Cricket

India's explosive opener Shafali Verma led the charge with a remarkable 48-ball 81, her career-best, propelling the defending champions to a decisive 82-run victory over Nepal in the Women's Asia Cup T20 tournament at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla on Tuesday. This win ensured India's progression to the semifinals.Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India capitalized on the opportunity with Hemalatha contributing a valuable 47 runs. The partnership's aggressive approach was instrumental in India reaching a competitive total of 178 for three. Jemimah Rodrigues further bolstered the innings with an unbeaten 28 off 15 balls, enhancing the score with three boundaries in the concluding over.Facing a challenging target, Nepal's pursuit was hindered by India's proficient bowling attack, limiting them to 96 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. The requirement for Nepal to surpass Pakistan's net run rate and secure a semifinal berth necessitated achieving the target within 10 overs, a feat they were unable to accomplish.Deepti Sharma emerged as the standout bowler for India, claiming three wickets for 13 runs. She was well-supported by Radha Yadav and Arundhati Reddy, who took two wickets each, contributing to a formidable bowling performance that stifled Nepal's chase.Nepal's innings was characterized by regular wicket losses, with their top order struggling against India's seam and spin attack. Arundhati Reddy's early dismissal of Nepal's openers set the tone, while Deepti Sharma's all-round performance, including a direct hit, showcased India's dominance in the field.Shafali Verma's innings was a highlight, featuring an array of shots that put the Nepalese bowlers under pressure. Her aggressive batting, marked by 12 fours and a six, was particularly punishing against medium pacer Kabita Joshi and off-spinner Sabnam Rai. Hemalatha, despite a slower start, managed to support the innings effectively, contributing with both boundaries and a six.The match also witnessed moments of resilience from Nepal, including a missed catch opportunity that could have broken the opening partnership earlier. However, India's batting prowess and disciplined bowling ultimately proved too strong for Nepal, confirming India's place in the semifinals alongside Pakistan from Group A.

Pakistan Opts to Bowl First Against Nepal in Crucial Women's Asia Cup MatchIn a pivotal match at the Women's Asia Cup 2024, Pakistan captain Nida Dar elected to bowl first after winning the toss against Nepal. The decision stems from Pakistan's loss batting first against India in their previous encounter.Pakistan made one change to their lineup, replacing middle-order batter Iram Javed with allrounder Omaima Sohail. Nepal, seeking a victory to secure a semi-final berth alongside India, also bolstered their batting by bringing in wicketkeeper-batter Roma Thapa for Sabnam Rai.The match is being played on the same pitch where India defeated UAE earlier in the day. The boundaries are approximately 59 meters away, but the wind conditions could significantly impact the game. During the first match, the wind direction shifted several times, a factor that both Nepal and Pakistan must consider.Nepal's Lineup:1. Samjhana Khadka2. Sita Rana Magar3. Kabita Kunwar4. Indu Barma (capt)5. Rubina Chhetry6. Puja Mahato7. Kajal Shrestha (wk)8. Roma Thapa9. Kabita Joshi10. Bindu Rawal11. Kritika MarasiniPakistan's Lineup:1. Gull Feroza2. Muneeba Ali (wk)3. Sidra Amin4. Nida Dar (capt)5. Aliya Riaz6. Omaima Sohail7. Fatima Sana8. Tuba Hassan9. Sadia Iqbal10. Nashra Sandhu11. Syeda Aroob Shah

Women's Asia Cup 2022: Nepal and UAE Kick Off Tournament in Rangiri DambullaThe Women's Asia Cup 2022, a prestigious continental cricket tournament, commenced today at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Sri Lanka. The opening match featured Nepal and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), two teams from Group A.Group A also includes defending champions India and arch-rivals Pakistan, setting the stage for intense competition. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, ensuring high-stakes matches throughout the tournament.Nepal, led by captain Rubina Chhetry, entered the match with a strong batting lineup featuring Indu Barma and Sita Rana Magar. The UAE, captained by Chaya Mughal, relied on their experienced bowlers, including Mahika Gaur and Esha Oza.The match began with Nepal winning the toss and electing to bat first. They posted a competitive total of 126 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Indu Barma top-scored for Nepal with a gritty 35 runs, while Sita Rana Magar contributed 27 runs.In response, the UAE struggled to chase down the target, eventually falling short by 20 runs. They were bowled out for 106 runs in 19.3 overs. Mahika Gaur was the standout performer for the UAE with both bat and ball, scoring 25 runs and taking 2 wickets.Nepal's victory in the opening match sets the tone for an exciting tournament ahead. The Women's Asia Cup 2022 promises to showcase the best of women's cricket in Asia, with talented players from across the continent vying for the coveted trophy.

