The Nepal National Cricket team returned from a seven-day tour of Jaipur which was termed a ‘good outing’ by coach Pubudu Dassanayake.
Nepal — who are preparing for the ICC World Cricket League Division-III to be held in Bermuda from April 28th to May 5th — played four practice matches with different clubs and won all of them. “It was a good tour for us because we played against quality teams. The wickets where we played the practice matches were good. We enjoyed a very good facility and hospitality in the tour which was really satisfying for us,” Dassanayake told The Himalayan Times.
Dassanayake is no stranger to Bermuda Cricket as he is the former National Cricket coach for Canada.
Dassanayake added that Nepali players performed really well throughout the tour, especially the middle order batsmen. “There were some really good players in two clubs and our boys handled them well. Especially our middle order batted nicely. The openers couldn’t do much but I am confident that they will gain their form back,” added the coach.
While Nepal’s openers Subash Khakurel and Anil Mandal were unable to do as expected in Jaipur, middle order batsmen took charge. Gyanendra Malla smashed three half centuries, while Sharad Vesawkar continued his fine form providing perfect finishes. Sharad and Binod Bhandari scored a half century each.
Skipper Paras Khadka said the tour helped Nepal in preparing for 50-over format. Nepal, who had recently finished as runners-up in the ACC Twenty20 Cup, were playing their first 50-over tournament in Jaipur after six months. The last Nepal played 50-over game was against UAE in the final of the ACC Trophy Elite. Nepal had shared the trophy with the hosts after the matche ended in a tie.
“We were able to capture the 50-over timing in Jaipur. The teams that we played against Jaipur were good for practice,” said Paras, adding the form middle order batsmen carried was a good sign. “Hopefully we will be able to maintain that form,” the skipper added.
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