The
first edition runner-up Nepal and the defending champions Singapore will meet
on Friday in semifinals of the ongoing ACC U-16 Elite Cup being held in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia. Both 2010 edition finalists will lock their horns at the
Bayuemas Oval Ground of Kuala Lumpur before reaching the finals.
Singapore
had thrashed Nepal with huge margin in the first edition finals held in home on
the course of clinching the maiden title. Now, Nepal have the golden chance to
take sweet revenge for their bitter disappointments suffered in front of mass
home crowds two years ago.
The
group ‘B’ runner up and the hosts Malaysia will take on group ‘A’ winner Oman
at the Kinrara Oval ground in another semifinals clash on Friday. Nepal have
not lost any matches since the final rout against Singapore and remain the
single unbeaten side in the ongoing tournament. Nepal clinching top spot in
group ‘B’ have got Singapore as semifinal hurdle before moving inches closer to
the maiden title.
The
Bayuemas Oval Ground has been favorable to Nepal in the tournament. Nepal had
trounced Kuwait here by 78 runs, while registered an emphatic victory over Iran
in group stage matches. Nepal had filed their premium triumph over Iran, as
they outplayed the latter by an alarming 167 runs. Thus, Nepal will strive to
exploit utmost from the supportive pitch of at the Bayuemas. Nepali batting
lineup looks larger than life this time, as they have battered opposition
bowlers ruthlessly. On contrary, Singapore batsmen have failed to create the
magic. Yet, Singapore batsmen cannot be blamed solely. The irregular rainfall at the Penanag Sports
Club has not let them practice during net-session.
Amidst
all these doldrums in Singapore dressing room, the virtue of defending
champions will boost their morale to great extent. They sweat to ground while
their practice session on the eve of semifinals clash and Nepal took part in
the practice session after four days because of two consecutive matches. Nepali
players were careful as they have already lost their dependable all-rounder
Kushal Bhurtel.
Singapore
team coach Chetan Suryabanshi had the opinion that the semifinal match between
previous edition finalists will be the most thrilling match of the tournament
so far. For Suryabanshi the present Nepal team are well-prepared and strong
than ever. “They are better and confident this time. They have played some good
cricket in group matches,” said Suryabanshi. Responding to his counterpart’s
view, Nepali team coach Manjur Alam Khan said that they are ready to beat
Singapore this time. “There is no option than beating them. We will upset
Singapore at any cost.”
Coach
Khan claimed that Nepal have not forgotten the defeat conceded two years ago
and will take revenge with Singapore. “The match is a vengeance-game for us.
It’s about our country’s pride and we won’t let it go,” shared coach. According
to him, his boys have done all the well-equipped to down their familiar
opponents. Singaporean players give the impression of being much fit than
Nepalese players. Nepali players have not stood on their complete fitness level
so far in the tournament. In contrast, convinced Suryabanshi maintains that his
boys are totally fit for the match.
On their way to semifinals, Nepal had edged past Kuwait
by 78 runs in their first match, defeated Bahrain by eight wickets and got a
167 run eminent victory over Iran before a one wicket stunning win over
Malaysia and maintained their winning streak. On contrary, the tournament has
been going with mixed-feeling with Singapore as they won their two matches and
lost one match. Singapore had overcame Hong Kong and Oman by seven runs and
twelve runs slim margins respectively and lost to Thailand by nine runs.
Undeniably,
Nepal have served good cricket in the group stage matches than Singapore. Four
Nepalese batsmen – Deependra Chand, Jagdish Chand, Aadil Khan and Akash Bista –
have scored match winning half-centuries. Similarly, Kali Charan Yadav and
Akash Bista have put excellence bowling show grabbing more than ten wickets
each for Nepal. And, those tail-enders batsmen have proved their worth as well
for Nepal.
Archit
Goyanka and Nabin Puran are the two noteworthy players from Singapore camp.
Entire Singapore batting lineups seems depending on those two, while Miglani,
Goyanka and Nabin lead bowling attacks, dominated by spin bowlers.
Singapore
will aim to post more than 200 runs on the board, says their coach. “Though, we
have not batted well, we will try to post two hundred plus target for Nepal.
Bayuemas is a good pitch to bat on,” coach said adding, “We will try to stop
them by 160 or 170.”
Coach shared that both teams are loaded with young,
energetic and talented players.
Stressing
on players’ preparation, Nepal coach Khan said that they had good practice
session as they needed it after the upsetting performance against Malaysia.
“Players required practice to rectify mistakes committed against Malaysia. I
believe they will not do such blunders again,” coach expected. Talking about
Nepal’s target, he said, “If our top-order batsmen click at the right time then
we’ll easily cross two hundred marks, which is our primary goal tomorrow,”
expressed coach, who was also optimistic on bowlers.
Concentration on batting
Nepali
players spent their most of the time on batting during their net-session. Coach
Khan and team manger Sanjeev Kumar Pandey were worried after batsmen’s
disastrous shot-selection against Malaysia that almost cost them the match.
Reliable run-machines skipper Deependra, Nurdhoj, Jagdish, Rupesh and Aadil had
a tough day in batting practice. Coach Khan was busy in instructing them not to
repeat the same mistakes. After the long net-session, Coach Khan told to TNP,
“I am happy that boys have spent long time in practice before the crucial
semifinal. They are given the chance to correct their blunders,” satisfied
coach said, “I am pleased with their practice. If they carry on today’ performance
against Singapore, then Nepal will surely win.”
Mentally prepared players
Nepali
squad has labeled their semifinal clash as the vital one. A trivial mistake
would shatter their dream of lifting trophy. Nepali bowlers have given away
countless runs as extras in the tournament. And, repetition of such mistake can
cost Nepal dearly against Singapore. “I have told them to play with patience as
there is no place for any blunders. A single mistake can send us on back foot
and deprive of the title,” clarified Coach. According to him, players are
mentally prepared and can handle the pressure. “We have worked a lot to boost
their morale. And, they are my fighters. They are strong enough to play against
any opponents,” coach claimed.
Advice from ex-coach Roy Dias
The bond between Nepal cricket team and its
former coach Roy Luke Dias have not wrecked. Ex-coach Dias is the one spectator
who has been present in almost every game Nepal have played. He has never been
short of words to congratulate Nepal team after they succeed. Presently
coaching Malaysian senior cricket team Dias joined Nepali team during their
practice session and provided some instructions especially to batsmen. “You all
are choosing wrong shots. You have to be patient while batting at the crease,”
said coach while instructing the young Nepalese players. “Learn to spend time
on the field. Wait for loose deliveries and you can easily score runs on the
board,” added coach, who wanted to see Nepal and Malaysia vying in the finals. “Even
the strongest side loss matches due to overconfidence, what you all upstaged
against Malaysia. I hope you won’t do same tomorrow.
With Inputs from Shreelochan
Rajopadhyaya:
Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia
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