Nepal’s national cricket team is once again in the spotlight after a strong performance with the ball in the Cricket World Cup League 2 (CWCL2) match against the Netherlands. The match is taking place in Dundee, Scotland, where Nepal bowled first and dismissed the Dutch side for 225 runs. Now, Nepal must chase 226 runs to seal another memorable win and move higher in the League 2 standings.
This match is extremely important in the context of the World Cup qualification pathway, and fans across Nepal are watching with high hopes.
Nepal’s Bowlers Deliver Under Pressure
From the very start of the match, Nepal’s bowlers looked confident and focused. They bowled with discipline and kept tight control on the Netherlands’ scoring. The pace bowlers provided early breakthroughs, while the spinners choked the middle overs by maintaining good line and length. Though a few batsmen from the Netherlands tried to settle in, none could convert their start into a big score.
Captain Rohit Paudel was all praise for his bowlers at the innings break.
“The boys executed the plans really well. We knew that if we kept the pressure on, wickets would come. I’m proud of the bowling unit today,” he said.
Every bowler contributed not just with wickets, but also by controlling the flow of runs. That made it difficult for the Dutch side to build partnerships, and they were eventually bowled out before using their full 50 overs.
Solid Chance for Nepal to Record Another Win
Chasing 226 in one-day cricket is neither too easy nor too difficult. Nepal will have to remain calm and stick to their game plan. With in-form batsmen like Aasif Sheikh, Kushal Bhurtel, Rohit Paudel, and Dipendra Singh Airee, the team has the talent to chase down the target if they bat responsibly.
Speaking at the innings break, opening batsman Aasif Sheikh said,
“It’s a chaseable target. We just need to stay focused, build partnerships, and play our natural game. The pitch looks good for batting once you’re set.”
Nepal will look to start steadily, avoid early wickets, and then pick up pace as the innings progresses. The goal is not just to win but to win with confidence and boost their net run rate, which could be important later in the tournament.
Points Table and World Cup Dream in Focus
With the CWC League 2 being a part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 qualification process, every win counts. Nepal currently sits in a competitive position and a victory over the Netherlands could push them higher in the table. This would also strengthen their chances of qualifying for the global qualifiers and eventually the main World Cup event.
Coach Monty Desai, who has been working hard with the squad, also shared his view:
“This team is growing match by match. They’ve shown resilience and hunger. If we keep playing like this, the dream of a World Cup can come true.”
Fans Cheer for Another Historic Chase
In Nepal and among the Nepali diaspora around the world, fans are closely following the match. Social media is buzzing with support, with fans praising the bowlers and expressing belief in the batting unit.
At home, tea shops, living rooms, and offices have turned into mini cricket stadiums. The passion for cricket in Nepal is unmatched, and every game carries emotion and excitement.
One fan outside the TU Cricket Ground in Kathmandu said,
“This team never stops fighting. Win or lose, we’re proud. But I believe today we’ll win again. Go Nepal!”
What’s Next in the Series
After this game, Nepal will face Scotland again in the final match of this tri-nation series. If they win both matches, they will end the series on a high note and gain important momentum heading into future fixtures.
The team knows that the journey is still long, but every small step brings them closer to the World Cup dream. The focus is now on completing the chase smartly and keeping the winning streak alive.
Final Thoughts
Nepal’s performance in this match shows a team that is growing in confidence and ability. The bowlers have done their part brilliantly by keeping the Netherlands to a modest total of 225. Now the pressure is on the batsmen to carry the team home.
With strong leadership, unity, and the support of millions of fans, Nepal stands on the brink of another proud moment in cricket history. If they chase down 226 today, it will be more than just a win — it will be another step forward in the rise of Nepal cricket.
