Nepal is batting against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the opening match of the ICC U-19 World Cup Asia Qualifiers. The match is being played at the Mulpani International Cricket Ground in Kathmandu. The tournament officially kicked off today, bringing together five competing nations in a bid for a place in the next U-19 Cricket World Cup.
The match began two hours behind schedule after rainfall left the field wet. Officials had to work on drying parts of the ground before play could start. Because of this delay, both teams agreed to reduce the match to 40 overs per side.
UAE captain Prithvi Madhu won the toss and chose to bowl first, sending Nepal’s young team in to bat.
Wet Outfield Delays Start of Match
The much-anticipated match was supposed to start in the morning. However, overnight rain left the Mulpani outfield too wet for safe play. Ground staff worked for hours to dry the surface, using traditional drying equipment and modern tools.
Speaking about the delay, match official Ramesh Shrestha said, “We had no choice but to wait until the ground was safe. Player safety is always our top concern.”
Finally, after about two hours, the umpires declared the field ready for play, and the game got underway.
Teams and Tournament Details
Nepal, the host country, is competing against teams from the UAE, Oman, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong. These teams are battling for a single qualification spot in the next ICC U-19 World Cup.
Leading the Nepali team is captain Narendra Bhatta. His squad features players like Abhishek Tiwari, Niraj Yadav, Sahil Patel, and Cibrin Shrestha. Also part of the team are Roshan Bishwakarma, Darsh Sonar, Dilsad Ali, Santosh Yadav, Ashok Dhami, Dayanand Mandal, Aparajit Paudel, Yuvaraj Khatri, and Bipin Prasad Sharma.
The team will be looking to make the most of their home-ground advantage and strong local support. Nepal has a history of impressive performances at the U-19 level, and the fans will be hoping for another memorable tournament.
Oman vs. Afghanistan in Second Match
In another match happening today, Oman is facing Afghanistan at the Upper Mulpani International Cricket Ground. Both matches mark the beginning of this qualifier round and set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
This year’s qualifiers are especially important because only one team from this group will earn a place in the next ICC U-19 World Cup. Every run, wicket, and match will count.
Nepal’s Cricket History and Hopes
Nepal has made steady progress in international cricket over the past two decades. The country’s U-19 team has produced several talented players who later made it to the national side.
Cricket expert Sanjay Rajput shared his thoughts on Nepal’s chances. “Nepal’s youth cricket system is growing stronger. With good leadership and home advantage, they have a great opportunity to shine in this qualifier.”
In the past, Nepal has pulled off notable wins at the U-19 level, including victories over full-member nations. Their passionate fans often fill stadiums, creating a lively atmosphere for visiting teams.
Weather Conditions Impact Tournament
The recent rains in Kathmandu have made conditions tricky for both players and organizers. Wet outfields can lead to dangerous slips and slower ball movements. Teams need to adapt quickly to changing pitch behavior, especially in shortened matches.
Meteorologist Pratima Karki explained, “Kathmandu has seen light rainfall over the past few days, and more showers are expected in the evenings. This could affect several games in the tournament.”
What’s Next for Nepal?
After this opening game, Nepal will face Oman, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong in the remaining matches. The top-performing team at the end of the group stage will secure a place in the ICC U-19 World Cup.
Fans can follow the latest updates and match schedules through Nepal Monitor, which will be providing timely reports throughout the tournament.
The ICC U-19 World Cup Asia Qualifiers are now underway in Kathmandu. Nepal’s young cricket team is currently batting against the UAE in their opening game. With strong local support and a talented squad, Nepal will be aiming to finish top of the group and book their spot in the next U-19 Cricket World Cup.
