Crucial League 2 Clash for Nepal Against USA

Nepal is taking on the United States of America (USA) today in Match 85 of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The match beginning at 11:15 AM NST will be the 10th ODI clash between the two associates. The match is important, especially for Nepal, as it languishes at the 7th spot of the 8-team tournament that decides the ODI World Cup qualifying teams as well as the ODI status for the next four years after 2027.

Over the halfway mark and after quite possibly one of the best tri-series in the competition’s history in Dundee, the table has taken a different look, with Nepal’s three wins in four matches squeezing teams together in the middle of the pack.

With five wins, nine losses, and two no results from 16 games, Nepal currently is at seventh place with 12 points and a net run rate of –0.138.

Captain Rohit Paudel and vice-captain Dipendra Singh Airee will once again be key in the middle order, while leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane is expected to play a vital role on Dubai’s dry surface. Sandeep, who has the best bowling figures of 6 wickets against the USA, will be aiming to make an impact for the team once again.

All-rounders Kushal Malla, Sompal Kami, and Karan KC provide depth and balance to the lineup.

The USA, on the other hand, has been one of the most consistent sides in the competition. It currently occupies second place in the standings with 28 points from 20 matches, including 14 wins and a strong net run rate of +0.758.

Captain Monank Patel and Saiteja Mukkamalla have led the batting department with solid performances, while Milind Kumar and Saurabh Netravalkar continue to spearhead their bowling attack.

The USA heads into this match with excellent momentum, having won four of their last five matches in League 2. Also, the presence of Pubudu Dashanayake, who had been the architect of Nepal’s resurgence, as the head coach of the USA makes it difficult for Nepal.

What Nepal eyes is to carry on the winning streak and mentality that it has shown after the arrival of Aussie Stuart Law as the head coach of the team. Law’s arrival seems to have shown winning ways for the team that had earlier faltered on tight situations and been branded as not being able to handle the pressure.

Not to forget the presence of Nepali spectators in Dubai, very likely as a sizable presence on a weekend day, might add some energy to Nepal and pressure to the USA.

The rivalry between Nepal and the USA has been evenly balanced over the years.
Out of nine ODIs played so far, both teams have won four matches each, while one ended in a tie.

Their last meeting in November 2024 saw the USA defeat Nepal by 37 runs, but Nepal will look to turn the tables this time with an improved all-round effort.