Nepal’s hopes of winning their T20 series against West Indies ‘A’ hinge on today’s fourth match, set to kick off at 12:15 PM at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. The visitors currently lead the five-match series 2-1, leaving Nepal desperate for a victory.
Nepal opened the series with a strong 4-wicket win but stumbled in the subsequent two matches, suffering defeats by 10 runs and a hefty 76 runs. A win today is crucial to keep their series aspirations alive.
Match Details
- Teams: Nepal vs West Indies ‘A’
- Format: T20 International
- Date: May 2, 2024
- Time: 12:15 PM Nepal Standard Time (GMT +5:45)
- Venue: TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur
Nepal Announces World Cup Squad, Looks to Test Lineup
The match adds significance as Nepal recently announced their final 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies and America. Today’s match offers a valuable opportunity to field their intended World Cup playing XI, a luxury they lacked in the first three matches of the series. This makes the game a crucial test for facing tough competition like South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands in the World Cup.
Key Players and Challenges
Opener Kushal Bhurtel, a mainstay of the Nepali batting lineup, has struggled for form recently. The return of fellow opener Aasif Sheikh, who missed three earlier matches, could provide a boost. In the middle order, Nepal will count on Rohit Paudel, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Malla, and Sundeep Jora to deliver. Captain Rohit, who scored 112 and 71 runs in the first two matches, is set to return after resting in the third game.
Spin bowlers Lalit Dhakal and Sagar Dhakal are likely inclusions, as West Indies batsmen have found spin bowling a challenge. Sompal Kami, Karan KC, and Abinash Bohara will probably fill out the fast bowling attack.
West Indies opener Johnson Charles poses a major threat after his 119-run performance in the third match. Getting him out cheaply will be vital for Nepal’s chances. Andre Fletcher is another key batter for the visitors. Nepali batsmen will need to negotiate the spin threat of Gudakesh Motie and Hayden Walsh Jr.
Where to Watch
- YouTube: Catch the action live on the Kantipur Max YouTube channel.
- Cable Television: The match will be broadcast on the Kantipur Max cable television channel.
- Live at TU Ground: Fans in Kathmandu can experience the excitement firsthand at the TU Cricket Ground.
The series concludes with the fifth and final match on Saturday.
