In 2014, the Nepal national cricket team competed in the T20 World Cup for the first time. The debut gave fans unforgettable moments and put the world on notice about the emergence of a new cricket nation. Bets on cricket tournaments are available at 1xBetโsportsbook in Nepal.
Before the 2014 T20 World Cup, the team was seen as a modest underdog and wasnโt expected to deliver outstanding results. In the group stage, Nepal was placed in Group A, where its opponents were the following national teams:
- Hong Kong;
- Bangladesh;
- Afghanistan.ย
Experts predicted three quick losses for the newcomers, but the team had plenty to surprise fans and analysts with. The Nepalese squad, led by coach Pubudu Dassanayake, demonstrated cool-headed, mature cricket and nearly advanced to the Super 10 stage.
The national teamโs historic victories
Three standout matches in the group stage yielded two incredible victories for the team. In their first match, the team faced Hong Kong and won convincingly by 80 runs, posting 149/8 before bowling Hong Kong out for 69. Batsman Gyanendra Malla and captain Paras Khadka put on a real show at the crease, while bowlers Shakti Gauchan and Basant Regmi virtually dismantled Hong Kongโs batting lineup. The 80-run victory in their opening match made Nepal a sensation throughout the cricket world.
In their second match, the team faced the tournament hosts. In a hard-fought match, Nepal lost to Bangladesh by a respectable score of 132โ126, though they gave the favorites a tough battle and made the star-studded hosts quite nervous on defense.
In their final group match, Nepal secured another victory, this time against their long-standing rivals Afghanistan. Nepal scored 141 runs, successfully defended their total, and won by nine runs. In that match, Jitendra Mukhiya took three wickets, while Shakti Gauchan took two.
Although Nepal missed out on the Super 10 stage because Bangladesh finished ahead on net run rate despite the teams being level on points, Nepalโs performance was undoubtedly a triumph for the entire country. The national team players returned home as true heroes.
The world also took note of the incredible support from the national teamโs fans: thousands of Nepalese fans in the stands cheered wholeheartedly for their team, making their passionate support one of the tournamentโs most memorable sights. The successes in the 2014 T20 tournament also contributed to the development of cricket infrastructure in Kathmandu and Kirtipur.
You can place bets on the national cricket teamโs games at the sportsbook 1xBet in Nepal.
