The Nepali national cricket team, which is currently in the UK, will play a 50-over match against the ‘world’s oldest cricket club’, Marylebone CC, on Tuesday. The match, which commemorates the bicentenary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Nepal and the UK, is being played at Lord’s, the Mecca of cricket.

Although the MCC side does not have any player who has played at the senior level for a test-playing side, playing against names such as captain and ex-Middlesex and Somerset all-rounder Keith Dutch and hard-hitting batsman Glenn Philips would be a challenge for the Nepali side, which does not get to play in European conditions that often.

Here are five reasons you should not miss the match.

 1.

Sandeep Vs Phillips

The last time Nepal’s rising star and leggie Sandeep Lamichhane faced Kiwi teenager batsman Glenn Phillips was during the U-19 World Cup in early 2016. The New Zealand side had suffered a defeat at the hands of the Nepalis, and Phillips’ lone crusade (he was the highest run-getter for his side) had made the match challenging for the Nepali side. Phillips made headlines recently after hitting six sixes in an over during a match for the MCC. A mouth-watering contest it is going to be!

Also read: Nepal vs MCC cricket match on Tuesday to be livestreamed

2.

This man, his captaincy

When it comes to leading the team, captain Paras Khadka does it seamlessly. He makes strategic choices that turn the match on its head. When it comes to batting, he shows the team how things are to be done. When he is in the groove, he can be difficult to dismiss. A delight for Nepali fans!

3.

The pace trio

The team currently has three pacers in Karan KC, Sompal Kami, and Bikram Sob. All three bowlers have had a good run in the UK tour so far. The coach is likely to field at least two pacers for the match. Nepali cricket fans, who are used to seeing the spinners do magic, can expect to witness some swing and bounce that Lord’s has to offer for pacers. Can you not already see MCC batsmen ducking to Sompal’s bouncers?

4.

The finisher

Off the field, he is calm and composed. He carries the same trait to the ground. Sharad Vesawkar, Nepal’s mister finisher, has a resume full of finishing shots now. Whether it was during the T20 World Cup qualifiers or during the second match against Namibia in Kathmandu, Sharad’s batting is what fans want to see win the game.

5.

This veteran

It would be unfair to not to mention this man, Clinton Perren. Eighty-four first class matches, and 105 list A matches is what he has under his belt. The 41-year old right-hand batsman agreed to play against Nepal, and he needs to be thanked for this.

The match starts at 3:30 pm Nepal Time. Match will be livestreamed.