Nepal confident of defending the title

KATHMANDU, Jan 22: Nepal has been dominating the age group cricket in both men´s and women´s categories in the recent past. To continue its dominance, Nepal´s U-19 women´s team has been in regular training for the past 20 days at TU Cricket Ground.



They are preparing for the ACC U-19 Women´s Championship to be held in Kuwait from February 1 to 10. [break]



Earlier, Nepal defended its title in 2010 defeating Bhutan by five wickets at Indian Association Ground, Singapore. As Nery Thapa and other major players have crossed the age bar, the present squad is having many new players, a new coach and a new captain. But, the team is still confident of defending the title.



Coach Nabin Singh said the team is good and well-balanced. “Though we have new players in the squad, our bowling is good and the batsmen can bat for full 25 overs,” said the coach, adding, “We need improvement in fielding as the players have been dropping catches in practice matches.” Singh further added players in his squad are confident, which will help them face any team in the tournament.



Singh, who had guided region no 7 Janakpur for the inaugural National U-19 Women´s Cricket Tournament last month, said he has good players from his region that makes the team stronger.



Captain Rubina Chhetri, member of the U-19 squad which defended the title last year, said that the current squad is one of the best teams in the U-19. “In the past, our strength was bowling but in this squad our strength is in many departments.”



Chief selector Bijay Kumar Sharma expressed his confidence that the squad will lift the title. “Though the current squad has new players, senior players in the squad are helping new players improve their game.”



Sharma added the squad is somewhat weak in fielding, which may cause trouble for the team. “Due to lack of match experience, players are having trouble in running between the wickets as well.”



Nepal has been placed in group A along with China, Malaysia, Thailand and UAE. Nepal will begin the tournament against China on February 3. Nepal faces Malaysia in the second match on February 4 and in the third match Nepal meets UAE on February 5. Nepal will play its last league match on February 7 against Thailand.

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