‘In this World Cup, Associate team is beating Test-playing countries’ - Rohit Paudel optimistic ahead of Sri Lanka clash

Nepal captain Rohit Paudel is optimistic ahead of challenging Sri Lanka on June 12 in Florida. The youngster reminded that the ongoing T20 World Cup has thrown a lot of surprises in which, the associate nations have troubled Test-playing countries and he expects Nepal to do the same against Sri Lanka. Ahead of their match, the 21-year-old noted that Sri Lanka will feel the pressure, having lost both matches so far and they will try to play a brand of cricket, which will inspire everyone.

Paudel remarked that everyone in the team is very optimistic about a positive result against Sri Lanka. He stated that the players have worked hard for over two months and have the capability of beating the Wanindu Hasaranga-led side. Meanwhile, if the Lankan Lions suffer another defeat, they will be getting eliminated from the competition. However, even a win doesn’t guarantee them a spot in Super Eight but would keep them alive.

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“If you see in this World Cup, you'll see that the Associate team is beating Test-playing countries. So, it is a motivation for all of us, especially moving forward to tomorrow's game. So as a team, we believe that we are going to win tomorrow and the way we have been preparing for the last couple of months and the way we have been playing cricket for the last one and a half years, I think the belief is always there in the team and we are looking forward to tomorrow's game. We want to go tomorrow and showcase our talent in front of the world,” Paudel was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“The pressure is on the Test-playing nation. We will utilise the pressure, create the pressure and we want to win the game tomorrow. So, if we do the basic things right, I think we are ahead,” he added.

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Nepal, with a win, can remain in the race for the Super Eight. They lost to Netherlands by six wickets in their opening match of the campaign as the batters need to improve significantly for a better result against Sri Lanka.