The team is leaving for Pakistan Wednesday to play three practice matches with the Pakistan national team and a match with the U-19 before they on to Kuwait on February 16. The Pakistan team were the gold medalist in the 11th South Asian Games held in Bangladesh.[break]
Sports Secretary Sunil Jung Rana, National Sports Council Member Secretary Hari Babu Chaudhary and a Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) official bade farewell to the squad.
President of CAN Binay Raj Pandey wished for the squad success. “Nepali women teams have a short history but they have a good record in previous tournaments and hope they will bring good results from there,” Pandey said.
Nepali women team were runner up in the 2007 edition of the ACC Women´s Cricket held in Malaysia. After two years the Nepali team finished third, defeated by Hong Kong in the semifinal. Nepal defeated China in the third place playoff.
Pandey added that the practice match against the Pakistan team would be a great opportunity to gain experience “The practice match will help the team learn new techniques.”
National Sports Council Member Secretary Chaudhary wished the team success and asked them to play with high morale. “We are waiting to hear good results from your side,” Chaudhary said.
Secretary at Youth and Sports Ministry Sunil Jung Rana said that the ministry was ready to support productive games. “We wait to honor you as we had earlier honored the U-19 womens´ team for their good showing,” Rana stated.
Coach of the Nepali squad Arun Aryal opined that the current team was well balanced and they would deliver results. “The players are energetic and the tour of Pakistan will boost their moral for the tournament,” he said and added, “Thailand is the main threat for the Nepali side.”
(Photo: Bijay Rai)
Skipper Nery Thapa said that they will try to put up a good show, both during practice matches and the tournament. “We are strong in bowling and fielding and we will use these to keep the opponent under pressure.The practice match against Pakistan ahead of the tournament will be of great help to us.”
The team will also be accomponied by selection committee coordinator Bijay Kumar Sharma who will return from Pakistan.
Nepali Squad
Players: Nery Thapa (captain), Rubina Chhetri (vice-captain), Madhu Thapa, Sita Rana Magar, Sarita Magar, Manita Gautam, Rashmi Sharma Chaulagain, Neera Rajopadhya, Manisha Rawal, Mamata Thapa, Khina Kumari Thapa, Janaki Kumari Bhatta, Indu Barma, Karuna Bhandari.
Officials: Srijana Acharya (manager), Arun Kumar Aryal (coach), Bijay Kumar Sharma (selection committee coordinator)
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