In an exhilarating turn of events, the Nepalese U19 cricket team is poised to face Bangladesh U19 in a high-stakes encounter at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein on January 31 (Wednesday) at 1:45 PM (NST). The journey to the super-six for Nepal was marked by a nail-biting victory against Afghanistan, setting the stage for a compelling clash.
Match Details: A Super-Six Showdown at Mangaung Oval
The Nepalese U19 team, fresh off a thrilling win against Afghanistan, finds itself in Group 1 of the super-six, alongside cricket powerhouses India and Pakistan. Despite being out of the semifinal race with zero points from the group stage, Nepal aims for redemption in a must-win situation against Bangladesh. The clash promises a spectacle at Mangaung Oval, with both teams vying for a chance to advance in the U19 World Cup.
Head to Head in World Cup: A Tale of Two Victories
Nepal and Bangladesh have crossed paths twice in the U19 World Cup, each securing a victory. The first meeting in 2002 saw Nepal triumph with Kanishka Chaugai's all-round brilliance, while Bangladesh turned the tables in 2016, guided by skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz in a quarter-final clash. The current encounter adds a thrilling chapter to their World Cup history, as both teams look to assert their dominance on the global stage.
Weather Report: Favorable Conditions for an Intense Battle
According to Google's weather report, the match is set to unfold under minimal chances of rain at an average temperature of 33°C. With humidity around 30% and a steady wind flow of 11.7 km/h, the weather at Mangaung Oval promises ideal conditions for a fiercely contested match. The stage is set for a battle where weather conditions are unlikely to play spoilsport, ensuring a fair and gripping competition.
Results of Previous Matches: Pathways to the Super-Six
Bangladesh secured a spot in the super-six with two wins, overcoming an initial defeat against India. Meanwhile, Nepal faced early setbacks against New Zealand and Pakistan before staging a comeback with a stunning victory against Afghanistan in a decisive encounter. The clash against Bangladesh holds the key to Nepal's progression in the U19 World Cup, as they strive to overcome the odds and make their mark in the super-six.
Squads: A Glimpse into the Playing XI
Nepal's Squad:
- Dev Khanal (captain)
- Dipesh Kandel
- Gulshan Jha
- Durgesh Gupta
- Subash Bhandari
- Aakash Tripathi
- Arjun Kumal
- Deepak Bohara
- Uttam Thapa Magar (wk)
- Dipak Dumre
- Aakash Chand
- Bishal KC
- Tilak Raj Bhandari
- Bipin Rawal (wk)
- Dipak Bohara
Bangladesh's Squad:
- Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby (Captain)
- Ashiqur Rahaman Shibli
- Jishan Alam
- Chowdhury Md Rizwan
- Adil Bin Siddik
- Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Boranno
- Ariful Islam
- Shihab James
- Ahrar Amin (Vice Captain)
- Sheikh Parvez Jibon
- Rafi Uzzaman Rafi
- Rohanat Doullah Borson
- Iqbal Hasan Emon
- Wasi Siddiquee
- Maruf Mridha