IND vs NEP Match Preview: India Aims to Bounce Back After Rain Washout, Takes on Nepal in Asia Cup in 2023
India seeks redemption after a rain-marred clash with Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Facing Nepal, they aim to secure a Super Four spot. Kishan and Pandya’s form pivotal for India.
After a frustrating washout in their much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, the Indian cricket team is gearing up to face Nepal as they strive to secure a place in the Super Four of the Asia Cup. The rain-marred match against Pakistan resulted in only one point for India, and they are now determined to make the most of their encounter with the inexperienced Nepalese team.
Pakistan has already secured their spot in the Super Four with three points from the group stage, and India is eager to join them. Even in the event of another rain-affected match, India can advance with two points, but they are aiming for a convincing victory.
In their previous match against Pakistan, India’s top order struggled against the pace duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf, finding themselves at 66 for 4 by the 15th over. This exposed India’s middle-order vulnerabilities, especially with Ishan Kishan playing his first ODI at No. 5 and Hardik Pandya not fitting the role of a rescue act.
However, Kishan and Pandya defied expectations by forming a crucial partnership of 138 runs for the fifth wicket, helping India post a respectable total of 266. Kishan’s adaptability and aggressive approach were particularly impressive, considering his usual role as a top-order batsman. He successfully countered the challenge posed by Pakistan’s pacers, displaying his defensive skills when required.
Nepal may not possess the same quality of bowlers as Pakistan, but Kishan and Pandya will aim to continue their good form and accumulate more runs against the Nepalese side.
India’s management is also looking for their top-order batsmen, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer, to find their ODI rhythm quickly. Rohit and Kohli were rested for the ODIs against the West Indies, while Iyer is making his comeback from injury. Nepal’s bowlers might provide the perfect opportunity for these batsmen to regain their form.
On the bowling front, India is keen to see how Jasprit Bumrah performs with his 10-over spell and fielding responsibilities in the 50-over format, as he returns from injury.
Nepal, who faced a heavy defeat against Pakistan in their opening match, will look to their leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane and captain Rohit Paudel to make an impact. However, they are realistic about the challenge of facing a cricketing powerhouse like India.
The match promises to be an exciting clash, with India looking to make a statement and Nepal aiming to defy the odds. Both teams will be eager to secure a victory and advance in the Asia Cup competition.
Teams (from):
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson (travelling reserve).
Nepal: Rohit Paudel (captain), Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Bhim Sharki, Kushal Malla, Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi, Pratish GC, Mousom Dhakal, Sundeep Jora, Kishore Mahato, Arjun Saud.
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