge crowd here played vital role for ICC to come to that conclusion,”

Asked about the possibility of suspension, Anderson said “Even of CAN is suspended, that will not affect the players. We had similar situation in the USA and we allowed the team to participate in tournaments. The association will remain suspended and not the players or teams.”

Earlier in March, Anderson had said: “The governance challenges currently being faced by Nepal cricket are unfortunate to say the least.”

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क्रिकेट : सम्भावना र दुर्भाग्य (उज्ज्वल आचार्य, नागरिक)

Posted on April 18, 2016 by cricketnepal

विश्वक्रिकेट लिग च्याम्पियनसिपमा नामिबियाविरुद्धका दुई खेल नेपालमा भएपछि नेपाली क्रिकेट फेरि एकपटक चर्चामा छ। सन् २०१७ सम्ममा दुई वर्ष लगाएर ८ राष्ट्रबीच विभिन्न चरण र स्थानमा हुने प्रतियोगितामा यसअघिका सबै ४ खेल हारेको नेपालका लागि नामिबियासँग घरेलु मैदानमा खेल्न पाउनु सुखद रहने नै भयो। अफ्रिकी प्रतिद्वन्द्वीविरुद्ध शनिबार भएको पहिलो खेलमा खेलाडीले शानदार प्रदर्शन गरेर नेपाली दर्शकलाई खुसी बनाएका छन्।

नागरिकमा थप पढ्नुहोस् ।

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नेपाली क्रिकेट हाँक्ने निकाय छैन : आइसिसी (नागरिक)

Posted on April 18, 2016 by cricketnepal

अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय क्रिकेट परिषद (आइसिसी) का ग्लोबल विकास निर्देशक टिम एन्डरसनले नेपाली क्रिकेटमा तत्काल दैनिक कामकाजका लागि समेत कुनै आधिकारिक प्रशासनिक निकाय नभएको बताएका छन्। नेपाली क्रिकेटको सर्वोच्च निकाय नेपाल क्रिकेट संघ (क्यान) को विवादवारे बोल्दै एन्डरसनले भने, ‘विश्व क्रिकेट लिगअन्तर्गत नामिबियाविरुद्धका खेल आइसिसीले नेपाल सरकार र राष्ट्रिय खेलकुद परिषद (राखेप) को सहयोगमा आयोजना गरिरहेको छ। नेपाली क्रिकेटमा दुई समानान्तर संघ छन्। क्रिकेटको विवाद अदालतमा पुगेको छ। अहिले नेपालमा कुनै क्रिकेटको सर्वोच्च निकाय छैन। आइसिसी चाढो भन्दा चाढो यस्तो अन्योलको अवस्था टुंगियोस भन्ने चाहन्छ।’

नागरिकमा थप पढ्नुहोस् ।

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निरन्तर जितको अपेक्षा (विनोद पाण्डे, कान्तिपुर)

Posted on April 17, 2016 by Ujjwal Acharya

विश्व क्रिकेट लिग च्याम्पियनसिपमा सोमबार नामिबियासँग दोस्रो खेलमा उत्रँदा नेपालको लक्ष्य जित यात्रालाई निरन्तरता दिनुहुनेछ … ‘शनिबार जुन विकेट थियो, त्यसमा ब्याटिङ गर्न सजिलो थिएन । तर हामी के निश्चित हुनुपर्छ भने नामिबियासँग अर्को खेल जित्ने हो भने हामीले अझ सुधारिएको प्रदर्शन गर्नुपर्छ,’ नेपालका कप्तान पारस खडकाले भने, ‘सबैको प्रयासले पहिलो खेल जित्यौं, दोस्रो खेलमा पनि यस्तै प्रदर्शन दोहोर्‍याउनुपर्छ । हामी हाम्रो खेल योजनामा अडिग हुनुपर्छ ।’

कान्तिपुरमा थप पढ्नुहोस् ।

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Sharad’s patient knock earns Nepal first WCLC win over Namibia

Posted on April 16, 2016 by Ujjwal Acharya

Sharad Vesawkar, when on form, knows how to win matches. It was evident in Nepal’s first win in the ICC World Cricket League Championship at the TU Cricket Ground, Kathmandu on April 16 against Namibia in front of the sold-out crowd.

Sharad earned the accolades as the finisher when his hard-hitting was crucial when Nepal qualified for the first-ever ICC World T20 in 2014; and on Saturday, he played a patient knock to take Nepal to the five-wicket victory chasing Namibia’s 195 for 9.

Sharad hit the winning four to complete his half-century.

Sharad hit the winning four to complete his half-century.

Sharad fittingly hit a four off JJ Smit’s first ball of 49th over to finish the match at 50* off 99 balls. His half-century is second in the tournament when with 200 runs in 5 innings he is now second highest run scorer behind UAE’s Shaiman Anwar (276 runs in 6 matches).

Binod Bhandari was at 40 not out and played a crucial role in the unbeaten partnership of 84 runs for sixth wicket. More than that, it was Binod who hit 3 sixes in space of 11 balls to ease the pressure when it looked like Namibian bowlers will pip Nepali batsmen to take away the match.

Sharad came in when a slow yet steady start given by Naresh Budayair and Gyanendra Malla was broken in 12th over as the vice-captain was bowled for 21. Naresh too didn’t stay long and got out on 16 leaving Paras and Sharad to move the innings.

