Asia Cup 2023, Match 5: India vs Nepal Preview

India vs Nepal. (Photo Source: Twitter)

After having a washout in their previous fixture against Pakistan, India have their task cut out as they face Nepal in their second encounter in Asia Cup 2023 on Monday, September 04 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele. India are ranked on the second spot in Group A with one point to their name and need to win or tie against Nepal to qualify for the Super 4 stage.

The Men in Blue were seen struggling against the potent seam attack of Pakistan as they were reduced to 66/4 after 14.1 overs. Star batters Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer returned to the pavilion cheaply as they faltered against the moving ball. However, India’s ship was steered to safe shores by classy knocks from Ishan Kishan (82 off 81) and Hardik Pandya (87 off 90).

On the other hand, Nepal were completely outplayed in their opening fixture against Pakistan. After being hammered for 342/6 in the first innings, the Rohit Paudel-led side was bundled out for just 104 resulting in a massive 238-run loss. They have a lot of thinking to do as they face another top Asian team and need a win to progress to the Super 4 stage of the continental tournament.

Both the sides will be desperate to get a win under the belt and progress to the next stage in the upcoming fixture. While India are placed in a safer position as even a washout or tie could work in their favour, Nepal will have to script an upset for the ages to stun billions of Indian fans and progress ahead.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium has been a high scoring one in recent times with the totals in excess of 300 being scored regularly in the past two years. The previous two completed fixtures have been won by teams batting second. However, the captain winning the toss is likely to bat first and put the opposition under pressure by posting a huge total.

Probable Playing XI for IND vs NEP

India

India are likely to field the same playing XI and wouldn’t want to change things so early in the tournament. They would hope for a better performance from their top four batters to put pressure on the opposition early on in the innings. The bowling department looks settled with the return of Jasprit Bumrah with Hardik Pandya, Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja filling the all rounder spots.

Probable Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (wk), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Nepal

Nepal were brought down to their knees against a top quality side and will need to regroup quickly as they face another top team. They will require top performers such as Kushal Malla to stand up. He was seen in top form in the recent ACC Men’s Premier Cup finishing as the highest run scorer for his side. Skipper Rohit Paudel will also be eager to take more responsibility with the bat. In the bowling department, the onus of striking at crucial phases lies on Sandeep Lamichhane’s shoulders. Seamer Karan Chhetri will also have to put his hand for the team to bounce back.

Probable Playing XI: Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Rohit Paudel (c), Aarif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi

IND vs NEP Broadcast and Live Streaming Details:

Match Timings: 3:00 PM IST

Live Broadcast: Star Sports Network

Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar App and website

IND vs NEP Prediction

India are likely to win the contest comfortably owing to the lack of experience of Nepal in playing against top quality teams.