Nepal’s cricket captain Rohit Paudel expressed his gratitude to the Nepalese fans who turned out in droves to support their team during their T20 World Cup clash against the Netherlands. The Netherlands secured a commanding victory over Nepal in their Group D encounter at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas, USA, during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 on Tuesday. The Dutch bowled out the Nepalese team for 106 runs, with Tim Pringle and Logan Van Beek each taking three wickets and chasing down the target with 6 wickets in hand and 8 balls to spare.
Nepal, buoyed by remarkable support from the crowd, struggled to execute their plans on the field. Their batting lineup failed to build crucial partnerships, resulting in a subpar total. Despite their bowlers’ valiant efforts, which saw them claim a few wickets, Nepal was let down by fielding lapses, including dropped catches at critical moments that could have changed the game’s outcome. The Nepalese supporters created an electrifying atmosphere at the venue, making it feel like a home game for the Himalayan nation. “I want to thank all of them,” Paudel said, acknowledging the unwavering support from the crowd. “It was feeling like we were playing in Nepal.”
NED vs NEP Highlights
Reflecting on the game, Paudel highlighted the tough conditions and praised the Netherlands bowlers for their effective performance. “The overhead conditions were really challenging. Credit to the Netherlands bowlers also,” he remarked. Paudel, who had a promising start with the bat, admitted he could have done more to anchor the innings. “We could’ve done better with the bat. After getting a start myself, I could’ve stretched more. I was moving laterally and using the crease to disturb the length. It was working for me. After the start, I could’ve done better.”
While the batting unit struggled to build momentum, Nepal’s bowlers put up a commendable fight. Paudel acknowledged their efforts but noted that fielding lapses cost them dearly. “As a bowling unit, we bowled well. In the field, we could’ve done better. The result would’ve been different. The last one I dropped, it was very crucial.”
Despite the loss, Paudel remains optimistic about Nepal’s chances in the tournament. He emphasized the need for improvement, particularly in the batting department. “If we do better as a batting unit, we can do better,” he stated confidently, promising a stronger comeback in their upcoming matches.
Nepal’s cricket team, relatively new to the global stage, has been steadily gaining recognition and support. The passionate display by their fans in the stands is a testament to the growing popularity of cricket in Nepal. As the T20 World Cup progresses, Nepalese supporters remain hopeful that their team will rise to the occasion and deliver memorable performances.
Source Agencies
