Nepal’s national cricket squad is set to play against the Netherlands at Amstelveen on Saturday. This will the third time that the teams play each other in a List A 50-over match. If you look at the teams’ record against one another in the 50-over format, both have registered a win each. However, in the T20 format, the Dutch have the upper hand. Last year, when Nepal toured the Netherlands, Nepal were routed 3-1.
Here we look at five ‘mini contests’ that will decide who wins the fixtures:
1.
Sompal vs Mayburgh
If the Netherlands go on to win the match against Nepal on Saturday, the Dutch opening batsman Stephan Myburgh would have played an important role, at least that is what history says. Myburgh has had a stellar record against Nepal. During the fourth-match T20 series last year, Nepal could not get this batsman out (no not even once, although he played only two of the matches). In the first T20 he remained unbeaten on 67, and in the third T20 he was not out on 71.
Myburgh is certain to open the batting for the Dutch side, and will face Nepal’s pacer Sompal Kami, who likes to take wickets early on. It will be a contest to savour!
2.
Rippon (the bowler) vs Sharad
Chinaman bowlers have become a rarity in international cricket. The left-arm unorthodox style creates awkward angles for the ball, and it is difficult to put the ball away when a bowler is on-song. Michael Rippon is one of those bowlers. Rippon, who is also likely to open the batting, is certain to mete out damage with the ball as well. He has a special knack for picking up tail-enders.
The contest between Nepal’s most experienced campaigner Sharad Vesawkar and Rippon will be one to watch closely. Sharad is likely to come in at number three, and if luck favours, will steer the team during the middle overs. and of course deal with the threat Rippon possesses.
3.
Paras vs Malik
Ahshan Malik bowls quick, and does not give away easy runs. He has been particularly effective against Nepal on fast pitches. During the World Cup qualifier against Nepal, he claimed three wickets, and took two wickets during the World Cricket League II match. Malik claimed 11 wickets in just four matches in the T20 series against Nepal last year. His scalps include Sharad and Gyanendra.
Nepal’s skipper Paras Khadka likes to hit pacers for runs, but he also gets out trying to amp the run rate. This contest shall be interesting!
4.
Sagar vs van der Merwe
Roelf van der Merwe is perhaps the most prolific striker of the cricket ball in the Dutch team. During the 4th T20 against Nepal, he was unbeaten on 40, and claimed 2 wickets.
He has also been effective in rotating strike, with those quick singles.
Nepal’s Sagar Pun, who is stationed at cover or point, will be a good match for him. Will Pun stop van der Merwe? We’ll have to see!
5.
Gyanendra vs van Meekern
Although van Meekern is not on the list of top wicket takers in Nepal, a quick review of his performance against Nepal shows that he has taken wickets (one or two) at crucial times to give the Netherlands an edge in the game.
The contest between Nepal’s Vice-captain Gyanendra Malla and Meekern would be interesting to watch. Gyanendra is key to Nepal’s innings, and van Meekern has the habit of ‘running away’ with the key!
It still remains to be seen whether the Dutch skipper Peter Borren will play the match or sit it out. If the all-rounder plays, then the contest will be between him and the entire Nepali squad!
***
Read also
#WCLC Nepal vs Netherlands: The story so far
WCLC: Five Dutch players who could put brakes on Nepal’s winning streak
