Bulawayo is all set to host a match between two cricket loving Asian teams. One has touch the sky height where another is following the same path. Limit of their progress is sky-limit. Needless to say, its clash between inspiring, Afghanistan and fighters, Nepal.
Wounded Afghanistan will face the challenge of shattered Nepal in fourth day fixture of Group ‘B’. It has been shocking tournament for Afghanistan so far where their neighbour, Nepal is still searching clue to perform in higher level on flat track. Still some hour to go for the match but the clash between fans of two passionate cricketing nation on social medias already boiled up. Both the teams were performing on same level till 2014 but since then Afghanistan drew the new path of progress and stunned the world when they claimed test status on late 2017.
Either of the teams are yet to taste the victory’s savour. Afghanistan lost three consecutive matches where Nepal lost two in a row. Afghans started off their tournament with 7 wickets defeat against Scotland followed by two runs thrilling loss against host Zimbabwe. On their last fixture Afghans faced 40 runs loss against Hong Kong. More than a loss, it was moral down for Afghans to concede defeat against Hong Kong. Last lost slim down Afghans hope to qualify for Super Six but Group ‘B’ scenario kept their tiny hope alive. Now Afghans need to beat Nepal by as more as possible margin and pray for Hong Kong’s consecutive defeat. If it happens, then scenario will come down to net run rate between Afghanistan, Hong Kong and Nepal to hold up a remaining spot for Super Six. Where Nepal’s scenario is as clear as june beetle during dark night, win two remaining battle and hold strong chance to qualify. Nepal were performing exceptional but they suddenly get jerk in higher level. Nepal started off their tournament with huge (116 runs) defeat against Zimbabwe. On Nepal’s last fixture, their batsmen (barring Paras Khadka) handed a 4 wickets defeat to Scotland.
It was very poor show from their top order as they scored combine 8 runs, 2 runs less than extra. They need huge mental preparation to step up from such dramatic show. So, more than skills tomorrow’s battle will be test of both team’s temperament. Both teams are lying on floor, with zero points on bank, so leaving the wound on side, whoever will able to being stand on feet will come up as winner today.
Not to forget, Afghanistan surely hold the high upper hand against Nepal. But Nepal has strong chance to get pass the Afghan’s challenge as they are mentally down. Catch all the live score update on our facebook page ‘Cricket Concern’.
Venue – Bulawayo Athletic Club , Bulawayo
Weather (03/10)
Weather isn’t as per your desire folks. Very important fixture, most win match for both teams and there is 40% probability of rain. According to forecast there is high chance of thunderstorm and 77°F as day’s average temperature
Squad
NEPAL
Paras Khadka (c )
Dipendra Airee
Lalit Bhandari
Shakti Gauchan
Sompal Kami
Karan KC
Rohit Kumar
Sandeep Lamichhane
Gyanendra Malla
Dilip Nath
Lalit Rajbanshi
Basanta Regmi
Anil Sah
Aarif Sheikh
Sharad Vesawkar
AFGHANISTAN
Rashid Khan (c )
Javed Ahmadi
Sharafuddin Ashraf
Nasir Jamal
Ihsanullah Janat
Mohammad Nabi
Gulbadin Naib
Rahmat Shah
Mohammad Shahzad ( wk)
Samiullah Shenwari
Dawlat Zadran
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Najibullah Zadran
Shapoor Zadran
Afsar Zazai
