The Cricket World Cup League-2 Tri-Series featuring the hosts USA, Nepal and Scotland is set to begin on 25 October 2025. And, the practice matches of Nepal and Scotland have already started. The first practice match was played yesterday where Nepal faced USA A team.

While Nepal white washed USA 3-0 in the T20I bi-lateral series, but due to the lack of ability to save wickets and build innings in 50-overs game, Nepal were bundled out at 81 runs against the USA 'A'.

Match Summary

USA 'A' won the toss and elected to bowl first. Nepal whose batting has always been a concern got to bat first. Nepal continued with its inability to make partnerships and build up innings in the 50-over format match. As a result, from the early wicket for no run, Nepal ended up with 81 total for the loss of all wickets. Nepal had lost six wickets in the first powerplay. And, all this happened in just 25.2 overs. However, the bowlers from the USA 'A', Ayaan Desai and Aryan Nandkarny must be appreciated for their brilliant performances. Desai took two wickers and Nandkarny booked four wickets in his name.

Nepal was to defend this low total, the second innings also didn't have something special to remember except Sandeep Lamichhane's four-wicket haul. However, the rising talent Rijan Dhakal showed a good intent. He picked one wicket conceding only 17 runs in his five overs. Rahul Jariwala (26) and Nitish Reddy (29) contributed the most for the USA 'A' in batting.

Nepal's Tendency to Undermine Practice Matches Persists

Nepal once again missed to take practice match seriously and the target was not seen from the team's side. And, Nepal had to face the consequences. Nepal who have been performing good in T20Is must realize that the T20I mindset do not work in 50-over cricket.

Not only Nepal continued with quick wickets in 50 overs, they missed once again to play full 50 overs which will be a big concern for the teams as the CWC League 2 matches are very near.

Steps Nepal Must Take to Elevate Their Game and Avoid Future Failures

Nepal's recent performance highlights the need for a more focused and strategic approach. To improve, there are certain things that can be done which include prioritizing practice matches and treat them with the same seriousness as official games.

The key areas Nepal can focus includes:

• Batting Endurance: Nepali players must need to work on building longer innings. They must be able to spending more time at the crease and capitalizing on middle-overs. Nepal has to work in its top-orders, middle-orders and finishing.
• Consistency in Fielding: Improving fielding, particularly under pressure, can turn close matches in their favour. As we saw, Nepal was able to pick six wickets in the low-scoring match. In a match where they have a better total, the game can be in their side with the improved fielding.
• Bowling Strategy: Nepal have been unsuccessful to bowl economically in the matches, especially in the death overs. Nepal have lost many matches because of their death bowling.