Rohit Paudel is leading a youthful Nepal squad in the T20 World Cup, kicking off their campaign on June 4 against The Netherlands in Texas.
The squad selection didn’t spring any major surprises, with players being chosen based on their performances in matches at the ACC Premier Cup in Oman and games against the West Indies A side currently touring in Kirtipur.
Paudel has been particularly impressive with the bat, notably scoring a century against the tourists in the first match of the five-game series. All-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee, fresh from his record-equalling achievement of hitting six sixes in an over against Qatar in April, will provide flexibility in the batting lineup, alongside players like Kushal Bhurtel and Aasif Sheikh.
Gulshan Jha, who also featured in the U19 World Cup earlier this year, joins a cohort of young talents in the squad, with 19-year-old Pratis GC retaining his place in the senior team.
Nepal will make their re-entry in the T20 World Cup after 10 long years.
– The crowd, the team, everyone deserves credit for this amazing moment in Nepal cricket history. pic.twitter.com/04bCx4u7WM
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 3, 2023
Sompal Kami is the lone survivor from Nepal’s debut campaign in 2014, bringing his fast bowling all-round skills to the 2024 edition. He is accompanied by the veteran presence of cult hero Karan KC.
Lalit Rajbanshi, a left-arm orthodox spinner, will spearhead Nepal’s spin attack.
England T20 World Cup 2024 squad
Nepal squad: Rohit Paudel (c), Aasif Sheikh, Anil Kumar Sah, Kushal Bhurtel, Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Lalit Rajbanshi, Karan KC, Gulshan Jha, Sompal Kami, Pratis GC, Sundeep Jora, Abinash Bohara, Sagar Dhakal, Kamal Singh Airee
All teams have the flexibility to make adjustments to their squad until May 25th. After this date, any changes will need approval from the ICC’s Event Technical Committee.