Preview: Nepal searching for clinical performance

By Shashank Timsina | Posted Posted Mar 11, 2024

Nepal will play against Papua New Guinea on Tuesday at Mission Road Ground in their second group stage match of the Hong Kong Men’s Twenty20 International Tri-Series. Nepal’s first match against Hong Kong, China, was washed out due to rain.

Nepal are leading the head-to-head record against Papua New Guinea with a 3-1 score line in their four match-ups in the format.

Nepal came into the series after finishing second in the three-team participating series, while PNG lost to Oman by 2-1 in the three match Twenty20 International Series.

PNG’s skipper, Assad Vala, will be a crucial member of their batting line-up, with 56 Twenty20 international matches to his name. He has been scoring the bulk of the runs for his side, with 394 runs in the last 13 innings with an average of 39.40. He top-scored for his team in their recently held series against Oman.

20-year-old, John Kariko, will throw a fresh challenge to Nepal’s side. The left-arm-spinner has already picked up 21 wickets in his 12 appearances. He is known for his ability to perform under all kinds of circumstances. Seven out of his 21 wickets are openers.

Nepal will be eyeing a clinical performance in the death overs, as they have conceded the bulk of runs in that phase in their recent matches. Abinash Bohara will have to play a major role for Nepal.

Along with the result, Nepal will certainly be looking forward to giving enough match time to all their players.