India vs Nepal. (Photo Source: Twitter)
India and Nepal will clash in the fifth match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 in what is a must-win game for both the sides. Pakistan have already qualified for the Super 4s after their win over Nepal and a no result against India.
epal were crushed by Pakistan in Multan in the Asia Cup opener by 238 runs before their match against India was washed out due to rain, with both teams sharing a point each. Rohit Sharma and co. need to win against Nepal to go qualify for the Super 4s. Even if the match is washed out or ends in a tie, India will go through to the next stage on account of more points.
Top 3 players to watch out for in India vs Nepal Asia Cup 2023 match:
1. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Everyone was waiting with bated breath to see Jasprit Bumrah bowl against Pakistan in Pallekele. However, the rain Gods had something else in mind as Pakistan did not get to bat after the persistent rain caused the match to be called off.
Bumrah will be itching to return to the ODI format as he only played two T20Is against Ireland after making a comeback from a 11-month hiatus due to his back injury and the subsequent surgery. The Gujarat pacer bowled quickly and was on target, winning the Player of the Series against Ireland while leading India to a 2-0 series win.
However, his test will be to bowl a complete quota of 10 overs at full tilt to see how his body reacts to the rigors of international cricket. Bumrah had confirmed earlier that he bowled 14-15 overs daily to build up stamina and that will be put to test in Kandy on September5.
2. Rohit Paudel
Rohit Paudel. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Though only 20 years old, Nepal captain Rohit Paudel has made quite a name for himself. In 53 ODIs so far, Paudel has 1469 runs at an average of 31.25 with one century and eight fifties to his name.
Unfortunately for him, he scored a duck in the first match against Pakistan in Multan and will look to lead his side from the get-go with the bat. His captaincy against Pakistan was laudable as he kept the Men in Green batters quiet for a long time before Nepa; lost their grip over the match due to Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed’s centuries.
3. Sompal Kami
Sompal Kami. (Photo Source: Twitter)
The experienced all-rounder Sompal Kami was one of the brightest finds for Nepal against Pakistan in their first match of the Asia Cup 2023. He picked two wickets and scored 28 runs in his team’s 238-run defeat in Multan.
However, in 48 ODIs, Kami has 65 wickets with a best of 5/33 and has scored 506 runs with two fifties and a best of unbeaten 63. His bowling at the start of the innings, along with Karan KC, was good to watch as he got the ball to move around and trouble the Pakistan batters.