*NEPAL VS USA MATCH 6 PREVIEW- ICC WORLDCUP QUALIFIERS 2023*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Two wounded teams who are yet to open their account in this tournament will clash in the sixth game of the ICC CWC Qualifiers in the quest to register their first points on board and gather some first hand confidence. Nepal were on the receiving end of twin centuries which included a 70 ball ton from Williams with Zimbabwe finishing the proceedings within 45 overs. They had posted a solid total on board which should come as a positive factor but their inability to contain the runs at the backend is what led to their first defeat, this is one aspect they will look to strengthen come their second fixture against an inexperienced side that USA is.
The United States led by Monank Patel tasted a loss firstup at the hands of a strong Windies unit. What should come as a bright spot for their morale is how they were successful in bundling out Windies for under a 300 and going past 250 against their experienced bowlers. Gajanand Singh was the lone warrior in their first game, who impressed with a near run a ball ton to begin his campaign. The knock included 8 fours and 2 balls that went over the fence in what was a stunning display. USA can certainly take back the confidence from how brutally Gajanand played and apply it here against Nepal who are also searching for a win.
*NEPAL PROBABLE XI:*
Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh(wk), Bhim Sharti, Rohit Paudel(c), Kushal Malla, Aarif Sheikh, Dipendra Singh, Gulsan Jha, Karan KC, Sompal Kami, Sandeep Lamichhane
Lamichhane is the premier bowler of Nepal who’s known for his visible intensity and be able to knock away batters with his supreme leg spin. His tournament didn’t get off to a flier as he made a mess against ZIM, conceding 77 off his 10 overs without picking up a single wicket. He’d be expected to do better and should shine against a USA lineup which may find it hard to read him.
The Quartet of Kushal-Aasif—Rohit-Malla scored 99,66,31 and 41 and were instrumental in Nepal registering 290 on board in their first game. All eyes will be once again placed on the opening duo and how they build their partnership upfront to dent this USA lineup early on. I sense atleast one 100 run partnership in this game from the Nepal batters, which could be a dangerous sign for USA.
*USA PROBABLE XI:*
Steven Taylor, Sushant Modani, Monank Patel(c)(wk), Aaron Jones, Gajanand Anand, Saiteja Mukkamala, Shayan Jahangir, Nosthush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Kyle Philip, Ali Khan
Netravalkar and Kyle Philip didn’t take long to pick the tight lines against WI and their figures from the first game are a sure indication on that front. They picked up a 3-fer each and sent all the guns packing. A top display against such a strong batting lineup has to be taken into consideration as they enter into the fray of things against Nepal. The Nepali batters should be vary of the threat that is coming their way. To support them, Steven Taylor the opener of the side also chipped in with a 3 wicket haul to bundle out the men from the Caribbean. Their bowling looks horned and sorted before the second clash, where they will look to bounce back and make it count.
USA need 3-4 men together to take the responsibility of scoring runs here in Zimbabwe. One man scoring a century while no other batter gets a fifty is a shame and come this game, this is one aspect which they’d like to change and change quick. Sone handy lower order runs were needed and that’s where Shayan and Nosthush had chipped in with 30s but what they need at this point is for the top order and the middle order to outperform the lower order in terms of run generating ability. There’d be a change of result once the batting starts clicking as a collective whole. Looking forward to watching Steven Taylor. If he gets going in both departments, he can be a real force to come up against.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR NEPAL:*
Highest run getter- Aasif Sheikh/Kushal Malla
Highest wicket taker- Sandeep Lamichhane/Sompal Kami
*FOR USA:*
Highest run getter- Steven Taylor/Gajanand Anand
Highest wicket taker- Kyle Philip/Saurabh Netravalkar
*FOR THE GAME:*
Nepal to win