Nepal face star-studded NT strike in top end T20 opener
The match will be played at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin, starting at 2:15 PM Nepal Time.
KATHMANDU: Nepal’s national cricket team will kick off its campaign today in Australia’s prestigious Top End T20 Series, facing a tough challenge right from the start against the home side Northern Territory (NT) Strike — a squad packed with experienced Big Bash League (BBL) stars.
The match will be played at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin, starting at 2:15 PM Nepal Time.
Under the leadership of captain Rohit Paudel, Nepal will aim to stun the strong home side and make a statement in their opening game.
NT Strike, champions of the 2023 edition and semifinalists last year, boast an impressive lineup filled with some of the biggest names in Australian domestic cricket.
The team’s key attractions include explosive batsman D’Arcy Short, who has represented Australia’s national team, and captain Jake Weatherald, known for his century with Australia ‘A’ and tipped as a potential debutant in the upcoming Ashes series.
The squad also features three-time BBL champion and dynamic fielder-batsman Jordan Silk, along with seasoned Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson, further adding to their balance and firepower.
Nepal Squad
Rohit Paudel (captain), Dipendra Singh Airee (vice-captain), Sandeep Lamichhane, Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Kushal Malla, Gulshan Jha, aArif Sheikh, Bhim Sharki, Rupes Kumar Singh, Sompal Kami, Nandan Kumar Yadav, Karan KC, Rijhan Dhakal, Lokesh Bam, Sahab Alam.
The tournament, running until August 24 across Darwin and Palmerston, features 11 teams, including Nepal.
Following their clash against NT Strike, Nepal will face Bangladesh ‘A’ and several high-profile BBL franchises such as the Melbourne Stars, Hobart Hurricanes, Melbourne Renegades, as well as Pakistan Shaheens.
