SYLHET, BANGLADESH // Paras Khadka, the Nepal captain, says his side want to show the world they are a coming force in cricket, as well as win back the hearts of some of their own supporters at the World Twenty20.
The Himalayan nation were granted the chance to prove themselves to a wider audience after reaching Bangladesh via the qualifying event in the UAE at the end of last year.
That tournament was chiefly memorable for the extraordinary level of expatriate support for a side who remain an unknown quantity to many in the sport’s mainstream.
However, the euphoria of qualifying for their first global event was diluted soon after when the Nepal side failed to win a match in the qualifier for the 50 over event in New Zealand last month.
Despite their unprecedented success in rising through the rankings and reaching the World Twenty20, they suffered some harsh criticism after New Zealand.
It was even suggested by some that Pubudu Dassanayake, the Sri Lankan coach who has overseen their ascent, should consider resigning.
Through the hysteria, the side have managed to retain perspective and appeared to be in rich form in the 20 over format when they thrashed the UAE in Sharjah two weeks ago.
Khadka, the outstanding player in the team, insists his side can cope with the weight of expectations.
“Back home they want us to win every game we play, we understand that,” Khadka said.
“They have so much love for us that when the team doesn’t do well there will be some sort of criticism and we have to take that as players.
“We want to present a good brand of cricket and show the world Nepal is capable of playing cricket at a good level.
“Going into a World Cup, the boys are excited. They have worked hard enough, it is just a matter of performing on a particular day.”
Dassanayake believes the depth of passion the supporters have for their side is Nepalese cricket’s strength, rather than added pressure.
“After Dubai we were all happy,” said the former Sri Lanka Test player. “We had made it to a World Cup but then we were disappointed we didn’t go through in New Zealand.
“We need to prove to the world that we are a better team and that we belong at this level. We are working hard to do that.
“I can’t blame the supporters. We have done really well for the past two years, winning virtually every tournament we played, and in Dubai we did really well, too.
“We failed in New Zealand and it is understandable they were disappointed, but at the end of the day our supporters are the strength of Nepal cricket. I’m sure they will be backing the team during this World Cup.”
They begin today against Hong Kong.
pradley@thenational.ae
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