ICC World Cup League 2: Nepal’s One-Day International Challenge on Home Ground
Image source, CAN
In the previous season of the ICC World Cup League 2 held in Kathmandu, Nepal won 11 out of 12 matches. This success helped Nepal maintain its One Day International (ODI) status and secured their place in the top three of the series, directly qualifying for the ODI World Cup Global Qualifier.
However, this season’s situation is considerably worse for Nepal. Among the eight nations competing, Nepal sits seventh with just 12 points.
Playing on home soil as before, can Nepal produce a dramatic turnaround and improve their standing this time?
According to cricket analysts, “any result is possible,” but players need to put in extraordinary effort for the “miracle to repeat.”
Nepal is scheduled to play eight matches in Kathmandu this month—four against UAE and Oman, followed by four against the United States and Scotland.
Nepal’s Current Standing
The World Cup League 2 series is a high-level four-year ODI competition designed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for Associate nations.
Each team plays 36 matches over four years, a structure pivotal for the development of Associate cricket.
The top four teams maintain their ODI status and automatically qualify for the ODI World Cup Global Qualifier.
Teams failing to finish in the top four, like Nepal currently, must participate in the World Cup Qualifier Playoff.
In the ongoing 2023-2027 cycle, Nepal is struggling—having earned only 12 points from 20 matches, winning just five games, plus two matches abandoned yielding one point each.
Image source, CAN
Nepal still has 16 matches to go, with only eight of those played at home.
Canada holds sixth place with 21 points from 24 matches. Even if Nepal wins all four fixtures against UAE and Oman, they cannot surpass Canada’s position.
The UAE remains eighth with 10 points and can level with Nepal by winning just one more game.
Nepal’s supporters still hold hopes for a miraculous turnaround as seen before.
Challenges from UAE and Oman
Playing in front of home crowds at the Kirtipur ground will undoubtedly benefit the Nepali team.
However, this advantage alone will not be enough to improve their standings significantly.
Oman and UAE, Nepal’s upcoming opponents, remain traditional rivals.
With UAE positioned behind Nepal, they will aim to defeat them as a direct competitor.
The UAE team has undergone significant structural changes, replacing veteran players with five young athletes from India and Pakistan who have been granted citizenship.
Oman has sent a strong signal of their readiness by scoring heavily against Nepal ‘A’ team in recent training matches. Oman’s captain, Jatinder Singh, stated that his team has completed preparations for League 2.
Image source, CAN
Since returning from the T20 World Cup in India last February, Nepal has been focusing on one-day cricket preparation.
The Nepali team faces pressure to win all eight upcoming matches.
Former captain Sandeep Lamichhane remarked, “If we approach these matches with unnecessary pressure, it will be counterproductive. We must focus on performing our best and taking it match by match.”
Battle for Top Spot Between USA and Scotland
Currently, the USA leads the points table with 36 points from 24 matches, closely followed by Scotland with 34 points.
After the series against UAE and Oman, Nepal will host both USA and Scotland in Kathmandu.
A single victory by Scotland could elevate them to the top, or cause the USA to drop down the table, adding further challenges for Nepal.
While Nepal has found consistent success in T20 formats, charting a path to the World Cup, they continue to face challenges in the 50-over format.
Nonetheless, Nepal’s players understand the critical importance of ODI status.
Previously cancelled matches due to COVID were hosted by Nepal, where home advantage and fan support played a significant role.
Nepal now faces a similar opportunity, and the forthcoming results will decisively shape their journey in ICC League 2.
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