Nepalese Cricket team off to UAE to take part in WT20 WCQ

Nepali national cricket team left Kathmandu on Saturday to participate in the ICC World T20 Qualifiers to be held in the UAE from March 13 to 24.

Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) bade farewell to the national team on Saturday amidst a function in the capital. National Sports Council Member Secretary Yuvaraj Lama and CAN President Tanka Aangbuhang gave their best wishes to the team.

Nepal, slated in the group ‘A’ of the tournament, will face the Netherlands, Canada, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, Bermuda and Denmarkin the group stage. Ireland, Kenya, Scotland, Namibia, Uganda, Oman, Italy and the USA are in the group ‘B’.

What coach and player have to say before Nepal leave for UAE:

Pubudu Dassanayake, coach

We are upbeat about our participation. The team had good practice as far as matches are concerned even if we could not finish our proper training.

Paras Khadka, captain

We got good match exposures though there were some shortcomings in our training. Let’s hope CAN board will correct it in the days to come. We, all players, are prepared for the tournament now. We all want to play World Cup but our primary target is to reach semifinal and only then to capitalize chances to book World Cup spot. We are the lowest ranked team in the tournament but we don’t believe in ranking. We want to prove our caliber during the tournament.

Pares Lohani, opening batsman

This is my comeback tournament. As a senior player, I have more responsibilities. As an opener, I want to bat full 20 overs. I’ll try to rotate strikes and support the rest of the batsmen. I’ll also take calculative risks. We have enthusiasm and we’ll give our best to qualify for the World Cup.

(Lohani had pulled out his name from the team for the Pepsi World Cricket League Division 5 held in Kathmandu in February 2010 citing personal reasons. Lohani hadn’t featured in the national team ever since.)

Shakti Gauchan, spinner

I was dropped from the squad during the ACC T20 Cup but I’m happy to make a comeback. As a cricketer, I have a dream to play a World Cup before ending my career. Since wickets in the UAE are possibly flat, I could get a chance to bowl early overs.

Chandra Saud, medium pacer

It felt good to be a part of the national squad for the first time. Seniors in the team are very supportive. As an opening bowler, I’ll give my best and try to take early wickets. This is a big opportunity for Nepali cricketers to qualify for the World Cup.

Krishna Karki, medium pacer

It is going to be a challenging tournament for me as I’m in the national squad for the first time. I’ll try to prove my worth and help the team win matches.