Nepal has always been known for forested hills, rugged mountains and rivers. Nowadays, Nepal has also been making waves in something else – a game that involves the leather and willow. Whether it be in the World Cup League 2 or ACC Premier Cup, Nepal put up one sterling performance after another. Although there were some reversals in the World Cup Qualifiers and a crushing loss in the opening game of the Asia Cup against Pakistan, Nepal would believe they can showcase their skills against another Asian giant, India. This, despite the fact that, on paper, the gap in class between the two sides is substantial.
Nepal would look towards Rohit Paudel to lead from the front. Nepal’s young captain hasn’t accrued an ODI fifty since the game against the UAE in March this year. In their previous match, the Nepal batters were outgunned by the potent Pakistan pace attack. In Nepal’s defence, they wouldn’t have faced such bowling before. The Indian pace attack comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and company looks set to be another stern test for Paudel, Kusal Bhurtel, Aarif Sheikh, Asif Sheikh and others. With Monty Desai as the coach, one can expect some deft tactical moves in the batting order.
Meanwhile, India have certain worry lines to rectify ahead of bigger battles. The think-tank would believe it is just a matter of one good innings for Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill to regain their groove. Gill, in particular, is in need of some runs, having cracked a solitary fifty in his last seven ODIs. Virat Kohli, too, got out for a cheap score against Pakistan, and he would expect better against Nepal.
The one silver lining in the abandoned game against Pakistan was the form of Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan. The pair didn’t just silver tape the top-order cracks but pressed the accelerator to pilot India to a competitive total in the opening fixture. A few eyes also would be zoomed in on Bumrah’s fitness. He is yet to bowl 10 overs in an ODI since his return from a serious back injury.
Time and venue details
Pallekele Stadium, September 4, 2:30 PM local time
Expected conditions and toss
There was persistent rain in Palekelle on Sunday, although it eased off a bit later on in the day. On Monday as well, a couple of rain showers are expected.
Possible XIs
Jasprit Bumrah has returned to Mumbai for personal reasons. He could be back for the Super Fours. So, Mohammed Shami looks all set to take his place in the side.
Probable XI: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj.
Nepal also might look at giving the set of players who played against Pakistan another chance. Bhim Sharki, a gritty cricketer, is the reserve batter.
Probable XI: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Rohit Paudel (c), Aarif Sheikh, Sompal Kami, Gulsan Jha, Dipendra Singh Airee, Kushal Malla, Sandeep Lamichhane, Karan Chhetri, Lalit Rajbanshi.
Player to watch out for
Shreyas Iyer seemed to be in good touch on his return from a back injury. He even nailed a decent pull shot by going back and across against Haris Rauf, only to pick the fielder at midwicket to near-perfection.