Picture Credit: Twitter
Nepal have announced their 17-man squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, which will be co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka from August 30 to September 17. The squad, led by Rohit Paudel, features some of the key players who helped Nepal qualify for the tournament for the first time in their history.
The squad also includes star spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who is currently ranked No. 22 in the ICC ODI bowling rankings. Lamichhane has been one of Nepal’s leading wicket-takers in ODIs, with 111 scalps in 49 matches at an average of 17.25. He will be supported by seamers Karan KC, Sompal Kami, and left-arm spinner Lalit Rajbanshi.
The batting department will be led by opener Kushal Bhurtel, who has scored 986 runs in 44 ODIs at an average of 22.93 and a strike rate of 79.38. He has also hit a century and six fifties in his short career so far. He will be partnered by Asif Sheikh, who has also been in good form with the bat. The middle order will consist of experienced players like Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, and Kushal Malla, who can also chip in with some handy overs.
Nepal has been placed in Group A along with Pakistan and India, and will face a tough challenge against the two Asian giants. Nepal will play their first match against Pakistan on August 30 in Multan, followed by their second match against India on September 4 in Kandy. If they manage to finish in the top two of their group, they will advance to the Super Four stage, where they will play against the top two teams from Group B, which comprises Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
Nepal’s squad for Asia Cup 2023: Rohit Paudel (C), Kushal Bhurtel, Asif Sheikh, Bhim Sharki, Kushal Malla, Arif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Pratis GC, Shyam Dhakal, Sundeep Jora, Kishore Mahato and Arjun Saud.
