CAPTAIN Rohit Paudel believes that playing against better-ranked teams is the key to Nepal’s growth as they conclude their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign.
Nepal finished their Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 journey with a 21-run loss against Bangladesh on June 17. Despite not reaching the Super Eight stage, the young team had plenty to look forward to.
In the fixture before it, when pitted against eventual group-toppers South Africa, Paudel’s side almost crossed the finishing line but a stellar performance from South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi turned the game around.
Following that game in particular, one could see emotional reactions from the Rhino’s fans. Despite the ups and downs, the Nepal fans turned out in great numbers to support their side.
The young captain shared his gratitude towards the passionate Nepal fans who have shown their faith in the team and stuck by them till the end.
“Talking about our fans, we all are very grateful towards them,” Paudel said in the press conference after the Bangladesh game. “Especially I saw the video where they were crying [after] the match against South Africa where we lost. So, I think they are very passionate and loving. So, I think in the coming future we’ll do our best and give them the gift which I think we missed in this tournament.”
“Especially as a captain I feel a little disappointed and I believe that they are also disappointed with these losses, especially against South Africa. So, I just want to say thank you for your support.”
With the team showing glimpses of brilliance, Paudel felt that Nepal belonged on the global stage along with the best sides in the world, with clarity on their strategies and personnel roles.
“There are a lot of positives to take, especially the way we played in Asia Cup and now in World Cup against good teams,” Paudel said. “So I think the sense of belonging here is there in the team. And as a player, everyone knows their role.
“And just, I think everything is planned and you need to execute the plans. We believe we’ll do better in the future.”
Though Nepal finished without a win to their name at the group stage, they stood out for their performances against better-ranked sides. Paudel took time to appreciate his bowlers especially.
“There are a lot of positives to take away, especially the way we bowled throughout the tournament.”
He added that Nepal would only improve if given regular opportunities against full member nations.
“As a team, I think there’s a lot of potential in this team. And if you back this team and play good cricket with good teams, especially like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and everyone. So regularly, if you play with them, I think there will be improvement in us.” (ICC Media)