The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced a wider-than-usual preliminary squad of 28 players for the upcoming ACC Women’s Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. This expanded selection reflects Nepal’s unexpected opportunity to compete in the prestigious tournament.
Nepal’s Asia Cup dreams initially seemed dashed after a close semi-final defeat to Malaysia in the ACC Women’s Premier Cup. However, a stroke of luck came when the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) expanded the tournament from six to eight teams, granting Nepal a last-minute entry.
Head coach Sanjay Pathak will have a wealth of talent to choose from as he finalizes the 15-member squad after a closed camp training session. Several exciting new faces have been included, with impressive performances at the domestic level earning them a well-deserved call-up.
Koshi’s spinner Alisha Khadiya and Sudurpaschim’s leg-spinner Laxmi Saud will be hoping to make their mark on the international stage. Up-and-coming batters Yashoda Bist, Sabitri Dhami, and Helisha Gurung are also included, showcasing Nepal’s depth in batting talent.
The experienced off-spinner Karuna Bhandari, who has rediscovered her form recently, makes a welcome return to the preliminary squad. Former U-19 captains Kritika Marasini, Dolly Bhatta, and Samjhana Khadka bring a wealth of experience to the mix. Youngsters Rajmati Airee and Aarti Mahato, a promising spin bowler from Madhesh, round out the squad, adding an exciting element of youthful potential.
With the likes of India and Pakistan in Group A alongside them, Nepal faces a tough challenge in Sri Lanka. However, the expanded squad selection demonstrates CAN’s commitment to developing women’s cricket in Nepal, and the team will be aiming to cause an upset or two at the Asia Cup.