Paras was bowled on 21 and U19 captain Raju Rijal – making his senior debut – mistimed a big hit; and Raju Pulami Magar could only manage 9 off 22 balls leaving Nepal at shaky position with 113/5 on board.

TU Cricket Ground was jam-packed.

TU Cricket Ground was jam-packed.

Earlier, pacer Sompal Kami took 2/47 and left-arm orthodox Basanta Regmi took 3/40 to restrict Namibia to a modest total on the pitch that offered a lot of turn to the spinner. Namibia’s top five batsmen got the start but failed to build after captain Stephan Baard opted to bat.

The visitors got a flying start scoring 25 off first two overs before Sompal got Baard in third over on 18. Zane Green fell in seventh over to Sompal on 14. Pikky Ya France (26) and Gerhard Erasmus (25) scored freely but quick strikes in the middle overs and spinners put brakes on scores. They lost three wickets for seven runs to go 109/6 from 75/2.

Sarel Burger scored 38 off 77 balls helping Namibia to go beyond 150-mark and Smit with his 26 off 22 balls steered the team to a tricky total. They scored 37 off last 4 overs with Sompal going for 15 runs in last over. Paras Khadka (1/34) and debutant young leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane (1/37) also took wicket while Shakti Gauchan bowled tight 10 overs to finish 0/28.

The Winner's Selfie!

The Winner’s Selfie!

Captain Paras praised Sharad and Binod for their batting. “It’s the first victory. Sharad and Binod showed good application on the pitch where batting was not easy. All contributed when needed and overall, I’m very happy,” he said.

Brief Scores: Namibia 195 for 9 in 50 overs (S Burger 38, HN Ya France 26, JJ Smit 26, MG Erasmus 25, G Snyman 23, Basanta 3/40, Sompal 2/47, Paras 1/34, Sandeep 1/37) lost to Nepal 197 for 5 in 48.1 overs (Sharad 50*, Binod 40*, Paras 21, Gyanendra 21, S Burger 2/22, G Snyman 2/26) by 5 wickets.

 

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विकेट हेर्दै रणनीति बनाउँदै (विनोद पाण्डे, कान्तिपुर)

Posted on April 14, 2016 by cricketnepal

कीर्तिपुर क्रिकेट मैदानको विकेट नेपालका लागि पानीपँधेरो जस्तै हो । विश्व क्रिकेट लिग च्याम्पियनसिपमा शनिबार र सोमबार नामिबियासँग एक दिवसीयमा खेल्दा नेपाल त्यही विकेटलाई लिएर अझै ढुक्क हुन सकेको छैन । नेपाल क्रिकेट संघ (क्यान) मा अस्तित्व विवादलाई लिएर जुहारी चलिरहेको अवस्थामा अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय क्रिकेट परिषद् (आईसीसी) ले आफ्नै मातहतमा नेपाल–नामिबियाको खेल आयोजना गर्दैछ । त्यसको प्रभाव त्रिवि क्रिकेट मैदानको विकेटमा पनि देख्न सकिन्छ । आईसीसी एसियाका डेभलपमेन्ट म्यानेजर बन्दुला वार्नापुरा आफैं विकेट तयारी गरिरहेका छन् । नेपाली क्युरेटरहरू उनको छायाँमा छन् । वार्नापुरा मंगलबार विकेटमा पूरा समय खर्चिरहेका थिए ।

कान्तिपुरमा थप पढ्नुहोस् ।

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नामिबियासँग जित्दा वा हार्दा नेपाललाई के हुन्छ? (माधव धिताल, सेतोपाटी)

Posted on April 13, 2016 by cricketnepal

विश्व क्रिकेट लिग च्याम्पियनसिपअन्तर्गत नेपालले नामिबियासँग आफ्नै घरेलु मैदानमा दुईवटा खेल खेल्दैछ। नामिबियासँग खेल्न नेपाली टोलीको तयारी लगभग सकिसकेको छ। नेपाली टोलीलाई प्रक्षिक्षक जगत टमाटा र परामर्श प्रशिक्षकका रुपमा पुबुदु दायानायिकेले प्रशिक्षण दिइरहेका छन्। नेपाली खेलाडी अन्तिम अभ्यासमा व्यस्त छन्। विश्व क्रिकेट लिग च्याम्पियनसिपअन्तर्गत नेपालले वैशाख ४ र ६ गते नामिबियाविरुद्ध खेल्न लागेको दोस्रो ‘होम म्याच’ हो। आइसिसीको नियमअनुसार विश्व क्रिकेट लिग च्याम्पियनसिपमा दुई वर्षमा १४ वटा म्याच खेल्नुपर्ने हुन्छ। नेपालले तीन राष्ट्रसँग घरेलु मैदानमा र तीनवटा खेल बाहिर खेल्नुपर्ने हुन्छ। बाँकी एक खेललाई भने आइसिसीले ‘तटस्थ’ मैदानमा राखेको छ।

सेतोपाटीमा थप पढ्नुहोस् ।

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फोटोमा हेर्नुस् यसरी भइरहेको छ नामिबियासँग भिड्न नेपालको तयारी (पहिलोपोस्ट)

Posted on April 12, 2016 by cricketnepal

प्रतियोगितामा कायम रहन पनि नेपालमाथि नामिबियाविरुद्धको खेल जित्नै पर्ने दबाब छ। नेपाललाई यसपटक ‘होम ग्राउण्ड’ र होमक्राउडको फाइदा पनि हुनेछ। त्यसो त कीर्तिपुर मैदान पूर्ण रुपमा तयार भइसकेको छैन तर पनि निर्माण कार्य अन्तिम चरणमा पुगेको छ। मैदानको तयारी पूरा भएको भएपनि संरचना निर्माण सकिएको छैन। मैदानमा डिजिटल डिस्प्ले बोर्ड अझै राखिएको छैन। मैदान छेउमा अझै संरचना निर्माण भइरहेको छ।

पहिलोपोस्टमा थप पढ्नुहोस् ।

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विश्व क्रिकेट लिग टोली छनोट : तीन नयाँ अनुहार (नागरिक)

Posted on April 8, 2016 by cricketnepal

आइसिसी विश्व क्रिकेट लिग च्याम्पियनसिपअन्तर्गत वैशाख ४ र ६ मा नामिबियाविरुद्ध हुने खेलका लागि नेपाली राष्ट्रिय टोलीमा तीन नयाँ अनुहार परेका छन्। नेपाल क्रिकेट संघ (क्यान) ले बिहीबार घोषणा गरेको टोलीमा यु–१९का कप्तान राजु रिजाल र स्पिनर सन्दिप लामिछाने पहिलोपल्ट राष्ट्रिय टोलीमा परेका छन्। राजुको कप्तानीमा नेपालले आठौं स्थानमा रहेर यु–१९ विश्वकपअन्त्य गरेको थियो। प्रतियोगितामा सन्दिपले १४ विकेट लिएका थिए। त्यस्तै सुसन भारी पनि नयाँ अनुहार हुन्।उनले पनि यु–१९ राष्ट्रिय टोलीबाट खेलिसकेका छन्।

नागरिकमा थप पढ्नुहोस् ।

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Nepal announces squad against WCL matches vs Namibia

Posted on April 7, 2016 by cricketnepal

Nepal has announced national squad for the ICC World Cricket League Championship two one-day matches against Namibia to be played at the TU Ground on April 16 and 18.

The 18-member Nepali team include Paras Khadka (skipper), Gyanendra Malla (vice-captain), Sagar Pun, Naresh Budha Ayer, Sharad Bheswakar, Binod Bhandari, Raju Rijal, Sandip Lamichhane, Susan Bhari, Basnata Regmi, Shakti Gauchan, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, and Rajesh Pulami.

Three players from the U19 team that played the Youth World Cup in Bangladesh were named. They are wicket-keeper Raju Rijal, spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, and Susan Bhari. Four players named as alternative players are Bikram Sob, Dipendra Singh Airi, Prem Tamang and Anil Mandal.

According to the National Sports Council a selection team comprising International Cricket Council (ICC) representative Bandula Warnapura, coach Jagat Tamata and captain Paras Khadka named the team.

Jagat Tamata, who guided Nepali U-19 team into the quarterfinals of the ICC U-19 World Cup, is the coach of the team whereas former coach Pubudu Dassanayake is also in Nepal to support the team as consultant coach.

Meanwhile, the ICC has announced the schedule for ICC World Cricket League Championship matches to be held in Nepal. Namibia will travel to Kathmandu, where it will play two 50-over matches against Nepal. These games will be held on 16 and 18 April at the Tribhuvan University Ground.

The top sides from the ICC World Cricket League Championship will progress to the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier, which will be held in Bangladesh in 2018.

The ICC World Cricket League Championship is an elite 50 over competition played between leading Associate and Affiliate members. The ICC WCLC is the pathway for participating teams to play in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 and subsequently have a chance to qualify for ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

The ICC WCL Championship will run from 2015-2017. Four of the eight participating teams in ICC WCLC have ODI status while the other four teams have been promoted from ICC WCL Division 2 which was held in Namibia in January 2015. Teams in WCLC include Scotland, UAE, Hong Kong, PNG, Netherslands, Namibia, Nepal and Kenya.

Nepal has so far played four matches – two each against Scotland and PNG and have lost all of them. Namibia on the other hand has lost 3 out of 4 matches beating Hong Kong and losing to Hong Kong and Kenya.

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परामर्श प्रशिक्षकका रूपमा फर्किए पुबुदु दसानायके (कान्तिपुर)

Posted on April 6, 2016 by cricketnepal

नामिबियाविरुद्ध वैशाख ४ र ६ मा हुने विश्व क्रिकेट लिग च्याम्पियनसिपको तयारीका लागि परामर्श प्रशिक्षकका रूपमा पुबुदु दसानायके नेपाल आएका छन्। नेपाली राष्ट्रिय टिमका पूर्वप्रशिक्षक दसानायके ४ महिनापछि दुई साताका लागि नेपाल आएका हुन् । दसानायकेले नोभेम्बरमा च्याम्पियनसिपको पपुवा न्युगिनीसँगको खेलअघि नै राजीनामा दिएका थिए ।

कान्तिपुरमा थप पढ्नुहोस् ।

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नामिबियाविरुद्ध तयारीमा व्यस्त नेपाली क्रिकेट (विनोद पाण्डे, कान्तिपुर)

