The Nepali women’s cricket team is set for a T20I series in Uganda from March 8 to 16, following a difficult series against higher-ranked teams. With a focus on winning, the coach and team captain express confidence in their preparation, improved fitness, and experience. Historical performance indicates prior challenges, but the team aims to capitalize on their training to achieve victory.
The Nepali women’s cricket team is preparing for a T20I series in Uganda, occurring from March 8 to 16, alongside teams from Hong Kong and Namibia. Following a challenging tri-series in January-February, where they lost all six matches against the Netherlands and Thailand, the team aims for victory in Uganda.
The coach, Manoj Katwal, has led a 14-member squad for the Women’s Day Cup-2025. The team departed directly for Tribhuvan International Airport after receiving a farewell ceremony at the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) office.
CAN Secretary Paras Khadka expressed confidence in the team’s capability and emphasized the growing enthusiasm for women’s cricket. He encouraged the players, stating that their current form is a reflection of ongoing improvements in the sport.
Prior to the series, CAN organized a closed training camp to prepare the squad, ultimately finalizing a team of 14 players by March 2. Coach Katwal highlighted that despite recent losses, the players have developed their skills through dedicated practice.
Katwal views the upcoming matches as an opportunity, stating that their rivals in Uganda are less formidable than Thailand and the Netherlands. Both Katwal and team captain Indu Barma expressed confidence in winning the series, noting their analysis of Uganda’s conditions.
The addition of strength and conditioning coach Monika has been regarded as a significant improvement for the team’s fitness levels. Katwal mentioned that Monika’s influence is already evident in players’ performance and fitness, which may help reduce run-outs and improve batting capability.
Nepal is familiar with Uganda and Hong Kong, having faced them in past competitions, but they will encounter Namibia for the first time in T20Is. Historical matches indicate that while Nepal has achieved success against some opponents, Uganda has also shown notable advancements.
In previous encounters with Uganda, Nepal faced tough competition, winning only two out of five T20 matches in their last series in 2022. In contrast, Uganda’s recent victories in international competitions indicate their rising skill level.
Nepal’s past record against Hong Kong demonstrates a competitive history, with Nepal winning four out of the seven matches played since 2019. The team’s current balance of seasoned and young players coupled with their commitment to preparation reflects Katwal’s assertion of confidence moving forward into the series.
The Nepali women’s cricket team embarks on a crucial T20I series in Uganda with aspirations of breaking their losing streak. Having faced tough opponents previously, the team is aiming for improvement and victories against less challenging rivals. With solid training, strengthened fitness protocols, and strategic preparation, both the coaching staff and players exhibit optimism about achieving success in the forthcoming matches.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
