Nepal will compete against the Netherlands today in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2. The match, taking place in Utrecht, will begin at 2:45 PM Nepal Time. This game is crucial for Nepal as they aim to improve their standing and move up to the top of the League 2 points table. 7th July, Kathmandu.
In their second match of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 currently underway in the Netherlands, Nepal will face the host nation, the Netherlands, today in Utrecht starting at 2:45 PM Nepal Time. This series also includes Namibia, and today’s will be the host Netherlands’ first match in the series. Nepal lost their opening match to Namibia and now faces a vital challenge to secure a win against the Netherlands to remain in the top four of League 2.
In the opening match, Nepal’s top order struggled, resulting in a total of 157 runs before being all out. Namibia’s victory over Nepal earned them equal points. Nepal currently stands fifth with 24 points from 29 matches. The results of the remaining three matches will determine Nepal’s playoff prospects. Although Namibia also has 24 points, they trail Nepal in net run rate. Finishing in the top four of League 2 will grant Nepal direct qualification for the ODI World Cup Qualifiers.
Additionally, securing a spot in the top six will allow Nepal to retain their ODI status. The Netherlands are third on the table with 32 points from 28 matches. Nepal defeated the Netherlands in their last two League 2 matches held in Scotland, posing a challenge to maintain this strong form and perform well on foreign soil. Historically, Nepal and the Netherlands have faced off in seven ODI matches, with Nepal winning four and the Netherlands three.
Nepal shares a special cricketing history with the Netherlands. In 2018, Nepal played their inaugural ODI series in the Netherlands, where they secured a thrilling one-run victory in the second match. In February 2024, during the League 2 series in Kathmandu, Nepal and the Netherlands each won one game. Most recently, in the 2023 ODI World Cup Qualifier held in Harare, Zimbabwe, the Netherlands emerged victorious.
Nepal’s squad includes: Rohit Paudel (captain), Kushal Bhurtel, Dipendra Singh Airee, Asif Sheikh, Binod Bhandari, Ishan Pande, Bhim Sharki, Arif Sheikh, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Nandan Yadav, Lalit Rajbanshi, Sandeep Lamichhane, Arjun Kumal. The Netherlands team comprises: Scott Edwards (captain), Max O’Dowd, Cedric de Lang, Vikramjit Singh, Bas de Leede, Nooh Kroes, Saqib Zulfiqar, Logan van Beek, Rolof van der Merwe, Kyan Klein, Ryan Klein, Aryan Dutt, Alex Roe, Tim Pringle, Jash Liyan-Kyachet.