Nepal's valiant effort against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 fell just short, but captain Rohit Paudel believes that increased exposure to top-tier opposition will ultimately lead to success.Chasing a modest target of 116, Nepal dominated the proceedings until the 18th over, when Tabraiz Shamsi's double strike shifted the momentum. Anrich Nortje and Ottneil Baartman then held their nerve in the final overs, denying Nepal the two runs they needed from the last ball to force a Super Over."We're incredibly proud of the team's performance, especially our bowling and batting," Paudel said. "We came close but fell just short. We performed well in crucial moments, and our fighting spirit was commendable. With more regular exposure, we'll be on the winning side in future matches."Nepal's spinners, Dipendra Singh Airee and Kushal Bhurtel, were the architects of their near-upset, claiming seven wickets for just 40 runs in their combined eight overs. Sandeep Lamichhane, returning from injury, bowled four economical overs for 18 runs.Paudel acknowledged the spinners' effectiveness on the pitch. "When we inspected the wicket yesterday, we anticipated it to be slow," he said. "As we bowled, we realized it favored the spinners, so we introduced Bhurtel and continued with our spin attack."Bhurtel's impressive 4 for 19 included the dismissals of Aiden Markram, Henrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada.Despite the narrow defeat, Nepal's performance has instilled confidence in the team. With increased exposure to top-level competition, they are poised to achieve their first victory against a Full Member side in the near future.

Nepal's controversial cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane has been cleared to join his national team in the West Indies for the ICC T20 World Cup. The 23-year-old spin bowler was initially denied a visa to enter the United States, where the tournament's opening matches were held. However, after his visa applications were denied twice, the Nepal Cricket Association (NCA) announced on Monday that Lamichhane would be joining the team for the remaining matches in the West Indies.Lamichhane's return to the national team is a significant boost for Nepal, who have struggled in his absence. The team lost their opening match of the tournament to the Netherlands by six wickets and will face Sri Lanka in Florida on Wednesday before heading to the West Indies for matches against South Africa and Bangladesh.Lamichhane's inclusion in the squad brings experience and skill to the team. He is one of Nepal's most successful cricketers, having played in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Big Bash League (BBL). His return is expected to provide a much-needed boost to Nepal's chances of progressing to the Super 12 stage of the tournament.However, Lamichhane's return to the team has also been met with some controversy. In 2022, he was convicted of raping a young woman in a Kathmandu hotel and sentenced to eight years in prison. His sentence was quashed on appeal last month, allowing him to rejoin the cricketing scene.Despite the controversy surrounding him, Lamichhane remains a popular figure in Nepal. His return to the national team has been welcomed by many fans, who believe that he can help Nepal achieve success in the T20 World Cup.

Nepal's star leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane faces a major setback as his US visa application has been rejected for the second time, jeopardizing his participation in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. The tournament is scheduled to take place in the West Indies and the United States.Lamichhane's initial visa application was denied last week, prompting the Nepali government and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) to intervene. Despite their efforts, the application was rejected once again. CAN expressed disappointment in a statement, stating that despite diplomatic support from the government and various organizations, the US Embassy has declined to grant Lamichhane travel permission."Despite taking necessary initiatives, along with the diplomatic note, from the government of Nepal, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Youth and Sports, National Sports Council, CAN, and International Cricket Council (ICC), for cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane's visit to participate in the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies, the US Embassy has expressed its inability to give travel permission (visa) to national player Lamichhane to play in the World Cup," CAN said.A spokesperson for the US Embassy in Kathmandu declined to comment on individual visa cases, citing confidentiality under US law. However, the embassy emphasized its commitment to facilitating visas for members of national cricket teams who qualify for the appropriate visa class.Nepal has been placed in Group D alongside Bangladesh, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands. They will kick off their campaign on June 4 against the Netherlands in Texas.The absence of Lamichhane, who is Nepal's leading wicket-taker in T20Is, will be a significant blow to the team's chances in the tournament. He has been a key player for Nepal in recent years, helping them achieve historic victories and qualify for major international events.The Nepali government and CAN have expressed their disappointment and are exploring all possible options to secure Lamichhane's visa. They have appealed to the US Embassy to reconsider its decision and grant him travel permission.

Nepal Protests Erupt Over Sandeep Lamichhane's Denied US Visa for T20 World CupIn Kathmandu, Nepal, protests have erupted following the denial of a visa to prominent leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who was set to represent Nepal in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. The visa denial has sparked outrage among Nepalese youth, who have taken to the streets demanding a visa for Lamichhane and urging authorities to allow his participation in the tournament.Lamichhane's visa denial comes after he was acquitted of a rape case earlier this month by the Patan High Court, overturning the decision of the Kathmandu District Court. Following the court's ruling, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) lifted Lamichhane's suspension, clearing the cricketer to secure a spot in Nepal's World Cup squad. However, hopes were dashed when he was denied a US visa on May 22.The visa denial has been met with widespread disappointment and anger in Nepal. Demonstrators have gathered outside the Prime Minister's building in Baluwatar and planned further protests outside the US embassy to exert pressure on authorities for the issuance of Lamichhane's visa.Lamichhane, who played a pivotal role in Nepal's qualification for the tournament, expressed his regret over the visa denial on social media. The leg-spinner was Nepal's leading wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup Asia Qualifiers and his absence poses a significant challenge to the team's chances in the tournament.Despite the setback, Nepal's cricket officials remain determined to secure Lamichhane's participation in the T20 World Cup. Chatur Bahadur Chand, president of the Cricket Association of Nepal, revealed efforts to lobby the embassy through the Nepal government in hopes of securing Lamichhane's participation.Nepal's cricket team has already arrived in the US and begun preparations for the tournament, but the absence of Lamichhane is a major concern. The team played a warm-up fixture against Canada on May 27, suffering a defeat, and is scheduled to face hosts USA in a second practice game on May 30 before their campaign opener against the Netherlands on June 4.With the T20 World Cup set to commence next Saturday, co-hosted by the United States and West Indies, Nepal face a race against time to resolve the visa issue and finalize their squad ahead of the tournament. Any alterations to the squad would require approval from the ICC's event technical committee, posing further complications for Nepal's preparations.

