NEPAL

Nepal was thrashed in the first game by 236 runs by Pakistan where they could only provide 104 runs in 23.4 overs while chasing a huge target of 343 runs. However, it could be a great learning opportunity for an associate nation like Nepal.

Nepal will play India next at the same venue where the India vs Pakistan match was played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on September 4. Since the India Pakistan game had been washed out where only 1 innings took place, it was a must win game for both teams to qualify for the Super 4.

PROBABLE PLAYING XI

Nepal as always struggled with the bat in the first game against Pakistan. So, there could be 1 or 2 changes for the team. Bhim Sharki could come in place of either Kushal Malla or Gulshan Jha since there is the requirement of Bhim Sharki as he is such a player known for building up partnerships.

Lalit Rajbanshi could stay in the team and not be replaced since he was the most economical bowler for Nepal in the first match in Multan and dropping him in such good conditions for spinners in Sri Lanka could be harmful.

1. Kushal Bhurtel

2. Asif Sheikh (Wk)

3. Bhim Sharki

4. Rohit Paudel (C)

5. Aarif Sheikh

6. Dipendra Singh Airee

7. Gulshan Jha

8. Sompal Kami

9. Karan KC

10. Sandeep Lamichhane

11. Lalit Rajbanshi

However, we have seen India having trouble playing left arm pacers. That is why left arm pacer Pratish GC could be an option considering he bats well too. But due to his lack of pace and enough experience, the team management may not consider him. If he plays, my assumption is that he plays in place of Gulshan Jha.

INDIA:

As mentioned earlier, it is a must win game for both India and Nepal for qualifying to the super 4 stage of soup 2023. However, if the game is washed out, India will qualify for the Super fours.

PROBABLE PLAYING XI:

According to the headlines that rolled all over the social media, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah has left for Mumbai on September 4 due to personal reasons. However, he’ll be back in the squad if India qualifies for the Super 4. Mohammed Shami will replace him in the match against Nepal. Other than that, it is a must win game and hence there would be same playing XI as that of their first match against Pakistan.

1. Shubman Gill

2. Rohit Sharma (C)

3. Virat Kohli

4. Shreyas Iyer

5. Ishan Kishan (Wk)

6. Hardik Pandya

7. Ravindra Jadeja

8. Shardul Thakur

9. Kuldeep Yadav

10. Mohammed Siraj

11. Mohammed Shami

12.  

It is unlikely that there would be more than one change for the Indian side as it is a must win game and Nepal shall not be underestimated. There are other options for India such as giving a chance to Tilak Verma in place of Shreyas Iyer and Prasidh Krishna or Axar Patel (based on conditions) in place of Shardul Thakur.

However, it is more unlikely since India has not been playing series with the same team since the last few months and this might be the chance to build confidence and coordination with the team. In this case, there shall be only one change for Indian team that is Mohammad Shami in for Jasprit Bumrah.