Cricket in Nepal has been on a steady rise, with the sport gaining popularity and a dedicated fan base. Despite their passion, the last few years have been challenging for Nepal’s T20 cricket team. Limited opportunities to play matches have hindered their progress, but the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 offers a chance for redemption and a platform to showcase their talents.

Nepal’s Performance in T20 Format

In the past two years, Nepal has only managed to play around 10 to 12 T20 matches annually, significantly fewer than their competitors. In 2023, they played just 6 T20 matches, and 2024 has seen them play only 4 matches so far, losing all of them. This rocky start could either be a setback or a motivator for the team to push harder and strive for better performances in the upcoming World Cup.

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Despite the challenges, Nepal has named an experienced squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The team comprises seasoned players and promising new talents, all eager to prove their worth on the global stage. Key players include explosive batters like Rohit Paudel, Kushal Malla, and Dipendra Singh Airee, who can turn matches in Nepal’s favour.

SWOT Analysis of Nepal’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Strengths

Nepal’s primary strength lies in its robust batting lineup. With players like Rohit Paudel and Dipendra Singh Airee leading the charge, Nepal can set high targets and put pressure on the opposition. These batsmen have demonstrated their ability to score big and fast, making them key assets in the T20 format.

Weaknesses

Nepal’s bowling attack is a significant weakness. The team needs genuine pace bowlers who can consistently trouble top-order batters. The absence of key players like Sandeep Lamichhane further weakens their bowling unit, making it challenging to defend large totals.

Opportunities

The World Cup presents an opportunity for Nepal to showcase their skills and gain international recognition. Competing against strong teams like South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh will provide valuable experience and exposure. A good performance in the tournament could also boost cricket’s popularity back home and inspire future generations.

Threats

Nepal faces threats from their more experienced and formidable opponents. The teams in their group have deep, experienced squads accustomed to handling World Cup pressures. Additionally, the volatility of T20 cricket means that a single poor performance could derail their campaign.

Nepal’s Campaign Schedule

Nepal’s journey in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 begins with a match against the Netherlands on June 4 in Dallas. This is followed by a crucial encounter against Sri Lanka on June 11 in Lauderhill. The team then faces South Africa on June 14 and concludes the group stage with a match against Bangladesh on June 16, both matches in St. Vincent.

Nepal squad: Rohit Paudel (c), Aasif Sheikh, Anil Kumar Sah, Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Pratis GC, Sundeep Jora, Abinash Bohara, Sagar Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee