Playing against Pakistan and India is opportunity to show they belong here: Nepal coach Monty Desai

Nepal have taken major strides in international cricket over a short span of time. They qualified for the Asia Cup for the first time after beating the UAE in the ACC Men’s Premier Cup in April and also showed glimpses of their potential in the ICC ODI World Cup Qualifier. They have been placed in Group A in Asia Cup 2023 alongside the Asian giants, India and Pakistan.

Rohit Paudel's men will get the chance to rub shoulders with some of the greatest players in modern-day cricket like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and many more. Nepal head coach Monty Desai, who is of Indian origin, is excited as his team is playing a prestigious tournament like the Asia Cup and is hopeful of the players throwing up a challenge against pre-tournament favourites in the form of India and Pakistan.

“This is a great platform to play against two well-established cricketing nations with tremendous history. And now we are also connected to the history. Super excited (to face India and Pakistan). I think, the likes of Test nations, we have already experienced it in World Cup qualifiers. We played against the West Indies, Zimbabwe, and Ireland. So now playing against Pakistan and India is another opportunity to show their abilities and leave a strong statement that they belong here. I think that is the excitement around in our happy dressing room.” Desai said during a conversation with News 18 CricketNext.

“The atmosphere in the dressing room is very competitive. They are very skilful players… When it comes to facing these players, it’s all about that one-ball mentality. It doesn’t matter who is batting or who is bowling. It will come down to how well we are able to present our strengths in those skill executions. Skill vs skill challenge."

Nepal begin Asia Cup 2023 campaign against Pakistan

Rohit Paudel and Co. will start their campaign in Asia Cup 2023 with a clash against Pakistan on Wednesday, August 30 at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan. This will be the first time these two sides will meet.

Following this encounter, Nepal will get some time to recuperate as their last group fixture is scheduled on September 4 against India at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele. Cricket lovers around the world will be keen to watch how the Nepal players compete against powerhouses like India and Pakistan in the six-team tournament.