The Nepali U-19 cricket team has been given a formal send-off ahead of the ACC U19 Asia Cup, set to begin on November 29, 2024, in Malaysia. Organized by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the farewell event took place on Tuesday in the presence of prominent figures, including National Sports Council (NSC) Member Secretary Tanka Lal Ghising and CAN Secretary Paras Khadka.
Speaking at the event, Paras Khadka remarked, “Despite limited preparation time, this tournament is an important step toward World Cup qualification. Playing in the Asia Cup itself is a proud moment. U-19 cricket is a priority for us, as the future of Nepali cricket is closely tied to the development of young players.” Khadka also wished the players success, encouraging them to perform to their potential without succumbing to pressure.
Final 15-Member Squad Announced
Nepal has announced its final 15-member squad for the tournament, featuring a mix of experienced and emerging talent. Former national cricketer Shakti Gauchan has been appointed as the team’s head coach, with Dhirendra Chand serving as the assistant coach. Gauchan recently led Lumbini Province U-19 to the finals of the U-19 National Tournament, while Chand coached the championship-winning Sudurpaschim team.
Fast bowlers Rajesh Yadav and Dayanand Mandal, along with wicketkeeper-batsman Dilshad Ali, were excluded from the preliminary 18-member squad. The team will be captained by Hemant Dhami, who recently made his senior debut for Nepal and led Sudurpaschim to the U-19 National Tournament title. Arjun Kumal, a wicketkeeper-batsman with U-19 World Cup and Nepal ‘A’ experience, has been named vice-captain.
The squad includes standout players like Santosh Yadav, the Player of the Tournament in the U-19 Nationals with 27 wickets, and pacer Bipin Mahato, who claimed 16 wickets during the competition. The batting lineup features experienced players such as Aakash Tripathi, Uttam Thapa Magar, and Roshan Bishwakarma, alongside promising talent Naren Bhatta.
Nepal’s U-19 Asia Cup Schedule
Nepal is placed in Group B alongside Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The team will begin its campaign on November 29 against Sri Lanka, followed by matches against Bangladesh and Afghanistan on December 1 and December 3, respectively. The tournament will be held in UAE, with the semifinals and final scheduled for December 6 and December 8.
Group A includes India, Pakistan, UAE, and Japan. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. Nepal earned its place in the tournament by winning the ACC Premier Cup, defeating UAE in the final.
Nepal’s Group Stage Matches:
- November 29: Nepal vs. Sri Lanka (Sharjah)
- December 1: Nepal vs. Bangladesh (Dubai)
- December 3: Nepal vs. Afghanistan (Sharjah)
Full Squad
- Hemant Dhami (C)
- Arjun Kumal (VC)
- Naren Saud
- Aakash Tripathi
- Mayan Yadav
- Naren Bhatta
- Roshan Bishwakarma
- Bipin Kumar Mahato
- Aprajit Poudel
- Santosh Yadav
- Yuvraj Khatri
- Ranjit Kumar
- Uttam Rangu Thapa Magar
- Unish Bikram Singh Thakuri
- Abhishek Tiwari
Team Preparation
Head coach Shakti Gauchan expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, highlighting the benefits of the 15-day camp and the recent series against Karnataka. Captain Hemant Dhami also mentioned that the team has made significant strides in preparation and is eager to deliver strong performances.
Nepal’s U-19 team, with its blend of talent and preparation, aims to make a mark in the Asia Cup while gaining valuable experience for future global tournaments.
