Cricket enthusiasts are gearing up for a historic moment as Nepal makes its debut in the prestigious Asia Cup. The cricketing world is abuzz with excitement as Nepal takes on Pakistan, a team enjoying the rare luxury of a home game in Multan. Despite being the underdogs, Nepal’s journey to this prestigious tournament is a testament to their growing prominence in international cricket.
Nepal’s Remarkable Rise
Nepal’s remarkable journey to the Asia Cup began with their resounding victory in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup earlier this year. In a tournament featuring formidable teams like the UAE and Hong Kong, Nepal clinched the title, earning them a coveted spot in the ODI World Cup qualifier. This achievement is all the more remarkable considering that Nepal attained ODI status only in 2018. Their current ODI ranking, which places them 15th globally, hints at their potential for future success. It’s worth noting that the 2027 ODI World Cup will include 14 teams, offering Nepal a tantalizing opportunity to shine on the world stage.
Pakistan’s Unique Home Advantage
On the other side of the pitch, Pakistan is basking in the rare opportunity to host the Asia Cup, although they’ll only play two home games due to current circumstances. This rarity makes Multan, where the action unfolds, a significant venue for cricket aficionados. With temperatures expected to reach a scorching 38 degrees Celsius, fans in Multan are encouraged to brave the heat and witness this unique clash between Pakistan and Nepal.
As the spotlight falls on the players, Pakistan is experiencing the emergence of a promising ODI middle-order, largely credited to Agha Salman’s contributions. Salman boasts an impressive average of over 40 and a strike rate exceeding 100 in his first 14 games. His consistent performances, including an excellent home ODI series against New Zealand and a pair of aggressive Test innings in Sri Lanka (83 and 132*), have marked him as a player to watch. Salman heads into the Asia Cup on a positive note, having played a crucial unbeaten 38 to conclude a series against Afghanistan.
Another player to keep an eye on is Dipendra Singh Airee, who enters the Asia Cup with newfound confidence. He made a name for himself during the World Cup qualifier in Zimbabwe, where he played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 79 that led Nepal to a three-wicket victory over the UAE in the seventh-place playoff. Airee had the privilege of sharing the field with cricketing giants such as Andre Russell, Shakib Al Hasan, and Chris Lynn during his stint with the Montreal Tigers in the Global T20 Canada. His consistent contributions with several valuable 20s further enhanced his skills and composure.
Team News: Pakistan’s Strong Lineup
In terms of team news, Pakistan has assembled a formidable playing XI for the Asia Cup opener. Their lineup includes three fast bowlers – Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf – and two spin-bowling allrounders in Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz. Agha Salman, with his offspin capabilities, adds depth to the bowling attack. Notably absent from the lineup are Faheem Ashraf and Mohammad Wasim, despite the latter’s impressive four-wicket haul for Pakistan A against Nepal during the Emerging Cup in July.
Nepal, on the other hand, is set to welcome back Sompal Kami, whose participation at the World Cup qualifier was cut short by a hand injury sustained during Nepal’s match against Zimbabwe. Kami’s return will strengthen Nepal’s pace attack alongside Karan KC.
Pitch and Conditions in Multan
Multan, known for its high-scoring encounters, hosted all three ODIs during West Indies’ tour of Pakistan last year. In those matches, first-innings scores consistently crossed the 250-run mark, with Pakistan successfully chasing down 306 in the first ODI. Spinners played a significant role in that series, with the top three wicket-takers being Nawaz, Shadab, and Akeal Hosein. If conditions mirror those encounters, spinners can expect to have an impact in Multan once again. The weather forecast indicates hot and dry conditions, with temperatures soaring into the high 30s Celsius.
Key Statistics and Trivia
As Nepal takes its bow on the Asia Cup stage, let’s highlight some key statistics and trivia:
- Nepal has played only three ODIs against Full-Member teams, facing Ireland, West Indies, and Zimbabwe during this year’s World Cup qualifier.
- Pakistan’s star batter, Babar Azam, has notched up an impressive 18 centuries in just 101 ODI innings, making him a formidable force.
- Surprisingly, Nepal (51) has played more ODIs in the current World Cup cycle than Pakistan (31). Only Afghanistan (27), Canada (5), and Jersey (5) have played fewer ODIs than Pakistan.
This Asia Cup encounter promises to be a thrilling chapter in Nepal’s cricketing journey, a celebration of their remarkable rise against the seasoned Pakistani team. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await this clash between the emerging cricketing force and the established giants.