Posted on April 4, 2016 by cricketnepal

नामिबियाको खेलसँगै नेपालमा ३ वर्षपछि अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय क्रिकेट फर्किने छ । सन् २०१३ को मार्च–अप्रिलमा एसीसी ट्वान्टी–२० भएयता नेपालमा कुनै अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय खेल आयोजना भएको छैन । यसअघि पनि नोभेम्बरमा च्याम्पियनसिपकै नेपाल र पपुवा न्यु गिनीबीचको खेल काठमाडौंमै हुने तालिका थियो । वैशाख १२ को ठूलो भूकम्पमा भत्किएको कीर्तिपुर स्थित त्रिवि क्रिकेट मैदानको भौतिक संरचना मर्मत हुन नसकेपछि यो खेल नोभेम्बरमा युएईमा भएको थियो ।

कान्तिपुरमा थप पढ्नुहोस् ।

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ICC Statement regarding ICC World Cricket League round-three matches between Nepal and Namibia

Posted on March 17, 2016 by icc

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has in recent weeks been in discussions with various stakeholders regarding the staging of the ICC World Cricket League (WCL) Championship round-three matches between Nepal and Namibia. These matches are scheduled to take place on April 16 and 18.

Whilst acknowledging that Nepal cricket does not currently have a functioning governing body and that a case is currently before the Supreme Court in this regard, the intention of these discussions was to find a solution that would allow Nepal to compete in these matches, and potentially host them.

With the agreement of the CAN Adhoc Committee and the CAN Elected Committee, and the support of the National Sports Council, the following will now take place:

An independent selection panel, including the national team coach and captain will select the Nepal team to compete against Namibia, with Asia Development Officer Venkatapathy Raju acting as an advisor.

Asia Development Manager Bandula Warnapura will undertake an inspection of the Tribhuvan University Ground to assess its suitability to host the matches, while a local security plan will be developed for the assessment and approval of ICC.

If these assessments are passed the matches will take place in Kathmandu, with ICC conducting the match preparations and operations on an independent basis. The National Sports Council has nominated Bhawana Ghimire to work with ICC as a local liaison in this regard.

If these assessments are not passed, the matches will be relocated to an alternate venue outside of Nepal.

“The governance challenges currently being faced by Nepal cricket are unfortunate to say the least,” said ICC Head of Global Development, Tim Anderson.

“However, in the best interests of the game, the players and the fans, we are heartened by the cooperation of all parties in agreeing a set of solutions that allows these important matches to be played, and consideration given to them being played in Nepal,” Mr Anderson added.

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Who said what after Nepal v Bangladesh #U19CWC Quarterfinal?

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Ujjwal Acharya

Current and former cricketers, and cricket officials praised Nepal U19 team’s performance at the U19 Cricket World Cup despite the loss against Bangladesh. Here are some selection of the comments:

National Captain Paras Khadka

The passion, hunger and the determination showed by our boys today has given us hope for the days to come ahead. Thank…

Posted by Paras Khadka on Friday, February 5, 2016

Former national captain and assistant coach Binod Das

Disappointed with the result but proud of the effort put in by the team.. Lots of positives and some great potential to look forward to.. Let's keep our heads high..

Posted by Binod Das on Friday, February 5, 2016

National vice-captain Gyanendra Malla


Ex-coach Pubudu Dassanayake

Wow…didn’t see any difference between the two teams. Congrats to Nepal U19 team for the great show. Job well done Jagath, Binod and the staff…Posted by Pubudu Dassanayake on Friday, February 5, 2016

Cricketer Sharad Vesawkar


Former captain Pawan Agrawal

Well done Team U 19. Pretty happy with the way you have plyed!!

Posted by Pawan Agrawal on Friday, February 5, 2016

Former U19 captain Prithu Baskota

So proud of the fighting performance from the boys! Heads up. Few crucial moments in the match but the 5th wicket stand…

Posted by Prithu Baskota on Friday, February 5, 2016

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History for Bangladesh, Heartbreak for Nepal

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Ujjwal Acharya

Bangladesh was clear favorite to win on their home ground against Nepal, a qualifier team. Any team’s victory would’ve created a piece of history and it turned out that Bangladesh reached the first-ever semifinal of U19 Cricket World Cup with a tense six-wicket victory over Nepal.

Nepal could’ve become the first Associate nation to reach the semifinal – an opportunity now left with Namibia who plays India in second quarterfinals on Saturday.

Nepal elected to bat first and scored 211 for 9 in 50 overs with captain Raju Rijal getting 72 off 80 balls. Bangladesh went down to 98/4 in 28 overs before Zakir Hasan (75 not out) and captain Mehidy Hasan (55 not out) safely rescued the team to register a celebrated victory. The pair added a match-winning partnership of 117 for the unbroken fifth wicket.

Sandeep Lamichhane celebrates his wicket. (c) ICC

Sandeep Lamichhane celebrates his wicket. (c) ICC

Sunil Dhamala took 2 wickets for Nepal while Sandeep Lamichhane claimed a wicket.

For Nepal, it was a heartbreak as there were opportunities seizing which Nepal could’ve won the match, but they were left to blame themselves. While batting, there were four run outs – including that of Raju who was playing very well – and while bowling, wicketkeeping Raju missed an easy chance of stumping Mehidy when he was on 25.

“The four run-outs and the loss of five wickets in the middle overs cost us at least 25-30 runs. If we had got those runs we would have fought till the end,” Raju said after the loss.

