Bowlers’ form a concern? Preview : Nepal vs Namibia

By Roshan Dhital | Posted Posted Mar 01, 2024

Nepal will face Namibia in their must-win match of the Twenty20 Tri-Nation Series on Friday at TU International Cricket Ground.

Nepal, who already faced two defeats in a row, must win both of their upcoming fixtures against Namibia and the Netherlands to stand a chance of reaching the final of the series. Currently, the Netherlands are unbeaten with Namibia winning a tournament opener against the host.

Nepal are failing to strike with the ball in this series so far. They have only bagged aggregated eight wickets in two innings. Nepal have conceded five thirty-plus partnerships thus far in the series.

Rohit Kumar Paudel and Karan KC have picked two wickets apiece for the home team. Apart from them, Abinash Bohara and Kushal Malla have accounted for a wicket each in the tournament with two run-outs. Karan and Sompal Kami had gone for over 12 runs per over in the tournament.

Nepal must address its wicket-taking plans if they want to make a comeback in this competition.

Dipendra Singh Airee has been in supreme form. He has scored 111 runs in two innings in an average of 55.5. Nepal’s star batter has scored 55% of his runs in boundaries with eight fours and five sixes. Rohit has been playing the handy role with the bat for the home side. He has scored 92 runs in two matches including a half-century against the Netherlands.

Loftie-Eaton went into the record book with his 33-ball century against Nepal, the fastest ever in the format, in the first match of the series. He has scored 112 runs in two innings with an average of 56. Loftie-Eaton scored 87% of his runs in boundaries and he will be the biggest threat for Nepal on Friday.

Nepal must be watchful against Ruben Trumpelmann as the bowler has already picked up six wickets in two innings.