So far in ACC U-19 cricket

I’m very much contempt with the performance of Nepal U-19 team so far. It is playing like a champion. The wins against both Singapore and UAE were power boosters to Nepal side. The bowlers are terrific and the fielding is superb. However, I am worried to see that our mid-orders can’t be exposed so far. There is no much batting practice for batsmen like Akash Gupta and Antim Thapa, who are the pillars of Nepal’s batting. Their performances are crucial in semi and final as we can expect one to one challenge from Afghanistan and Malayasia (most probably).

For me, the semi-final will picture somewhat like this:

Nepal Vs Malaysia (or Hongkong)

Afghanistan Vs UAE

In two batting innings so far, Nepal doesn’t seem much into trouble against the opponent’s attack, thanks to the high level performance by Gyanendra Malla and Paras Khadka. In both occasion, they stood up, exhibiting the terrific experience they gained from the last world cup. However, the opening duo couldn’t prove themselves. Both Mahesh Chhetry and Rahul Kumar failed to prove as batsmen. The openers should play nice, otherwise the pressure will shift to the unexposed middle orders. I personally believe that Nepal should bat first against Oman tomorrow, in order to give some batting practice to its 11 players.

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