Raju Rijal and Rajbir Singh take a run. (c) ICC

Raju Rijal and Rajbir Singh take a run. (c) ICC

Nepal had slipped to 178 for 7 in 43 overs but useful contributions in the end from Dipendra Airee and Prem Tamang, who made 22 apiece, lifted it past the 200-run mark.

Right-arm seamer Mohammad Saifuddin was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, giving away just four runs in the final over to return with figures of 2 for 38.

Bangladesh, mentored by former Australia international Stuart Law, was made to fight hard for runs as Nepal’s bowlers conceded just 21 runs in the first 10 overs.

“It is so exciting to be part of the first Bangladesh team to enter the semi-final of a World Cup,” a jubilant Mehidy said, adding: “I think Nepal played a very good game. They did their best with both bat and ball. They are a very good side that we have beaten today.”

Nepal, however, would celebrate their progress in the tournament, especially as the success of reaching the last 8, second time for Nepal after 2000, came after devastating earthquake and difficult crisis back home.

(c) ICC

Raju Rijal (c) ICC

Captain Raju reflected that saying that he is ‘proud of the way the team has played in the tournament. Our aim is to finish with a good placing’.

The best placing Nepal can achieve now is finishing fifth but it’s first target in the tournament would be to try finish better than Namibia, if they lose to India, so to gain automatic qualification to the 2018 U19 Cricket World Cup.

Nepal 211-9, 50 overs (Raju Rijal 72, Dipendra Airee 22, Prem Tamang 22 not out; Mohammad Saifuddin 2-38) lost to Bangladesh 215-4, 48.2 overs (Zakir Hasan 75 not out, Mehidy Hasan 55 not out; Sunil Dhamala 2-33) by 6 wickets at Mirpur.

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Undefeated India’s harsh lessons for Nepal in #U19CWC

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Ujjwal Acharya

Having already qualified for quarterfinals, Nepal had nothing to lose against India than a match (and possibly a weaker team in next round), but had a possibility of registering the biggest ever victory at the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup history.

It didn’t happen this time as India taught Nepal a few lessons of cricket by completely thrashing the neighbour by 7 wickets at Mirpur in televised match.

Nepal labored hard to get 169/8 in fog-delayed 48 overs match, and India reached the target in just 18.1 overs losing three wickets.

(c) ICC(c) ICC

Opener Rishabh Pant hit a whirlwind 78 off 24 balls as India topped Group D and captain Islan Kishan got 52. The pair added 124 in just 9.1 overs demolishing Nepali bowling. 

Pant smashed five sixes and nine boundaries, while getting his 50 in just 18 balls to record a fastest half-century in the history of under-19 internationals. Pant batted with the almost-cruelty looking dominance on inexperienced Nepali bowlers.

To finish the things off, Sarfaraz Khan, who had two 70-ball 74 in earlier matches, hit a six when just a run was required to seal the win. He remained unbeaten on 21 with Armaan Jaffer (12 not out).

India’s emphatic victory was set-up by fast bowler Avesh Kumar, who claimed three wickets for 34 runs. Mayank Dagar and Washington Sundar supported him well with two wickets each while Nepal batted first after losing the toss.

Nepal lost opener Sunil Dhamala in the first over; and the batting then after looked overly ambitious than basics of cricket to which Nepal has remained patient about. Batsmen played shots not to their ability or skills but to what they are used to seeing on the television screens.

(c) ICC

(c) ICC

At the end of 24th over, Nepal was at 66/4 with Sandeep Sunar, who had anchored the innings, gone on 37. Handy contributions from Aarif Sheikh (26), Rajbir Singh (35) and Prem Tamang (29 not out) took Nepal to a respectable total. Nepal had scored 53 off last 10 overs to get to 169/8 in 48 overs.

The Rahul Dravid-coached India topped Group D with an all-win record and now faces the second-placed team from Group A – Bangladesh or Namibia – in the Super League quarter-final in Fatullah on 6 February.

Qualifier Nepal, which knocked out New Zealand from the Super League, awaits the winner of Tuesday’s clash between Bangladesh and Namibia in the quarter-final in Mirpur on 5 February.

Captain Raju Rijal said his team had been taught a lesson on what to expect when playing against superior sides. “The competition in the quarter-finals will obviously be very tough and today’s match was a good experience for us,” said Rijal. “We need to work harder and try and do our best in the remaining games.”

Brief score: Nepal 169-8, 48 overs (Sandeep Sunar 37, Rajbir Singh 35; Avesh Khan 3-34, Mayank Dagar 2-32, Washington Sundar 2-20) lost to India 175-3, 18.1 overs (Rishabh Pant 78, Ishan Kishan 52) by 7 wickets.

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Impressive Nepal enter #U19CWC Quartefinals beating Ireland

Posted on January 30, 2016 by Ujjwal Acharya

Nepal confirmed a place in the quarterfinals of the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup after the day’s results that included a comprehensive 8-wicket victory over Ireland in Bangladesh.

India beat New Zealand by 120 runs to ensure both their’s and Nepal’s progress to the last eight on the day on which another two South Asian nations – Sri Lanka and Pakistan – also registered victories and made to the quarterfinals.

For the records, Nepal restricted Ireland to 131/9 in 50 overs with legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane taking a hattrick and a 5-wicket haul. Yogendra Singh Karki scored unbeaten 61 to help Nepal reach the target in 25.3 overs with loss of 2 wickets.

