Kathmandu, March 5
Two youngsters who have proved their mettle during training and recent tournaments have been included in the 14-member Nepali squad that will take on Kenya as part of their World Cricket League fixtures in Kathmandu on Saturday and Monday.
Hard-hitting opening batsman Sunil Dhamala and all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee have been included in the 14-member squad announced by the Nepal team selectors on Sunday morning. Parash Khadka retains the captainship.
Dhamala is likely to debut during the first match against the African squad. If he makes it to the final XI, he will open the batting for home side alongside vice-captain Gyanendra Malla. Asif Sheik, who were also in contention for the opening slot, has been dropped from the squad while Dilip Nath, another contender for the job has been named ‘reserve.’ Nath could not play a single game during the team’s recent tour to India.
During the first of the three matches in India, Asif opened the batting with Malla, but he was out for a duck. Similarly, in the third match, which saw Dhamala and Asif open the batting, Asif made 22 while Sunil made 74. In the second match, Asif was rested and Dhamala made 44.
Airee, who put on a stellar performance, both with the bat and the ball, during the recently-concluded ACC Youth Asia Cup is also likely to debut for the national squad.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Mahboob Alam makes a comeback to the national squad. In the two matches he played in India, Alam could not bag a single wicket, but proved himself as an economical bowler.
The other members of the squad are: Sharad Vesawker, Shakti Gauchan, Basant Regmi, Sompal Kami, Sagar Pun, Binod Bhandari, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane and Arif Sheikh (Asif’s elder brother).
Rajesh Pulami, Avinash Karn, Bhuwan Karki and Dilip Nath make up the reserve.
