Nepal’s U-19 cricketers have stunned New Zealand in their first match of 2016 junior world cup being played in Bangladesh. Their win comes as Nepali sports fans are rejoicing yet another win by yet another young side, in football.
Nepal’s performance in the U-19 category of the gentlemen’s game has always been inspiring. The team has won plate championship, and stunned many other giants in the process.
In 2006, when Nepal lifted the plate championship, it was again New Zealand that they had set aside. With this win over New Zealand, Nepal have given hope to their fans that the team will advance to the next round. However, it is not going to be easy.
Nepal’s batting, at any level of the game, has always been weak. There were fears that the batting order would collapse yet again. But against New Zealand, that did not happen.
Nepal now play India and Ireland in the group stage of the tournament. India, which has won the title three times, is among the favourites this time also. Although the Aussie side, which was in the same group as Nepal and India, withdrew from the tournament because of security reasons, Ireland, who replaced them, is not to be taken lightly.
Today’s win must have given the Nepali side a boost of confidence that could see them beat Ireland to advance to the second round. History is also on Nepal’s side as they have defeated Ireland twice during this World Cup’s qualifier in Malaysia.
Improved batting
Nepal’s batting, at any level of the game, has always been weak. There were fears that the batting order would collapse yet again. But against New Zealand, that did not happen. Nepal’s Raju Silwal played a captain’s knock, but was out two runs short of his half century.
India awaits
The Indian team, which has IPL players in its ranks, is the strongest side in the group. Nepal and India have only played one match at the U-19 World Cup level. The last time they met each other was in 2000 when India thrashed Nepal by 8 wickets.