Nepal's joy after beating Ireland. Photo (c) ICC

Nepal’s joy after beating Ireland. Photo (c) ICC

Ireland opted to bat first and started cautiously scoring very slow as Nepal opened bowling with a pacer and an off-break bowler. When their openers were back to pavilion by 18th over, they were just 42/2.

If they had any planning to surviving the morning dew and hitting out later, Sandeep wrecked their plan scrapping through the middle order. He dismissed Gary McClintock in his first spell, and took a hattrick – first for any Nepali bowler in the U19 World Cup, in his 32nd over.

Lorcan Tucker was caught out at midwicket off the fourth ball of the over; Sandeep then had Adam Dennison caught behind and bowled Fiachra Tucker for a duck to complete his hat-trick. He took the wicket of William McClintock in his next over to complete his five-for reducing Ireland to a hapless 83/7.

sandeep

Legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane took a hattrick & finished 5/27 – 3rd best bowling for Nepal in #U19CWC. Photo (c) BCB

Harry Tector’s unbeaten 30 pushed the Ireland score to 131/9. Dipendra Sighe Airee claimed a couple of wickets while Sunil Dhamala and Sushil Kandel took a wicket each.

Despite bowling 50 overs, Nepal were quick through overs and had 8 overs to play before lunch. They lost opener Sandeep Sunar off the first ball of the innings and scored slow to go to lunch at 21/1.

But when they returned, they batsmen played with boosted confidence scoring quickly. Sunil Dhamala was out for 28 with Nepal on 55/2 in 14th over before Yogendra’s unbroken, 77-run partnership for the third wicket with Aarif Sheikh (31 not out) sealed the win for Nepal.

The win put Nepal on top of the table and needing India to beat New Zealand to ensure quarterfinal spot before the final round of Group D match which will see Nepal face India. India sent off New Zealand to plate championship by beating them.

Photo (c) ICC

Photo (c) ICC

“What was more important than the hat-trick was that we won an important game and qualified for the quarter-finals,” said Sandeep. “I hope we can continue the same way in other matches.”

Nepal’s captain Raju Rijal said qualifying for the quarter-finals meant a lot to his nation. “I am sure there will be a lot of celebrations back home because cricket is very popular in our country,” said Rijal. “Performances like these will inspire more people to play the game in Nepal. The team spirit is very good and we enjoy each other’s success. The target now is to get past the quarter-finals also.”

Ireland captain Jack Tector blamed his team’s low total on the regular fall of wickets. “The hat-trick really did us in and our batsmen could not get enough runs on the board.”

Selfie Smiles all over! Photo (c) BCB

Selfie Smiles all over! Photo (c) BCB

It will be Nepal’s second appearance in the last eight of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup having made there in 2000 in Sri Lanka. In the rain-affected tournament, Nepal’s matches against South Africa and Pakistan were not completed and Nepal beat Kenya by 14 runs to make it to the second round under Binod Das’ captaincy. Binod is the assistant coach with the U19 team now.

Also for the records, this is Nepal’s fifth victory against Ireland in Under-19 level in 6 matches. Nepal had only lost to them in 2012 U19 Cricket World Cup in Australia.

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Giantkiller Nepal beat New Zealand

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Ujjwal Acharya

nepalafternz

Nepal missed 2014 U19 Cricket World Cup, but when they made a return this year, they made sure that they keep up the ‘giant killer’ tag intact by beating New Zealand by 32 runs in the very first match at Fatullah, Bangladesh.

For the records, it’s Nepal’s 20th victory in the U19 Cricket World Cup in 38 matches and 7th against Test-playing nations. It’s also Nepal’s second victory against New Zealand in as many matches having beaten them by a wicket to win the Plate Championship in 2006.

Nepal, which won the qualifying event in Malaysia last year to return to the World Cup after missing the previous tournament in 2014, bowled out the Kiwis for 206 after it was set a 239-run target.

Nepal was put to bat first by the New Zealand. Sandeep Sunar and Sunil Dhamala got Nepal a steady start with 39-run partnership. Although it’s not a great start but it did provide a good foundation for Nepal’s normally weak batting. Sunil (15) got out in 9th over while Yogendra Singh Karki (6) followed quickly making it 50/2.

When Sandeep was out for 39, Nepal was 68/3 in 19th over from where 200 looked a uphill task. But good partnerships in middle order lead by captain Raju Rijal, who scored man of the match winning 48, and little cameo by Kushal Bhurtel took Nepal to 238/7 in 50 overs.

Aarif Sheikh (39), Rajbir Singh (24), Kushal (35 not out off 23 balls) and Dipendra Singh Airee (16 off 17) contributed for Nepal’s total. Nepal scored 51 runs in last 5 overs of the match.

It was seamer Dipender Airee’s three wickets and off-spinner Prem Tamang’s two wicket which helped clinch the win. Prem took two crucial wickets of Glenn Phillips (52) and captain Josh Finnie (37) while Dipendra got best of tail-enders. Dale Phillips scored 41 to make a late victory bid for New Zealand before he was last out to spark joyous celebrations in the Nepali camp.

“This was a great win for us,” said Raju. “We fielded brilliantly to effect three run-outs and that turned the match for us.”

New Zealand skipper Finnie said his side messed up what should have been a comfortable run-chase. “We made the target more difficult for ourselves,” he said. “We must now win the next two games against India and Ireland if we are to progress.”

