Aarif Sheikh, a key middle-order batter for the Nepali national cricket team, has once again proven his reliability and composure at the crease. Known for his calm temperament and ability to adapt to match situations, Aarif played a pivotal role in Nepal’s second consecutive win in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 series.
In Wednesday’s match against the Netherlands, Aarif produced one of the finest innings of his career, scoring 78 runs and anchoring Nepal’s chase. His composed knock was instrumental in handing Nepal a crucial victory.
Although he started cautiously, Aarif gradually accelerated the scoring and formed two vital partnerships that laid the foundation for the win. His performance reinforced his image as a dependable one-day international (ODI) batter who can absorb pressure and guide the innings.
A proper ODI batter
Having long held a spot in Nepal’s middle order, Aarif typically bats at number five, though he adjusts his position based on team requirements. His batting style is unique—he avoids attacking early and focuses on settling in before playing aggressive shots.
He generally spends the initial phase rotating the strike and defending, becoming more attacking only after he’s well set. Speaking after the match, Aarif noted, “I believe if I can stay at the crease for 30 to 40 balls, I can finish any game from any situation.”
True to his word, Aarif scored 78 off 99 balls. He managed just 25 runs from his first 50 deliveries but accelerated to add 53 runs from the next 49, shifting gears precisely when the team needed.
His approach perfectly aligns with the demands of ODI cricket, where batters are expected to build their innings before increasing the scoring rate—a strategy he executed to perfection on Wednesday.
Nepal’s ‘Ice Man’
Aarif has earned the nickname “Ice Man” for his calm demeanor and composed batting. Whether Nepal is under pressure or in control, he adapts his game accordingly—prioritizing stability in tough situations and focusing on strike rotation during better phases.
This wasn’t the first time Aarif has delivered for Nepal in crucial moments:
- 2022 vs PNG (Dubai): After Nepal lost their first wicket for just 10 runs while chasing 174, Aarif stitched an 87-run stand with Kushal Bhurtel, then partnered with skipper Rohit Paudel to finish the match. He remained unbeaten on 59 from 102 balls.
- 2023 vs Namibia (Kirtipur): Chasing 311, Nepal was 98/4 when Aarif built a strong partnership with Bhim Sharki. Aarif scored 52 runs off 62 balls with just two boundaries, helping Nepal win via the DLS method.
- 2024 vs Canada (Kirtipur): With little support after Bhurtel’s fifty, Aarif steadied the middle order with a patient 38 off 50 balls. Nepal won the match by 7 runs.
- 2024 vs Scotland (USA): Nepal was 63/4 chasing 155. Aarif scored a quickfire 51 off 42 balls in partnership with Gulshan Jha, sealing the victory.
Even in matches Nepal lost, Aarif stood out:
- 2022 vs Oman: Aarif scored 66 off 79 balls after coming in at 79/4 but Nepal fell short by 14 runs.
- 2022 vs USA: He top-scored with 63 runs but couldn’t prevent defeat.
- 2022 vs Namibia: His unbeaten 50 off 84 balls wasn’t enough for a win.
These innings underline Aarif’s ability to stay calm and perform in any condition, truly living up to the “Ice Man” tag.
ODI career overview
A senior player in the national squad, Aarif made his One Day debut in 2015 against Namibia. Since Nepal gained ODI status, he has remained a regular member of the team.
In 59 ODIs, Aarif has scored 1,203 runs, placing him fourth among Nepal’s highest ODI run-scorers—behind Kushal Bhurtel, his brother Aasif Sheikh, and captain Rohit Paudel. These four are the only Nepali batters to cross 1,000 ODI runs.
While he is yet to score a century, Aarif has notched eight fifties. His career-best 78 came in the latest win over the Netherlands, surpassing his previous best of 66 against Ireland.
He has batted across various middle-order positions, finding the most success at number six. In 22 matches at that position, he has scored 552 runs with five half-centuries. At number five, he has accumulated 371 runs, including two fifties, in 15 innings.
He has also made contributions from lower positions, including a 59 while batting at number three once and 50 runs across the fourth, seventh, and eighth positions.
Aarif has also taken 8 wickets with his part-time medium pace bowling, adding further value to the squad.
Aarif Sheikh’s consistent ability to guide innings under pressure makes him one of Nepal’s most reliable batters. Whether it’s stabilizing after a collapse or finishing matches with poise, Aarif continues to play a crucial role in Nepal’s ODI journey—cool, composed, and committed to the team’s cause.
