Kathmandu, Dec. 27: The emerging women cricketers of Nepal had a slim hope of qualifying for the 2nd ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup as they had lost the first leg against the UAE in the Asian Qualifiers on November 9. However, they bounced back in the second leg on November 13 and booked their berth in the World Cup slated for January 2025 in Malaysia between 16 teams.

Furthermore, the win in the Asian Qualifiers also awarded Nepal a spot in the 1st ACC Women’s U-19 T20 Asia Cup (December 15-22), which was also hosted by Malaysia; and the young girls achieved historic milestones in the tournament.

Nepal, who was grouped with India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup, progressed to the Super 4 stage defeating Pakistan, a full member of the ICC. The youngsters would have even reached the final had they defeated Bangladesh in the Super 4; yet, they finished third ousting Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Malaysia.

Ending the Asia Cup on a high note, the team returned to Nepal on December 22 asserting themselves to play better when they come back to Malaysia for the 2nd World Cup in January 2025.

And after a rest for three days, the U19 team players have been gathered in Chitwan to train for the biggest event in their category. According to the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the team has started a training camp at the support ground of Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium.

CAN’s vice-president Roshan Kumar Singh and Bharatpur Metropolitan City’s Mayor Renu Dahal among others welcomed the players and coaching staff to the ground on Thursday.

World Cup opponents

Nepal will begin the campaign at the 2nd T20 World Cup in Malaysia with known faces as the team faces Bangladesh on January 18.

After losing to Bangladesh by nine wickets in the Super 4 of Asia Cup, Nepal will be looking for redemption when the duo meets at the UKM-YSD Cricket Oval, Bangi, the venue for all games of Group D.

Nepal will have to finish within the Top 3 in the group consisting of four teams in a bid to advance to the Super 6 stage. Nepal and Bangladesh are in Group D with Australia and Scotland.

Nepal will play Scotland on January 20 before facing Australia on January 22.

The CAN, comparing the performance of the Asia Cup to Asian Qualifiers, expressed optimism that the young girls will develop further in the upcoming days as they will train at least until January 15.