Nepal will meet Ireland on Saturday, January 30.

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We have to improve to beat others: Raju Rijal

Posted on January 20, 2016 by cricketnepal

Three-time champion India and New Zealand are favoured to take the top two positions in Group D ahead of Ireland and Nepal when the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2016 is played in Bangladesh from 27 January to 14 February.

The biennial 16-nation tournament features nine Test-playing nations and seven Associate and Affiliate Members – Afghanistan, Canada, Fiji, Namibia, Nepal, Ireland and Scotland.

Teams have been divided into four groups with the top two in each advancing to the Super League quarter-finals and the other two qualifying for the Plate Championships.

India, coached by batting great Rahul Dravid, features high among the top contenders to bag the trophy which it has previously won in 2000, 2008 and 2012. India failed to defend the title two years ago in the United Arab Emirates after England stunned it in the quarter-finals.

India arrived in Bangladesh on Wednesday with a power-packed batting line-up that includes Sarfaraz Khan, one of the country’s brightest young batsmen who turns out for Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

Sarfaraz joins Ricky Bhui and Avesh Khan for their second appearance in the premier age-group tournament, having also participated in 2014. Another batsman that will be noticed in Bangladesh is Armaan Jaffer, nephew of former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer.

Both Sarfaraz and Armaan made their mark in schools’ cricket in Mumbai when the stocky Sarfaraz hit 439 in a Harris Shield match and Armaan topped that with scores of 498 and 473 a year later.

Dravid, who retired from international cricket in 2012 with more than 10,000 runs in both Test and one-day cricket, gave up his lucrative television commitments last year to take up the challenging job of coaching both the India A and under-19 squads.

Under his guidance, India’s teenagers have won a tri-series in Sri Lanka before Christmas last year that also featured England and defeated both Afghanistan and Bangladesh at home in November.

“Ours is a decent side with a lot of promising players,” Dravid said. “The conditions in Bangladesh will be quite similar to what the boys have grown up on in India, so that should be beneficial to the side.”

India will be captained by Ishan Kishan, a left-handed batsman and wicketkeeper, who hails from World Cup-winning captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s home state of Jharkhand.

New Zealand captain Josh Finnie also featured in the 2014 event where his side finished 10th, but he is confident of a better show this time.

New Zealand warmed up for the tournament by playing a tri-series against Australia and Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates which concluded on Tuesday. New Zealand won two matches and lost once each to Australia and Pakistan.

“The experience of playing in Dubai and being part of the tournament will hopefully help out in this month’s campaign,” Finnie said. “The players we’re taking over are a really talented group, including a couple of guys who have played first-class cricket.”

Finnie said his team will be inspired by the fearless brand of cricket New Zealand’s senior team has played in recent times under Brendon McCullum which enabled the Black Caps to feature in its first-ever ICC Cricket World Cup final in Melbourne last year.

“The Black Caps’ brand of cricket has been a great example of playing with positive intent and representing New Zealand in the best possible way,” said Finnie. “I think all cricketers growing up in New Zealand have seen that and we’ll endeavor to make that a big part of our game as well.”

Nepal, which last played in the ICC U19 World Cup in 2012, returns to the event by winning the qualifying tournament in Kuala Lumpur. As many as 12 players who helped Nepal qualify are part of the squad that will play in Bangladesh.

Skipper Raju Rijal said having the same set of players will benefit his team.

“It is certainly a plus point for us to have that experience within the team and it helps to create togetherness as well,” Rijal said.

“But the World Cup will be different from the qualifiers. We have to improve in every aspect of the game if we are to beat other teams in the tournament.”

Nepal will need to finish among the top two in the Group to have a chance to emulate its eighth-place finish in 2000.

Ireland will take part in its eighth ICC U19 Cricket World Cup after missing out two years ago.

That the tournament is a stepping stone for senior cricket can be gauged from the fact that the Irish team that played in Bangladesh in 2004 produced seven international players, including captain William Porterfield and Kevin O’Brien. England’s ODI captain, Eoin Morgan, also played for Ireland in the 2004 tournament.

Squads:

India – Ishan Kishan (capt.),  Rishabh Pant (vice-capt), Khaleel Ahmed,  Zeeshan Ansari, Rahul Batham,  Ricky Bhui, Mayank Dagar, Armaan Jaffer, Sarfaraz Khan, Amandeep Khare, Avesh Khan, Mahipal Lomror, Shubham Mavi, Anmolpreet Singh, Washington Sundar.
Coach – Rahul Dravid

New Zealand – Josh Finnie (capt.), Finnley Allen, Josh Clarkson, Zak Gibson, Christian Leopard, Felix Murray, Aniket Parikh, Dale Phillips, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Talor Scott, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Daniel Stanley, Ross ter Braak
Coach – Bob Carter

Nepal – Raju Rijal (capt.), Dipendra Airee,  MD Sunil Dhamala, Himanshu Dutta, Saurabh Khanal, Sushil Kandel, Yogendra Karki, Sandeep Lamichhane, Ishan Pandey, Shankar Rana,  Prem Tamang,  Arif Sheikh, Sandeep Sunar, Dipesh Shrestha, Rajbir Singh,
Coach – Jagat Tamatta

