Kathmandu, October 14

Nepal national cricket team will be looking for a victory against Hong Kong in the second match of the ICC World Cricket League Championship at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground in Mong Kok on Sunday.

Nepal are in a difficult position following their 83-run defeat against Hong Kong in the first match as they languish at sixth position in the eight-nation table. Nepal are in a do-or-die situation in their bid to finish in top four and earn berth in the next year’s ICC World Cup Qualifiers.

The win against Hong Kong will not be enough for Nepal as they need to win the final-round matches against the United Arab Emirates and pray for favourable results in other teams’ matches of the championship.

Currently, Nepal have eight points, five less than Hong Kong, who are fourth after 11 matches. Netherlands (18) and Papua New Guinea (16) have already secured their places in the top four, while Scotland (15) and Kenya (12) are third and fifth respectively. Namibia and United Arab Emirates have faced relegation to the WCL Division-II.

The match, however, is under clouds as Mong Kok area is likely to be hit by tropical cyclone, according to Hong Kong Observatory. If the match does not take place on Sunday, it will be played on Monday, the reserve day.

Skipper Paras Khadka said his side was determined to make a comeback in Sunday’s match. “We lost the match due to poor batting but we will improve in the area and earn two points against Hong Kong,” said Khadka after the first match.

The bottom four teams of the championship will be relegated to Division-II where they will meet Canada and Oman. The six teams will then fight for two berths in the World Cup Qualifiers.

Coach Jagat Tamatta was hopeful that his side would come up with an improved batting in the second match. “Poor batting cost us the match as our batters failed to take responsibilities properly. Our batsmen need to prove themselves if we want to qualify for the qualifiers,” he added.