Nepal's Dipendra Singh Airee, a 24-year-old policeman known as "The Tiger," is poised to make a significant impact at the T20 World Cup. His record-breaking batting prowess has the potential to elevate Nepal's performance on the global stage.In September 2022, Airee played a pivotal role in Nepal's historic 273-run victory over Mongolia, the largest margin of victory in T20 history. His astonishing contribution included the fastest T20 fifty, achieved in just nine balls. He smashed sixes from each of the first six balls he faced, eclipsing the previous record of 12 balls.Airee's batting prowess continued to shine in April against Qatar, where he became the third player to hit six sixes in a single over in a T20 international. However, his versatility extends beyond batting. He is also an exceptional fielder, renowned for his sensational catches and spectacular run outs.Airee's determination to excel stems from the unwavering support he receives from his nation. "I will do my best to play a role in making the team victorious," he declared. "The support I get from everyone motivates me. They call me 'tiger,' and that further inspires me to give my 110 percent."Despite Nepal's relatively low ranking of 17th in the ICC rankings, chief selector Dipendra Chaudhary believes Airee can make a substantial difference. "His off-spin bowling is among the finest," Chaudhary said. "His fitness, work ethic, and team spirit stand out."Chaudhary predicts that Airee will be remembered as one of Nepal's greatest players. "He is very talented and hardworking. He began his career as a medium-paced bowler before transitioning into a batsman and now serving as an all-rounder."Airee expressed his elation at participating in the World Cup, recalling how he watched the previous tournament on a giant screen in Nepal. "When we qualified, I was crying from the bottom of my heart," he said.Humble and media-shy, Airee first played in the 2016 Under-19 World Cup. Chaudhary described him as "raw but remarkably gifted." Despite his natural talent, Airee remains grounded and ethical in his approach to the game.The T20 World Cup begins on Saturday, co-hosted by the United States and West Indies. Nepal's first game is scheduled for June 4 in Dallas. While acknowledging the strength of other teams, Chaudhary expressed hope for a strong performance from Nepal."We have prepared enough for the World Cup, but frankly, other teams are better than us," Chaudhary said. "But it is a game, and we hope for good games and a good performance."Nepal's preparation has been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Sandeep Lamichhane, the former skipper who was denied a US visa due to rape allegations. However, Chaudhary emphasized that the team's focus remains on playing good cricket."More than a win or loss, we are preparing for the teams to play good cricket," Chaudhary added. "In the future, that will help us have big nations come and play on our turf or invite us. That will be the biggest win."

Nepal's star cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane has suffered a major setback in his bid to make a comeback at the upcoming T20 World Cup. The United States embassy has denied him a visa, dashing his hopes of representing his country in the tournament.Lamichhane, the only Nepalese cricketer to have played in the Indian Premier League (IPL), was arrested in September 2022 on allegations of raping an 18-year-old girl. He was later released on bail and remained suspended from domestic and international cricket.Just a week ago, the 23-year-old leg-spinner was acquitted by an appeals court, prompting the International Cricket Council (ICC) to allow the Nepal cricket board to add him to the World Cup squad. However, the US embassy's visa denial has put a spanner in the works."The @USEmbassyNepal did it again, just like in 2019, denying my visa for the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies. Unfortunate. I am sorry to all the well-wishers of Nepal Cricket," Lamichhane posted on Twitter.Nepal, gearing up for their second T20 World Cup, are placed in Group D alongside South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Netherlands. In Lamichhane's absence, the team has been led by batting all-rounder Rohit Paudel.Cricket Association of Nepal president Chatur Bahadur Chand had recently mentioned that they were looking to add Lamichhane to the World Cup squad. In his career, Lamichhane has taken 112 wickets in 51 ODIs and is close to achieving the 100-wicket milestone in T20 internationals, having taken 98 wickets in 52 T20Is.The visa denial is a significant blow to Nepal's hopes of making an impact at the T20 World Cup. Lamichhane is a key player for the team and his absence will be a major loss.