Ireland – Jack Tector (capt.), Rory Anders, Andrew Austin, Varun Chopra, Adam Dennison, Stephen Doheny, Aaron Gillespie, Josh Little, Gary McClintock, William McClintock, Tom Stanton, Harry Tector, Fiachra Tucker, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White.
Coach – Ryan Eagleson
Group D schedule:
Jan 28: India v Ireland, Mirpur; New Zealand v Nepal, Fatullah
Jan 30: India v New Zealand, Mirpur; Ireland v Nepal, Fatullah
Feb 1: India v Nepal, Mirpur; New Zealand v Ireland, Fatullah

Posted in Youth World Cup | Leave a comment

Nepal off for U19 Premier

Posted on August 26, 2015 by cricketnepal

Nepal will take the ACC U-19 Premier in Malaysia, slated for August 28-September 3, as an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

Coach Jagat Tamatta is hopeful of winning the trophy of the ACC U-19 Premier. “The players are fit and fine, both mentally and physically, and I am pinning hopes on these cricketers to bring in the trophy from Malaysia,” said Tamatta, the chief cricket coach of National Sports Council.

“We had a good training of 45 days and the best 14 players have been picked from a pool of 45 cricketers,” said Tamatta. “We have eight all-rounders in the team with four each spinners and medium pacers. The batting aspect is also strong but we need to get a good start as we have strong middle and lower order to bat.”

Nepal’s top opponents in the six-team U-19 Premier would be defending champions Afghanistan, hosts Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. While the Afghans fine-tuned their preparation against Sri Lanka U-19, the well-facilitated Malaysians and the UAE have lifted their standard in the age-group cricket of late.

With monsoon at its peak, Nepali boys have managed to undergo a 45-day of training, thanks to the newly built indoor facilities. The only area that Tamatta regrets is the inability of playing full (practice) matches.

Asked about the opponents, Tamatta said all the teams were of similar standard. “All the teams are beatable and it will not be very hard to win the trophy if we perform to our potential,” said Tamatta. “If the openers give 50-run start, we can post 200-plus total on the board, which is enough for us to defend,” he said.

Skipper Raju Rijal urged the team members to stay confident and perform to their potential. “We have done a lot of hard works in training and there are lots of expectations from us,” said Rijal. “We have to perform well as we will be playing for the nation,” he added. Arif Sheikh, Dipesh Shrestha, Saurav Khanal, Prem Tamang, Sushil Kandel, Dipendra Airee, Sunil Dhamala, Shankar Rana, Yogendra Singh Karki, Sandip Sunar, Raj Bir Singh, Lalit Narayan Rajbanshi and Ashish Dhami are the other members in the team.

 

Posted in ACC U-19 Trophy | Leave a comment

Nepal prepares to battle for WCL Div 2

Posted on January 13, 2015 by icc

Pepsi ICC World Cricket League (WCL) Division 2 will see six Associate teams locking horns in Namibia and Jimmy Hansra of Canada, Nicolaas Scholtz of Namibia, and Paras Khadka of Nepal, say their teams are prepared for a tough battle.

During the eight-day tournament that commences on 17 January, Canada, Kenya, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands and Uganda will compete for the opportunity to progress to ICC’s four-day Intercontinental Cup and the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Championship 2015-17.

Newly-promoted Nepal will be led by veteran skipper Paras Khadka, who said: “Everyone is working hard and we are very keen to play our very best and win the tournament. If we play to our potential we will come out with flying colours. It’s a major tournament and everyone is really keen to perform and climb up the divisional ladder.”

Nepal has had a big year of international cricket, competing in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in January 2014, and competing on the world stage at the ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh, where it beat Hong Kong and Afghanistan. Nepal also won the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 3 in Malaysia in October 2014.

“This year we played in our first ICC World Twenty20, performed well in the event and once again won ICC WCL Div. 3. Back home, cricket has grown ten folds and has reached another height. We must continue this momentum; our focus is to get into the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Championship and the ICC Intercontinental Cup,” said Khadka.

Canada skipper Jimmy Hansra is looking forward to play in an ICC tournament again: “It will be one year since Canada last participated in an ICC tournament. The team has worked hard over the last year and are looking forward to playing in this important tournament.”

There are some youthful additions to Canada’s squad with Nitish Kumar and Nikhil Dutta, who both represented Canada at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in UAE at the beginning of 2014, both being called up.

Hansra who led the team at the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in January 2014 in New Zealand, said: “We have played against many, if not all of the teams that are participating in ICC WCL Div. 2, and know what to expect from them. We have some talented and hungry cricketers, and are looking forward to showcasing our talent in Africa. We have to stick to our strengths and execute our plans, and I have no doubt in the overall ability of this group to do well in this tournament.”

Hosts Namibia will be captained by Nicolaas Scholtz who is excited to be playing on home soil: “Namibia is really looking forward to playing in front of our home crowd and we’re aiming make our country and supporters proud. We are looking forward to some hard competitive cricket and perform in the right spirit and to the maximum of our abilities.

“I think we will have a very good chance to win the tournament. We have a really good team, full of energy, with a good mix of experience and youngsters. The team are well-prepared for the tournament and everyone is ready and itching to get going,” said Scholtz.

The opening day of the tournament will see Namibia take on Kenya at Wanderers, Netherlands lock horns with Canada at United, and Uganda face Nepal at Wanderers Affies.

Posted in International | Leave a comment