After losing back to back two matches in the ongoing CWC League 2 matches, Nepali team are under immense pressure to find a win.
A number of Nepali batters are struggling to fine their tune and score some match winning knocks. Fe players with high expectations are failing to score runs.
In the first match, Nepal could only score 150 runs and in the second match against Oman, Nepal were restricted to 220 runs.
Coach Monty Desai made a bold decision to drop three regular players in the second game. Opener Kushal Bhurtel, all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee and Kushal Malla were replaced by Arjun Saud, Aarif Sheikh and Anil Sah. However, the changes couldn’t bring match in Nepal’s favor.
So, what should be Nepal’s ideal starting XI, according to the current form of the players ? Looking at the current form, we have tried to make the best XI for the match against Canada, as well as against Oman.
Openers: With Kushal Bhurtel striggling to score double digits score, he need to be in bench for few more matches and Aasif and Arjun pair should be ideal opening pair for Nepal.
Number 3 and 4: Anil Kumar Sah has been performing quite well in top order, therefore he should come in at number 3 rather than down the order alike in previous match against Oman. Skipper Rohit Paudel could be the number 4, depending on the situation.
Middle Order: There can’t be a better duo other than Bhim Sharki and Aarif Sheikh to anchor the inning and hold the middle order.
Lower Order: Gulshan Jha has proven himself as one of the finest all-rounder for Nepal. He has proven his worth with batting time and again. His presence in the lower order for Nepal can be vital.
Fast Bowlers: Fast bowling pair of Sompal Kami and Karan KC the ideal for now as they are capable of hitting some runs with bat at the end of inning. However, they should focus more on giving early breakthrough. Five-wickets hero from the previous match, Gulshan will have to accompany the pacers from one end.
Spinners: Sandeep and Lalit should lead the spin bowling attack along with some help from Rohit.
So finally, Nepal’s ideal XI for match against Canada and Oman becomes: Aasif Sheikh, Arjun Saud, Anil Kumar Sah, Rohit Paudel, Bhim Sharki, Aarif Sheikh, Gulshan Jha, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi.