Nepal face uphill battle against India

ATHMANDU, AUG 20 - Having wasted a glorious chance against old foes Afghanistan, Nepal now face a daunting task of beating two Test-playing nations—India and Pakistan—to keep alive their semi-final hopes.

Chasing a modest 170 for victory against Afghanistan, Nepal who were comfortably placed on 99-2 lost their way due to irresponsible batting from the lower order to lose the match by three runs. It will be a test of character for Nepal on Tuesday when they take on India U-23 that features several Indian Premier League players, including Unmukt Chand who plies his trade for Delhi Daredevils. Besides keeping their cool in the match, Nepal will be looking for a matured batting at the Singapore Cricket Club. However, skipper Paras Khadka is not allowing the Test team factor to play on his mind. “We know there are a number of IPL and Ranji players on the Indian team. But instead of worring about them, we are concentrating on our assets and try to win the match,” Khadka said. “We have fared well against the teams on our level, now it is time to raise the bar and measure ourselves up against a tough opposition.” Apart from batting, seam bowling has also been a problem for Nepal. Debutant Avinash Karn and Chandra Sawad had failed to exploit seam-friendly conditions at the SCC, both managing only a wicket apiece. Thanks to left-arm spinner Basant Regmi’s five-wicket haul Nepal restricted Afghanistan to a low total. “Seamers too must deliver,” Khadka demanded of his bowlers in Nepal’s first meeting with India U-23 team. Nepal have played India twice in the age group tournaments and lost on both the occasions. Nepal lost to Karnataka Institute of Cricket , which had represented India, by six wickets in the SAARC U-25 Cricket Tournament 2011 in Maldives. Their meeting in the 2012 U-19 Asia Cup group match saw India come out winners by 81 runs. Three of the Indian players from that team Chand, Aparajith and Sandeep Sharma will be in action on Tuesday. Subash Khakurel, Pradeep Airee, Sagar Pun, Prithu Baskota, Rahul Vishwakarma and Karn are on the current Nepal team.

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