Nepal's Remarkable Cricket Journey: From ODI Struggles to Asia Cup Aspirations
Scaling peaks isn't new for the people of Nepal, who have conquered summits that most can only dream of. Whether it's the treacherous heights of Mt. Everest, where centimeters can separate life from death, or on the cricket field, where heroic rescue acts have become their trademark. Over the past six months, Nepal's cricket team has undergone a similar sporting journey, teetering on the brink of losing their ODI status, only to bounce back and secure a spot in the 50-over World Cup Qualifiers. Currently, they find themselves in the midst of their maiden Asia Cup campaign, where they are set to face India on Monday, weather permitting, in Pallekele.
Securing their place in the Asia Cup was a momentous achievement, clinching the ACC Premier Cup title in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The clash against India is eagerly anticipated, and for many players, it's a surreal fanboy moment. Coach Monty Desai emphasizes the importance of feeling equal and deserving of their place on the big stage, attributing their success to hard work and dedication.
Their journey to the Asia Cup seemed improbable in February, with Nepal, granted ODI status in 2018, languishing at the bottom of the World Cup Super League 2 points table. This was when Desai took over as head coach, and their ascent appeared as challenging as scaling the Himalayan peaks. "It still feels surreal as to how we got there and how we made it here," says Desai.
In a remarkable 31-day period, which included 12 matches, they achieved an astonishing feat, winning every game. They outperformed more fancied Associate members such as Namibia, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, and the UAE, not just once but on multiple occasions. In a winner-takes-all showdown against the UAE, played in front of thousands of passionate fans, they clinched a thrilling victory as daylight faded.
Desai attributes their success to unwavering determination when facing adversity. "When you are at the edge of the cliff, you know there is nowhere else to go. So you first had to save the ODI status, and when you start winning, the trust gets stronger, and you start working and keep tasting it," he reflects. Their remarkable achievements highlight the strength of a team that makes the most of its limited resources.
The presence of six players, including captain Rohit Paudel, from the Under-19 squad Desai coached in 2017, played a pivotal role in forging strong relationships and expediting the team's transformation. Although the World Cup Qualifiers didn't unfold as expected, with a lack of experience and self-belief evident against teams like West Indies, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and The Netherlands, Desai believes that with more experience, they are showing signs of improvement.
Desai acknowledges the challenges of Nepal's domestic cricket structure but sees potential for growth, given the massive participation in age-group cricket and passionate fan support. The focus is on building the right infrastructure and capitalizing on the current momentum.
As their journey garners widespread attention, Desai observes how his players draw inspiration from the success stories of cricketers like Hardik Pandya, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, and Babar Azam, who rose from humble beginnings to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Their shared backgrounds and passion for cricket instill hope and determination in the Nepalese players, sustaining their drive for success.
